1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Photo Galleries - For General Display or Critique
  4. Faces Are Not Required

Faces Are Not Required


1 year 2 months ago #613133 by garyrhook
Got this in an email today:

www.ai-ap.com/publications/article/24072...et-the-winner-z.html

The winning photo shows someone repairing a fishing net, and the face isn't visible.

Huh.

I bring this up because NewavaMike posted an image of a neighbor gardening, and there were comments that a face was required.

I'm here to state unequivocally that that is not true. Clearly it's
possible to win an international photo competition with an image that
contains people and no faces.

What I am not saying is that other elements of an image aren't important. Quite the contrary. But to
focus on a single thing is, I believe, somewhat problematic. Especially
when it's pretty easy to refute said claim.  Like here.

In any event, the winning images are beautiful, and I thought worth sharing.
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1 year 2 months ago #613136 by Nikon Shooter

garyrhook wrote: I bring this up because NewavaMike posted an image of a neighbor gardening, and there were comments that a face was required.


In the case of my comment, it was applying to Mike's picture only at
that moment, on that photo.

Mike's picture has none (yet) of the many visual pleasures your posted
linked picture has to offer. So many that the scene does not document
but expresses, inspires, reveal. A face is not required because the viewer
is overwhelmed by textures, shades, tonalities etc that are so rich and
convincing that the documentation of the person is surely not required.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1 year 2 months ago #613146 by garyrhook

Nikon Shooter wrote:

garyrhook wrote: I bring this up because NewavaMike posted an image of a neighbor gardening, and there were comments that a face was required.


In the case of my comment, it was applying to Mike's picture only at
that moment, on that photo.

Mike's picture has none (yet) of the many visual pleasures your posted
linked picture has to offer. So many that the scene does not document
but expresses, inspires, reveal. A face is not required because the viewer
is overwhelmed by textures, shades, tonalities etc that are so rich and
convincing that the documentation of the person is surely not required.


I'm going to disagree with that assertion.

I think that the referenced (winning) image was more successful at telling its story. I believe that effective commentary is goes deep in evaluating effectiveness.

The problem is that what were offered as (ostensibly) critiques (of Mike's image) came across as nothing of the sort ("nothing special"?). I found them unhelpful, unencouraging, and lacking in scope in either a micro, macro, or meta perspective.

And frankly, that really bothers me. Quite a bit. Not that anyone cares.

My experience (limited though it may be) is that this community (photography, not just PT) encourages (for the most part) better. And when I see an epic failure (such as how I think this instance came across) I'm going to express my opinion about it.

So: in my opinion some of the posted critiques of Mike's image could have been handled with far more grace and helpfulness. Instead of emphasis on a single aspect that was, in my opinion, relatively minor. In my opinion the sandwich approach is always a good idea, if only to force a commentor to think about what they're trying to say.  Or to keep quiet.

Def: "commentor": one who comments. Apparently it's not really a word.
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1 year 2 months ago - 1 year 2 months ago #613147 by Nikon Shooter

garyrhook wrote: So: in my opinion some of the posted critiques of Mike's image could have been handled with far more grace…

I surely have none of your skills in your language. :(
I had some PMs with Mike and the contact was easy and pleasant. I felt
like he understood what I meant even with my language difficulties.

garyrhook wrote: Def: "commentor": one who comments. Apparently it's not really a word.

Commentator maybe?
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1 year 1 month ago #617622 by garyrhook

Nikon Shooter wrote:

garyrhook wrote: Def: "commentor": one who comments. Apparently it's not really a word.

Commentator maybe?


Works for me.

Apologies for being a grammar cop. Or perhaps "flic de la grammaire" according to babelfish.
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

1 year 1 month ago #621634 by NewavaMike
I appreciate both of your inputs (and everyone else's too) about my "gardener" shot.  
It hardly compares to the winner of that contest, but I understand your point and appreciate  you sharing the link with my shot in mind Gary.  As limited as my experience in photography is, I find that critique, especially by photographers whom I respect, like NS and yourself...... (and a great number of others around here: ( I really am a small fish)  is wonderful !  It means someone actually looked at my picture and had a thought about it.  That's pretty cool.  NS didn't like that the neighbors face did not show.  To me, that only meant that he would have liked to see her face in the image.  It would have made a better connection with him as an outsider to the scene.  

Yourself and others liked it just as it was. 

Conclusion:  Keep taking pictures !!  :) 
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.


  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Photo Galleries - For General Display or Critique
  4. Faces Are Not Required

802.3K

205K

1.62M

  • Facebook

    802,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    205,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Latest Reviews

Nikon Z50 Review

The Nikon Z50 is an entry-level mirrorless camera, but has many high-end features that make it an interesting proposition for many photographers. Get the scoop on this little camera in this Nikon Z50 review.

Jan 15, 2020
Sony A7 III vs. Nikon D500

In this Sony a7 III vs Nikon D500 head-to-head battle, find out which camera best suits your needs for still photography and video (and your budget, too).

Jan 09, 2020
Panasonic Lumix DMC GH4 Review

The Panasonic GH4 might be going on six years old, but it still packs a punch, even in 2020. Learn about all the specs and features of this camera in our Panasonic GH4 review.

Dec 31, 2019
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K Review

If you have your eye on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, check out its specs, pricing, and availability to be sure you get the best deal.

Dec 26, 2019
More Articles
Ikan

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Best Microphones of 2020

With options for just about every budget, this list of the best microphones of 2020 has something for everyone and just about every purpose.

Jan 24, 2020
Tips for Buying a Used DSLR

Buying a used DSLR can be an adventure if you don't know what to look for or where to buy from. Use these tips for buying a used DSLR to get the best deal and the best quality camera possible.

Jan 23, 2020
Videography Tip: Using a Drone for B-Roll

Using a drone for B-roll is an excellent option for getting interesting footage that enhances your videos. Get a few tips for shooting B-roll with a drone in this tutorial.

Jan 23, 2020
Best Backdrops to Consider in 2020

The best backdrops can make your portraits shine with beautiful colors and textures that add interest to the shot. But what are the best photography backdrops? Consult this list to find out!

Jan 22, 2020
Types of Graduated ND Filters

There are all types of graduated ND filters, each of which offers specific benefits for your landscape photography. Find out the benefits of these filters in this guide!

Jan 22, 2020
5 Inexpensive Full Frame Cameras for 2020

If you're in the market for an inexpensive full frame camera this year, look no further than this list of some cheap full frame mirrorless and DSLR options.

Jan 20, 2020
Photography Gear Upgrades You Should Make in 2020

What photography gear upgrades are you planning for 2020? As you update your kit, bear these essential photography accessories in mind.

Jan 20, 2020
Increase Your Photography Income With These Easy Side Gigs

Not sure how to earn more money as a photographer? With these photography business tips, learn how to boost your photography income and improve your bottom line.

Jan 16, 2020
More Articles