Jump to content

Another photo critique thread


vdb

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I know that the notion of honest critique has been addressed many times in the past and certainly is a hot topic today. The anonymous idea has failed, largely because it takes the poster out of the discussion. it also detracts from the social virtues of this forum. I've met some great photographers on this forum through their work. So how about a critique thread or sticky in each photo sub forum purely for the sake of anything goes. Post your best images and expect heavy critique. And limit it to one image per week per poster. And don't post an image until the previous image had had some critiquing. And let's not critique each others critique...only critique the images. And take it for what it is.

Can we handle that?

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 43
  • Created
  • Last Reply

I'm very disappointed that the anonymous idea has been withdrawn, so I'd be happy to see another attempt at generating some serious, interesting discussion on photography, as opposed to photographic equipment.

 

But if a good discussion is ever going to succeed, we have to be able to respond to comments made by others, otherwise it will just become a sterile list of observations.

 

I know the sad probability is that it will yet again descend into a puerile point-scoring competition, but if, unlike the anonymous thread, its given enough time for the novelty to wear off and the content and spirit of the thing to take hold, it might have a chance.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I would say there is no point. Posting an image in the photoforum is an invitation for criticism in itself. The problem is that our members do not write a critique. After the novelty has worn off, I very much doubt that it would be different on anonymous posts or on a dedicated critique subforum. We would be back to the same pointless "great shot" posts. What we need is a mentality turnaround from claque to critique.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree that there is probably little point. I'm inclined to doubt whether many members have the aptitude or interest to artistically critique photos in a meaningful way (either positively or negatively) and that's why they don't. They can, however, write copiously on the most arcane and tedious aspects of Leica camera equipment.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm very disappointed that the anonymous idea has been withdrawn, so I'd be happy to see another attempt at generating some serious, interesting discussion on photography, as opposed to photographic equipment.

 

But if a good discussion is ever going to succeed, we have to be able to respond to comments made by others, otherwise it will just become a sterile list of observations.

 

I know the sad probability is that it will yet again descend into a puerile point-scoring competition, but if, unlike the anonymous thread, its given enough time for the novelty to wear off and the content and spirit of the thing to take hold, it might have a chance.

 

As you know, Peter, I’m not unhappy about the demise of the anonymous idea but I do agree that this forum needs more opportunities to discuss photography in a less superficial way. There are problems, though. Good discussions are a rarity here. I think it’s partly because dissent from the majority opinion is not well tolerated, partly because we don’t read each other’s posts with sufficient care, and partly because some people let their emotions and their personal affiliations get the better of them. Misunderstandings abound, perhaps inevitably in an international forum where we are divided by a common language. Of course, such considerations shouldn’t deter us from trying to discuss things in a reasoned way. I’m an optimist.

 

Virgil’s idea might be worth a try. An actual photograph seems to me to be a good starting point for any discussion about photography. Virgil may be on to something when he suggests that the anonymous idea failed because it takes the poster out of the discussion. The kind of responsive dialogue that is desirable can’t happen if one of the key participants remains silent.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

... but I do agree that this forum needs more opportunities to discuss photography in a less superficial way. There are problems, though. Good discussions are a rarity here. I think it’s partly because dissent from the majority opinion is not well tolerated, partly because we don’t read each other’s posts with sufficient care, ....

 

Virgil’s idea might be worth a try. An actual photograph seems to me to be a good starting point for any discussion about photography.

 

 

If I remember correctly, wasn't it you who killed off the other thread. Now, you'd like another try on a similar thread? ....

My question to you is, ''Can you handle it?''

 

Critique is not about looking at the pic and simply saying it's good or bad which is what you wanted and leaving out the more important things out.

 

Give me a break Euston.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think a critique thread could be useful, especially for those with limited experience but trying to improve the quality.

 

Perhaps also a sticky & locked thread with the basic role of thumbs when heading out for a landscape shot for example.

Link to post
Share on other sites

... Can we handle that?

Maybe.

 

I think we should have a system similar to the one of 500px: one button "like" and one button "dislike", each click on one of them generating a certain amount of points, in plus of the usual comments that generally are "great man!". :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

Guest Holy Moly

This forum IMHO has nothing to do with photographs. It's not a community as the other fora I participate frequently.

This forum is more a troubleshooter database for people with Leica hardware. In other words it's up to 95% hardware orientated. The rest percentage is mixed.

 

There are some background relationships between some members but these contacs exist without the LUF. It's ok but in terms of photographs which should be the final result of using any camera this place here is different to others.

 

Another example is the strictly banned pics made with other cameras. When this question arise the background is not to demonstrate the capabilities of different brands compare to Leicas, it's the wish to communicate to fellowshooters by photographs.

 

A strong forum covering a strong brand should stand this 'influence' easily because it will support the idea of a place of deeper communications.

 

So I'm waiting for the next very important questions as there are:

 

Which colour for my new M9-P Black or silver?

Is a 21mm or 24mm better for my next visit of the Mato Grosso in Southern America?:rolleyes:

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think this could work but I would like to suggest that perhaps there is committee of photographers whose work qualifies them to judge the submissions in the thread and this is why....

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/201102-new-photo-book-hb-paris-m9.html

 

Markforce posted his photographs and was met with this response:

 

It's working for me. The usual tourists photos of Paris... and many are not in the same orientation than the text.

 

His response:

 

Never claimed this to be particularly special. And yes, I wanted to get the odd tourist shot as well, as I have not been back to Paris in almost a decade. On some, I tried to walk a little bit of a different line, but mostly, agreed, nothing spectacular.

 

This is what happens in usual run of mill threads as they are now.

 

The question I have is - how do we avoid an opinion from a poster whose work is insignificant, AT BEST, levelled at someone who would be posting to learn and or a poster whose works is insignificant AT BEST, attacking the author/s of crtiques - with accusations of "them thinking they are better than everyone else."

 

I believe if you find an answer to these questions - it's do-able! :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

This forum IMHO has nothing to do with photographs. It's not a community as the other fora I participate frequently.

This forum is more a troubleshooter database for people with Leica hardware. In other words it's up to 95% hardware orientated. The rest percentage is mixed.

 

There are some background relationships between some members but these contacs exist without the LUF. It's ok but in terms of photographs which should be the final result of using any camera this place here is different to others.

 

 

 

 

You couldn't be more wrong, IMHO. 66,000 threads in the photo section stand witness this morning to the fact that people share their photographs here. Whether they are great photographs, or the comments on them are great comments, that's for everyone to judge for themselves, but I do know that there are some great photographers here, sharing their work.

 

I have met many people through this forum, both at home and abroad, many of whom I consider to be friends. I would never have met them if not for the forum, so I'm not sure how you could say that this would be the case without it.

 

As to your point about only Leica shots being allowable here. This IS the Leica forum, not a general photography forum, of which there are many on the 'net.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I would love to be able to submit to a thread like this and I would expect to be torn to shreds - but am asking that this be done by qualified shredders. Old adage - study your peers. We have a collection of very talented photographers here - and we all know who they are - maybe a vote. Virgil, I recognise the essence of your proposal and think it's a great idea. When we posted anonymously and the scathing comments came in - I was fired up to pick up my camera and really outdo myself - still a WIP - LOL.

 

And I think we all know that any judge's time would be greatly appreciated - for if our images are getting consistent raving reviews - what are we doing here asking for them. LOL :)

Link to post
Share on other sites

This forum IMHO has nothing to do with photographs. It's not a community as the other fora I participate frequently.

This forum is more a troubleshooter database for people with Leica hardware. In other words it's up to 95% hardware orientated. The rest percentage is mixed.

 

There are some background relationships between some members but these contacs exist without the LUF. It's ok but in terms of photographs which should be the final result of using any camera this place here is different to others.

:

 

Ditto what Andy said.

 

The forum is what we make it, it's a platform - some of us have organised meetings, competitions etc., and meet fellow members in real life!

 

I can't see any of the suggestions for a critique forum working. Too much time/effort for someone else. I shall revert to giving my honest opinions on images that compelling ms to do so, and generally not commenting on those I like unless I have something specific to say.

 

Perhaps people can start adding "no alterations, no negative comments" to their submissions here so they only get the Nice Shot comments.

Link to post
Share on other sites

So how about a critique thread or sticky in each photo sub forum purely for the sake of anything goes. Post your best images and expect heavy critique. And limit it to one image per week per poster. And don't post an image until the previous image had had some critiquing

 

It wouldn't work. After a period of time there'd be multiple images and people would lose track of which photograph was being discussed.

Link to post
Share on other sites

It wouldn't work. After a period of time there'd be multiple images and people would lose track of which photograph was being discussed.

 

How so Steve? One may comment on multiple images in a single post and direct each comment to the appropriate photographer. But the thread remains fresh with newer images...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...