What's it all about?????

Posted by Lintrathen | 2008-09-30 | Comments: (7) | Hits: 439

Hi to you all.....

I joined this this site a month or so ago because the "site" requested a quality of photo that surpassed other sites. This site referred to happy snaps being relegated to inferior/family sites... even naming them.

I joined this site to put my best efforts forward and to have my peers evaluate them in a constructive manner to help me progress with my photography. On the flipside of this, I was happy to evaluate other photographers in how I felt about their contributions to Myshots.

There is no such thing as constructive critisism. No-one likes to be critisised and as a consequence one has to put one's best work forward.

A recent blog on this site talked about the volume of "views" but no comments attached. Could this be because the viewers were visitors not members? Could this be because the viewers saw no merit in the photo'? or could this be because there is an apathy to pass judgement on photo's that just don't make the grade!

I joined this site to learn from my peers and if I post a substandard picture then I expect to get castigated. I am not here for the smooth strokes... I want to know what I did wrong so as not to make the same mistake again.

This site is open worldwide and I expected comments that would help me to do better. Terminology like "great shot" or "Luv your pic" does not inspire me.

We all work on computers.... a full screen shot will show most flaws... a one-click zoom will enhance those flaws and if one goes to a two-click zoom all imperfections are dead in the water. An undeniable fact.

So..... if you want constructive assistance from your peers.... post your best shots only. You should be shot down for less.... expect it.

There are many outstanding photo's on this site, many of which pass us by because it is not our specific gendre, nevertheless a serious photographer will endeavour to comment on these.... but if one is not prepared to "download" the photo then one should not be so quick to pass comment. "The bigger picture tells a better story".

I am certainly not trying to be the big "I am" but I have sold many many motorsport photo's over the years BUT I have relegated many many photo's to the rubbish bin because they did not meet my personal standards. We have to be harsh with ourselves before we can accept advice from others.... in this way we grow.

Digital photography is all new to me however I pod along as best I can, however having said that.... I can still appreciate a good photograph (irrespective of the media) or recognise a dud.

So... post your best and receive whatever comes or post something substandard and live with the consequences.

I will.

Love you all

Grayham

monique - 2008-09-30 10:27
Grayham,
I am not a professional photographer, nor have I ever sold a picture. But I thoroughly enjoy this hobby of taking photos, 90% of which I don't think are worthy of posting. I am also new to the digital realm as well.
All of the above said, I do not have very much technical knowledge to be able to post a comment that would be constructive in that way. Hence, I do post the "love your pic", "great photo" type remarks now and then. I only post if I really feel something when I look at the picture. I think that whatever the photographer did to create those photos is great. I can't offer any further advice only let them know that I appreciate their efforts/work. When I receive those types of comments I am happy about it. I'm glad that picture "looks good". I am glad to receive a compliment/criticism no matter how simple.
I like this site because without much technical know-how, I can post my photos and hope to glean some of that advice which I am unable to offer.
In this way I plan to learn from those more accomplished, such as yourself, Les & Manroy. And, in this manner eventually become able to leave more informative comments.
In the meantime, I offer what I can in order to be a participant in the site's community.

bizzybuzzybee - 2008-10-01 03:33
Hi Grayham,

Whilst I have only seen two of your written comments Rhonda_B's Fly Me To The Moon and Wazza's The Nut.

Your comments on Rhonda's picture I thought was fair if the trail was vapour. I thought the trail was smoke. As one would see from a tiger moth or such at a side show. If this was the case it makes your comments mostly nul and void.

Your comments on Wazza's picture I thought where uncalled for and boarding on rude. Even more so when there wasn't any advice given on how to improve the picture. Even something constructive like too much camera noise or what ever didn't appeal you. Which going by your blog here is something you expect!

Please consider that from time to time there are some very young talented Photographers who post here. Don't kill their enthuasism with with abbrasive comments.

Lintrathen - 2008-10-05 21:41
Hi Monique and Bizzybuzzybee.....

Gosh, I opened a can of worms.... my sincere apologies to all. I have taken on board your comments, and as a fast learner will not make those mistakes again.

Wazza.... my apologies.

Hopefully, in closing this saga, you will allow me to re-iterate one issue... that a more constructive comment could be forthcoming if a photo was downloaded and then commented on? Purely a sugestion, but it works for me.

There is some great work out there.

Best regards

Grayham

bizzybuzzybee - 2008-10-06 04:11
We are all diferent welcome aboard and keep upload your photos they are pretty good.
Cheers

davles - 2008-10-10 12:59
Grayham I think you should re-evaluate your approach to commenting on the photographs posted here for a several reasons.
1.
The person posting the image may be an absolute beginner and may think their photos are great. There is nothing more disheartening than to have someone poring scorn on their first efforts.
2.You do not personally know the people you are talking to and have to choose your words carefully when posting on the internet because written words are not like direct conversation and can easily be mis-understood.
3.Many people here are point and shooters and do not share the same photographic aims as some of the more discerning among us. They have probably not been exposed to as many top notch images and therefore evaluate things differently.
4.A photograph for many is a record of an event, a memory perhaps of something pleasant,so critical analysis is of no importance to them,they just want to share their memories with someone, however remote.
So go ahead and comment but try to find out how the person to who you are directing your remarks think.Say something positive first and make your critique gently and constructively and avoid saying harsh things like why bother.
Take your photography seriously by all means, but not yourself, it helps a lot I can guarantee it.

Lintrathen - 2008-10-15 21:49
Thanks Les.... a reality check (even at my old age) is sometimes needed. Your remarks have certainly been taken on board. Sorry to have gone off like a bull in a china shop, but I will definately be more reserved in future.

Thanks again

Grayham

mikey416 - 2008-11-14 12:19
I might be a late getting into this blog but I sometimes wonder why viewers of pictures on the gallery don't leave a message about the picture whether they liked it or not. I thought that comments were part of the experience on MYSHOTS.

I am personally happy when someone leaves a " love the picture " or " nice shot and great composition " comment because that person took the time to write the comment and I appreciate the fact that the picture was viewed.

As for being criticized, that is a problem if the person who took the picture and posted it is a little thin skinned and takes exception to a comment. I guess we all have to be careful in making a comment and also realistic for many reasons.

I personally try [and sometimes fail] to avoid making harsh comments on someone's picture because it usually brings hard feelings forward eventhough that person has said that they welcome feed back.

To this end, I would be interested in hearing what people say about excessive uploading and less than good pictures being brought forward. I believe that this is a huge issue for MYSHOTS.

Thanks,
Mike/Canada