An idea for PAD comments

[annayu]

If we make a constructive comment on how the PAD could be improved, it would be more helpful than just saying "Nice shot". At least I would like to get more critical feedback. So I'll start by critically commenting on the ones I comment on, and hope that nobody gets mad.

[jenga]

Sounds good to me! Feel free to critique mine!

[dazedgonebye]

we've gone on this subject...many times.

If you would like constructive criticism, you'll have to say it somewhere on the posting.
There are enough folk here that don't like it that I will never make suggestions unless asked.

[annayu]

we've gone on this subject...many times.

If you would like constructive criticism, you'll have to say it somewhere on the posting.
There are enough folk here that don't like it that I will never make suggestions unless asked.

Do they only want to hear that their picture is great? No other sort of comment? Weird.

[jeremygood]

Actually I think constructive criticism is great, but there is such a thing as private messages. I really think it detracts from a photo to see any criticism of it and it often comes across as quite chippy. Plus, half the time the criticism is about something subjective and intentional. See the comments on this photo from Michael Weinberg, including my response, and you'll see what I mean: http://www.pbase.com/jeremygood/image/40778783

If you need criticism, post your photos on dpreview.com, they'd rip Ansel Adams on that forum.

[annayu]

Yeah private message is well and good but the problem is that nobody else can read them. I think that others can also learn by the discussion. BTW the people who leave comments seldom return to see if their comment had any replies, so it's better to answer by p-mail also if you reply.

As for dpreview, the few times I ventured there I haven't got clobbered yet.

I'll just put a notice on my page that it's free for all to critique, and I'll continue commenting as I started yesterday and hopefully won't get lynched. I think Michael Wienberg was kind to type a detailed comment on the dof. It was not your intention in the pix but the dialogue makes the photo more interesting.

[dazedgonebye]

Actually I think constructive criticism is great, but there is such a thing as private messages. I really think it detracts from a photo to see any criticism of it and it often comes across as quite chippy. Plus, half the time the criticism is about something subjective and intentional.

...that no one but you know what your intent was. So, when someone comments negatively regarding some creative decision you made, they don't necessarily know it was a decision and not a techincal accident/error.

Besides, what else is really worth commenting or receiving comments on if not the subjective and intentional? Anyone whos been behind a camera for any length of time can probably tell you what they did technically wrong with an image just by looking. What I can't tell about my images is how they affect the viewer. That's the most helpful feedback of all.

[sjnyates]

Hopeless me trying to be critical, I am still learning how the camera works, but any thoughts I would be pleased to put on.
I too, would be pleased to receive constructive comments for the above reasons

[jude_53]

I really believe that most people do NOT want constructive critisism.. and I do feel a bit odd giving it. I have on occasion .. and it was taken well.. but I am an extremely nice person (LOLLLLLLL)..

Truth is that most things ARE subjective.. and I'd say 9 times out of 10 when I get critisism (which isn't often) I disagree because what I do usually has a purpose, EVEN if (and mostly because) it doesn't follow any photography "rules".. still if phrased nicely I take no offense and usually give an answer like jeremy did..
I also disagree that it takes away from the photo if someone comments with a bit of critisism.. I would rather someone give me their opinion whether I agree or not, than to just get pats on the back. Truthfully, if I disagree I know what I know and no sweat.

I DO not like when people just come on a pic and say "I don't like this photo" .. my opinion is if you don't say what you think could improve it.. and you just don't like it.. don't look at it.. that is NOT constructive in the least.

What's my point?
Was I supposed to have one?

Shit

[troonly]

It's a tricky one as it's often difficult to convey your thoughts in a few words - and it's easy to be misunderstood. I tend to go down the positive reinforcement route! Acknowledging those images that do have an impact, make me think, smile, or generally sit-up! I have fed back via personal messages other sorts of feedback, but do worry it might upset or cause a negative reaction - sensitive soul eh?!

Personally I like ANY reaction - the worst is not getting a reaction.....

[twdarby]

Jude I got your point and I agree with it.

My comment on annayu2's statement is that for a PAD project I don't think 99% of the people want a critique, they are just happy to have a photo a day to post. To me the coments are a bonus regardless of their nature, but thats the social creature in me. The flexibility a PAD, is that you do what works for you.

Somedays I ask for comments about an aspect of my photo and other days I just want to upload run. Regardless of whether or not I've received critiques on my photos, I've learned a lot and will continue to learn from others in this community.

[don_townsend]

I think that PAD is all about becoming a better photographer for many people (for some its a journal, for others ... who knows). When it comes to criticism, considering what other people think about when they see your images is one way to shift perspective and that is never a bad thing.

I welcome criticism and if the criticism is about something I have done intentionally and happen to like then it is still useful for two main reasons. One, I get to understand my image through someone else's eyes and that makes me think (think = good). If I see it differently after thinking about it, so be it, I do differently next time and my own aesthetic sense has grown. If I don't agree with the criticism then it still serves a purpose. By considering the comments in order to disagree with them I get to justify my artistic choices again, sometimes finding new reasons to like what I liked to begin with. Again my aesthetic sense had grown.

So while I agree that there are probably lots of people out there that really don't want criticism, even if they say they do, I think that there are some good reasons why serious artists should welcome criticism from all types of people. Because it can lead to growth and growth is good. It doesn't mean you need to agree and it should change your own appreciation for the images you made but it might change the way you see in the future.

http://www.pbase.com/don_townsend/photo_a_day

[annayu]

Well said, Don.
There are always several interpretations of the same picture, by different viewers. If the photographer is skillful in his art then most of them will reach the same conclusion, and see his intention without having it explained to them.
After a couple of days of serious critique I have a feeling that my popularity is sinking fast Jude, perhaps I'm not as extremely nice as you are....hehehe. My only excuse is that I comment on the pictures that appeal to me most.
Left one in your PAD too, Don.

[troonly]

You're always welcome to critique my images - I'll let you know if it hurts too much

[5points]

Here are my thoughts about this subject.
I try to look as closely as I can at photographs and attempt to describe in words what feelings they invoke in me, basically trying to understand the image.
To translate these feelings into words is another matter altogether, probably the most difficult part, since we are after all photographers and express ourselves with images and not with words.
And there is the language barrier to consider too, for many of us, English, the ‘lingua franca’ is not the primary language.