Honest critique

I've noticed on this forum (along with others) that critique tends to be a lot of great shots, love that etc for shots that I have to say look average at best, luckily don't see to many of those

From a photography forum which is a place for learning and improving your skills is it not better to be honest and give some proper crit or are people scared in case they upset the person posting the shots.

Personally when I post photo's that people don't like or just aren't right I would much prefer someone to have the balls to give some hard crit so I can learn from it and improve my skills...

Are people just afriad of upsetting people or are we all just ot polite ?

We need a critique only section. I only comment on photos I think are good. I will offer suggestions if asked or will comment in a nice way. I agree it doesn't help anyone to say everything is great when you can help people make it better.

Exactly my point, if a photo is posted and is a crap shot would it not be better to say why rather than rub someones ego and pretend it's the best thing since sliced bread

Yes, And the people new to photography that take snapshots need more input as to what will make their photos better.

Nikonjan wrote: We need a critique only section. I only comment on photos I think are good. I will offer suggestions if asked or will comment in a nice way. I agree it doesn't help anyone to say everything is great when you can help people make it better.

My exact sentiment,couldn`t word it any better.This is where the poster comes in,if ask for 'strong' critique I will give a constructive critique with ways of improving the image.I love constructive critique
based on sound principles not whether you 'like' the image or not.Next time you post just ask for constructive critique.

Nikonjan wrote: We need a critique only section. I only comment on photos I think are good. I will offer suggestions if asked or will comment in a nice way. I agree it doesn't help anyone to say everything is great when you can help people make it better.

This site has a lot of really good photographers and a slew of so-so folks trying to be good. You don't want to discourage the average or poor ones to the point they give up BUT anyone looking for serious critiques needs a place to post, don their thick skin, and learn.
Good post, Jan.

Nikonjan wrote: Yes, And the people new to photography that take snapshots need more input as to what will make their photos better.

Knowing the skill set of the photographer is important so as not 'break' him/her down but to offer encouragement and advise that will improve their skill level.With digital images processing skills are important to deliver the final product.I can remember a 'skilled photog' blasting me for trying 'to blind him' with my image!!!No kidding!

As I pointed out in my now locked thread, giving good critiques is an artform. It is extremely difficult when you don't know the person on the other end, if not impossible.

I understand the desire to be lashed, but many aren't going to appreciate that you are trying to "help" them.

When I give critiques in my course, I only focus on what was covered that week. Did they get it, or not. Later, when I get a feeling for the person and we've exchanged many words (and images), I can suggest new roads, or be tough with them. But, I would never give a tough critique to someone I don't know in an open forum.

You simply don't know them well enough to cut to the bone. A good example is a mother who took a photo of their "adorable" baby. What if the image literally sucks. Are YOU going to tell her that? I wouldn't.

My 2¢

Somebody may have mentioned this already but there is a critique section.. Take a look through the main forum page... There is a separate heading labeled "Photo Galleries - For General Display or Critique" and many different types of topics under it . ex: Landscape, People, Macro ....
It's been a while since i've been on there but that is where i save my honest critiques rather than just spam somebody's personal gallery on their home page.

www.photographytalk.com/forum/index

Karl Wertanen wrote: Somebody may have mentioned this already but there is a critique section.. Take a look through the main forum page... There is a separate heading labeled "Photo Galleries - For General Display or Critique" and many different types of topics under it . ex: Landscape, People, Macro ....
It's been a while since i've been on there but that is where i save my honest critiques rather than just spam somebody's personal gallery on their home page.

www.photographytalk.com/forum/index

Yes, I recall I did see that, guess just use to seeing the latest threads and when people ask for critiques. I would ask someone first if they want input before giving it in their albums though. Better like mentioned to get to know someone. Sometimes you just want to post a snapshot of ,say a family member and don't care that it doesn't look "professional".

Karl Wertanen wrote: Somebody may have mentioned this already but there is a critique section.. Take a look through the main forum page... There is a separate heading labeled "Photo Galleries - For General Display or Critique" and many different types of topics under it . ex: Landscape, People, Macro ....
It's been a while since i've been on there but that is where i save my honest critiques rather than just spam somebody's personal gallery on their home page.

www.photographytalk.com/forum/index

Possibly because those sections are somewhat "buried" down the page, they often get overlooked. Good point.

I will say for Me, that when I post and ask suggestions on improving I really want honest feedback. I recently posted a pic of my son I know isn't awesome, but he's having fun so I wanted to share. I also wanted to know if I had corrected the redness that covered his face with my post processing knowing full well I may not have and posted as such. That's the photographer looking for help. Not the Mom showing off her son. You can critique that photo without commenting on my son's attractiveness.

I also posted a portrait of my niece and did get some advice that will be useable for next time. That's my goal, education, growth, improvement.

I guess when I am asking for a crit I am used to Crystal's style and want it clear and concise. I put on my big girl panties for a crit post. I try to also post my critique requests in the crit forums as I thought that is where everyone went to get advice. I can post them under general photo as well. I guess this is me saying feel free to honestly, constructively crit any of my works I post for critique

That's tne reason I seldom visit those galleries, even though I posted many photos on them. Have you ever tried to go back to a particular image, and tale a further look? A thread devoted to soliciting and offering constructive criticism seems like a good idea.

John Landolfi wrote: That's tne reason I seldom visit those galleries, even though I posted many photos on them. Have you ever tried to go back to a particular image, and tale a further look? A thread devoted to soliciting and offering constructive criticism seems like a good idea.

OK, John has created a thread for HONEST CRITIQUES.
www.photographytalk.com/forum/photograph...nstructive-criticism

TheNissanMan wrote: I've noticed on this forum (along with others) that critique tends to be a lot of great shots, love that etc for shots that I have to say look average at best, luckily don't see to many of those

From a photography forum which is a place for learning and improving your skills is it not better to be honest and give some proper crit or are people scared in case they upset the person posting the shots.

Personally when I post photo's that people don't like or just aren't right I would much prefer someone to have the balls to give some hard crit so I can learn from it and improve my skills...

Are people just afriad of upsetting people or are we all just ot polite ?

I tell the honest truth of what I think of the photo, how I think it could improve. I just haven't been on the critique section in a long time. But don't worry, when I get back from vacation, I'll crtitique all photos you post and anyone else post.

I think most people are afraid to give their honest opinion. I think some have no idea how to make the photo people. I, on the other hand, have no problem saying how I feel.