I got a friend of mine to join NPN this year. Within weeks, he got 2 weekly picks!
In October, he submitted an image, that was not as good as he thought it was. One remark in particular really hurt him. He has Parkinson's, which he would never mention to get pity, and has not learned all the PS shortcuts yet. It just takes him so much time to concentrate on tutorials and figuring out handbooks. Plus the tremors in using the mouse.
He told me about the comment, then I noticed, that he has not posted an image since....While, he has posted many great ones on FaceBook!
When you give a critique, please give an appropriate answer to help the photographer SOLVE the problem! Some folks need support and encouragement. My friend is one of them. Photography is is main outlet to the world.
Here is what was said in the photo comments...
While I think the color and detail in this image are good, it is difficult to evaluate due to the lack of a larger image. There is something very strange about the background with respect to grayish halos appearing next to both the bird and the flowers and leaves. I believe several people have already pointed out to you the importance of including a larger image and more technical information about your images. I think you will get much better feedback if you play in the same sandbox as everyone else.
Why didn't the commenter just tell him how to make a larger image? Ask him what program, he was using, etc......
The sandbox comment was taken as a slap to him. And, I think, I would have taken it the same way! Especially with no happy waving face, grin, etc. Just MY OPINION.
Posted by Keith Bauer on December 17, 2017 at 9:36 AM
Lucy:
I'm familiar with this individual's posts. Maybe the comment could have been phrased in a more helpful manner, but I'd like to point out there are always two sides to every topic. This individual had been asked MANY times to provide larger images. I know I asked. There was never a response. We're not clairvoyant and know whether the individual knows how to post a larger image or not. Maybe the individual could have asked how to post a larger image (and by the way, early posts from this person did include larger versions, then they stopped with later posts).
The people commenting were giving one of the most valuable gifts of all, their time. After repeated requests for larger versions to provide better critiques with no response, people are going to give up trying to help and spending there time trying to help. If people want to grow here, the first and most important thing to do is check egos at the door and respond to critiques. If an individual doesn't know how to do something, ask. I had to ask multiple times about images being posted in Avian that were clearly composites that belonged in Photo Art. After several requests, I got a response and indeed moved one image. I know there were others, but no response was ever provided to inquiries.
Earlier this year I spent the time to write an extensive document on how to prepare images for web use and posting on NPN. Here's the link..... Once again, just asking would have been an appropriate step.
Yes, this person is occasiionally a little sharp or unfriendly with his/her comments.
I hope this is a reminder to everyone to be kind in their comments. We are a great community of widely-diverse people who share a common love of photography, so let's be supportive and helpful in offereing helpful critiques.
Sandy
Discussion
4 repliesIn October, he submitted an image, that was not as good as he thought it was. One remark in particular really hurt him. He has Parkinson's, which he would never mention to get pity, and has not learned all the PS shortcuts yet. It just takes him so much time to concentrate on tutorials and figuring out handbooks. Plus the tremors in using the mouse.
He told me about the comment, then I noticed, that he has not posted an image since....While, he has posted many great ones on FaceBook!
When you give a critique, please give an appropriate answer to help the photographer SOLVE the problem! Some folks need support and encouragement. My friend is one of them. Photography is is main outlet to the world.
Here is what was said in the photo comments...
The sandbox comment was taken as a slap to him. And, I think, I would have taken it the same way! Especially with no happy waving face, grin, etc. Just MY OPINION.
I'm familiar with this individual's posts. Maybe the comment could have been phrased in a more helpful manner, but I'd like to point out there are always two sides to every topic. This individual had been asked MANY times to provide larger images. I know I asked. There was never a response. We're not clairvoyant and know whether the individual knows how to post a larger image or not. Maybe the individual could have asked how to post a larger image (and by the way, early posts from this person did include larger versions, then they stopped with later posts).
The people commenting were giving one of the most valuable gifts of all, their time. After repeated requests for larger versions to provide better critiques with no response, people are going to give up trying to help and spending there time trying to help. If people want to grow here, the first and most important thing to do is check egos at the door and respond to critiques. If an individual doesn't know how to do something, ask. I had to ask multiple times about images being posted in Avian that were clearly composites that belonged in Photo Art. After several requests, I got a response and indeed moved one image. I know there were others, but no response was ever provided to inquiries.
Earlier this year I spent the time to write an extensive document on how to prepare images for web use and posting on NPN. Here's the link..... Once again, just asking would have been an appropriate step.
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=79316&CGISESSID=28adeb158a7bcc372cf913f9953f64be&u=5480
I hope this is a reminder to everyone to be kind in their comments. We are a great community of widely-diverse people who share a common love of photography, so let's be supportive and helpful in offereing helpful critiques.
Sandy