The Olympus forum "bubble" : )

[s k u l p t]

I think it's good to support people and build them up, but it seems that people mostly avoid offering any kind of suggestions or critiques on pictures posted here. You don't learn a thing from "great job", and that kind of thing. I really appreciate and enjoy each positive comment, but it doesn't help me grow as a photographer.

That's why I'm finding this forum less helpful than in the past for me. It seems more like a support group, rather than a learning tool that pushes the photographer. I'll continue to post here, and have fun with the friends that I've made here, but I also want to extend further and post in places like open forum, samples forum, and other places/sites where I won't get a response just because they know me. I'd suggest that others perhaps do the same, and leave the Olympus bubble sometimes into a environment that will help you grow a bit more.

On those lines, can anyone suggest critique sites?

B A H
Still a happy & proud Olympus forum member. : )
-- http://www.pbase.com/gdguide
http://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

 

[RichO]

I learn best from looking at others work and knowing how they did that. I know that the true professional who makes their living from photography probably has little time to answer the same questions over and over that one can get out of any beginning book on photgraphy.

Recently on this forum I have learned about.
Droplet Photography
IR Photography
Astro Photography (term??)

I have also been encouraged to take photos of subject I would not normally shoot.

This forum was also very helpful in helping decide on what is great camera - The UZ.

I love to share...right now I am regaining ground that I lost by being away from photography so long....when I have something worthwhile to share and feel qualified to critique I will.

I think it's good to support people and build them up, but it seems
that people mostly avoid offering any kind of suggestions or
critiques on pictures posted here. You don't learn a thing from
"great job", and that kind of thing. I really appreciate and enjoy
each positive comment, but it doesn't help me grow as a
photographer.

That's why I'm finding this forum less helpful than in the past for
me. It seems more like a support group, rather than a learning tool
that pushes the photographer. I'll continue to post here, and have
fun with the friends that I've made here, but I also want to extend
further and post in places like open forum, samples forum, and
other places/sites where I won't get a response just because they
know me. I'd suggest that others perhaps do the same, and leave the
Olympus bubble sometimes into a environment that will help you grow
a bit more.

On those lines, can anyone suggest critique sites?

B A H
Still a happy & proud Olympus forum member. : )

--
http://www.pbase.com/gdguide
http://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

--RichO http://www.pbase.com/richo/ 'Life is a dance, Love is the music.'

 

[Mofongo]

Brian, I have to agree with you a bit here...

Try - http://www.communityzero.com/photocritics

My name over there is mofongo. I've been a member there for quite a while and find it invaluable as a tool to improve my photography...

Just make sure your photos are under 100k there...

If someone is just posting a cute photo here to share than nice shot is perfectly acceptable..but...if someone is specifically asking for a critique than we are doing them a disservice by not offering ways to improve the photo...

There was one recently where the person asked specifically for critique on some photos they had taken. Most were very nice and I did comment positively on those but out of over 20 replies I was the only one to point out that the horizons were unlevel (obviously) on a couple of them...I than offered a suggestion on how to correct it and my comment or suggestion was never acknowledged...

We would all benefit here to politely point out such areas in a photo that would help improve it...if a critique is asked for.

A request for comments should be considered a request for critique also...

Good topic Brian. We can all learn a lot from each other...

Bob

--www.pbase.com/mofongo'When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.'

 

[Kiriakos C2100 GR]

The real photographers grow up in the real word ..

The technical sites and the forums is here to suply you with knowledge , of how to use your camera at best , but the level of knowledge covers only tha part of using the camera ,the camera is one machine , and the people needs some help in the technical part most ,as this help can only come from the forums and not in the street .

In conclusion , all of as we have to help the forums to work at the right direction , as this is the one that helps most the people that need help .

The i dea of turning a techical forum to one photography show room , with dogs - babys - chickens - ducks - cats - flowers - planes , is not something that makes me feel positive about it .

My profile as technisian had make me to see things in a more practical way ,helping others in my real life or even from the web forums ,always gives me a pleasure .

To critique pictures of others people is not my job , this is a job for profesional photographers that hang out in the photography show rooms.

Thats my 0.2 Euro

I think it's good to support people and build them up, but it seems
that people mostly avoid offering any kind of suggestions or
critiques on pictures posted here. You don't learn a thing from
"great job", and that kind of thing. I really appreciate and enjoy
each positive comment, but it doesn't help me grow as a
photographer.

That's why I'm finding this forum less helpful than in the past for
me. It seems more like a support group, rather than a learning tool
that pushes the photographer. I'll continue to post here, and have
fun with the friends that I've made here, but I also want to extend
further and post in places like open forum, samples forum, and
other places/sites where I won't get a response just because they
know me. I'd suggest that others perhaps do the same, and leave the
Olympus bubble sometimes into a environment that will help you grow
a bit more.

On those lines, can anyone suggest critique sites?

B A H
Still a happy & proud Olympus forum member. : )

--
http://www.pbase.com/gdguide
http://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

--C 2100 UZ http://www.geocities.com/teranova52/

 

[dboogie]

B A H
Still a happy & proud Olympus forum member. : )

I understand what your saying. The folks at http://www.photocritique.net may be more to your liking when it comes to trying to grow photographically. I recently found them and it seems like a good spot also.

Everyone here may not have a lot of technical expertise (I put myself at the head of the line in the "no technical expertise" category) but I constantly pick up valuable info from this forum. I also believe encouraging words such as "great shot" or "I like it" do help people grow. It may not give them the specific details on how to get to the next level in their picture taking abilities, but it does let them know that whatever they did to take the picture in question does work, and its pleasing to other folks eyes. Speaking for myself, that alone makes me want to go out there and shoot and experiment some more. Whenever I can offer constructive criticism, I ALWAYS try to give it. Sometimes I just like what I see, so I tell them that. My lack of photo experience may hinder me from seeing something a more seasoned photographer may detect, but that lack of experience doesn't stop me from telling them that I do like it.

In a nutshell, what I'm saying is I never put all my eggs in one basket. If I can find 10 places to get feedback from, then I'd visit all ten. When I first became involved in digital photography Olympus Talk was the first site I came across that I enjoyed reading and learned valuable info at the same time. I'm sure there are other sites that are equally as good, I just haven't visited them yet. I too am a happy and proud Olympus Forum member!!

dboogie--Free your mind and everything else will follow

 

[kim kaila]

dboogie, I have to agree with what you said! I am new to digital camera's and have learned some interesting things here on this forum, in addition to having a good laugh now and then! One can have fun and get serious info at the same time. I personally like looking at the photo's as it gives me thought to different ideas and techniques. I find myself walking dogs and looking at the world in a different way since joining this fourm! I wonder, is this a good subject to shoot, how could I make something a neat shot like the others on the forum! I am very amature, but have gotten valuable info on tech stuff and photos in general from THIS forum.. I refuse to go to galleries forum just to see photo's when I can get it all at one place!
(One stop shopping, so to speak!)
Just my 2 cents and my opinion!
Kim Kaila
2100 newbie

I understand what your saying. The folks at http://www.photocritique.net
may be more to your liking when it comes to trying to grow
photographically. I recently found them and it seems like a good
spot also.
Everyone here may not have a lot of technical expertise (I put
myself at the head of the line in the "no technical expertise"
category) but I constantly pick up valuable info from this forum.
I also believe encouraging words such as "great shot" or "I like
it" do help people grow. It may not give them the specific details
on how to get to the next level in their picture taking abilities,
but it does let them know that whatever they did to take the
picture in question does work, and its pleasing to other folks
eyes. Speaking for myself, that alone makes me want to go out there
and shoot and experiment some more. Whenever I can offer
constructive criticism, I ALWAYS try to give it. Sometimes I just
like what I see, so I tell them that. My lack of photo experience
may hinder me from seeing something a more seasoned photographer
may detect, but that lack of experience doesn't stop me from
telling them that I do like it.
In a nutshell, what I'm saying is I never put all my eggs in one
basket. If I can find 10 places to get feedback from, then I'd
visit all ten. When I first became involved in digital photography
Olympus Talk was the first site I came across that I enjoyed
reading and learned valuable info at the same time. I'm sure there
are other sites that are equally as good, I just haven't visited
them yet. I too am a happy and proud Olympus Forum member!!

dboogie
--
Free your mind and everything else will follow

 

[Cerebrix]

Photoalley.com has a pretty nice critique section. It seems to be primarily film photographers, but then again, most of the more accomplished photographers do use film...

I suspect if you post a shot here and ask, "How can I improve this?" you'll get a few good suggestions. There are a number of very knowledgable people on this forum. Have you tried the Samples and Galleries forum here?
--More people are caused by accidents than are killed by them.

 

[Roberta]

I've been thinking about the same thing lately. I often see photos that are badly out of focus, or washed out, or poorly cropped- whatever, and there'd be 10 or more responses saying "great shot- keep up the good work" so I'd keep my comments to myself.

It's difficult to know, when people say comments appreciated, whether they really want critiquing or just some "stroking."

It's hard to set guidelines when there are so many people here, but perhaps we should try to encourage each other to use "Critique-......" (kind of like using 'OT") in the SUBJECT when we really want some serious critiquing.

Try - http://www.communityzero.com/photocritics

Bob, you've mentioned this site before and early this week I signed up. I spent some time browsing the posts/pics and found the same type of "Great Photo" comments. Am I missing something ?--Olympus 3O4O and Olympus 21OOUZ http://www.pbase.com/ro2001

 

[Mofongo]

Roberta wrote:

Try - http://www.communityzero.com/photocritics

Bob, you've mentioned this site before and early this week I signed
up. I spent some time browsing the posts/pics and found the same
type of "Great Photo" comments. Am I missing something ?

Roberta, sometimes that happens at critique sites also...I think this photocritics site is probably experiencing a high number of newcomers...I've submitted photos there and had helpful critical comments made that had gotten only "nice shots" here.

I think if you spend a little more time there you will see some very helpful critques...

We will probably start seeing people being more constructively critical here also after this thread...

Bob

--www.pbase.com/mofongo'When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.'

 

[Roberta]

I think if you spend a little more time there you will see some
very helpful critques...

Will do. Thanks

We will probably start seeing people being more constructively
critical here also after this thread...

It'll be interesting to see.
I still think this is the best forum around.

--Olympus 3O4O and Olympus 21OOUZ http://www.pbase.com/ro2001

 

[daryl.com]

Actually, Bob S I heard your advice, took it to heart, and applied to my next round of post processing.......Just because you dont get your "kudos" mentioned for every message that you have given help on doesnt mean that you didnt help....P.S. Thanks for the helpful critique of my pictures..

daryl.com

Brian, I have to agree with you a bit here...

Try - http://www.communityzero.com/photocritics

My name over there is mofongo. I've been a member there for quite a
while and find it invaluable as a tool to improve my photography...

Just make sure your photos are under 100k there...

If someone is just posting a cute photo here to share than nice
shot is perfectly acceptable..but...if someone is specifically
asking for a critique than we are doing them a disservice by not
offering ways to improve the photo...

There was one recently where the person asked specifically for
critique on some photos they had taken. Most were very nice and I
did comment positively on those but out of over 20 replies I was
the only one to point out that the horizons were unlevel
(obviously) on a couple of them...I than offered a suggestion on
how to correct it and my comment or suggestion was never
acknowledged...

We would all benefit here to politely point out such areas in a
photo that would help improve it...if a critique is asked for.

A request for comments should be considered a request for critique
also...

Good topic Brian. We can all learn a lot from each other...

Bob

--
http://www.pbase.com/mofongo
'When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.'

--It's not the big that eat the small,but the fast that eat the slow.www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar

 

[Barbara B]

I think it's good to support people and build them up, but it seems
that people mostly avoid offering any kind of suggestions or
critiques on pictures posted here. You don't learn a thing from
"great job", and that kind of thing. I really appreciate and enjoy
each positive comment, but it doesn't help me grow as a
photographer.

Some people may feel uncomfortable critiqing someones work if they do not like what they see or have the expertise to do so. I am guilty of posting "great work" because I really think it is. Just viewing some of these images have helped me with my own photo compositions.

That's why I'm finding this forum less helpful than in the past for
me. It seems more like a support group, rather than a learning tool
that pushes the photographer.

I can't even tell you how much I have learned from this knowledgeable group here at this forum. No matter how stupid my questions may be, no one has made me feel like the amatuer that I am. Today with the advice of DomP and others, I had success taking action volleyball shots after many previous failed attempts.

I'll continue to post here, and have

fun with the friends that I've made here, but I also want to extend
further and post in places like open forum, samples forum, and
other places/sites where I won't get a response just because they
know me. I'd suggest that others perhaps do the same, and leave the
Olympus bubble sometimes into a environment that will help you grow
a bit more.

I hope you do continue with forum. It is a witty, informative group here. The only thing I have notice the last few weeks is that there is a lot bickering going on in this group.

Thank you for sharing your opinion.

Barbara

 

[s k u l p t]

All good points. Thanks for the links as well.

My main point is to push people to expand in their photography, and talk about how to do it on this forum. We'll all get better in the process. : ) I think it's great to offer support to people by giving them the thumbs up, but let's also offer suggestions to help push that person to a higher level.

I sure know the pictures that I post aren't perfect, and would like to hear how I can improve a shot. I don't care how much experience someone has with photography. There are really no wrong answers in a critique. The people that buy photos often aren't a pro, but they know what they like. They can sense if something is 'off' in a shot.

Here are the type of things I'd love to hear....

-The edges are a bit blurred. Perhaps you could....
-The horizon isn't quite level. I find that.....
-It seems that you're highlights are blown out.
-The picture just seems to busy
-The framing seems a bit tight on this one
-You might try and get a bit closer on that one

• There seems to be a fair amount of noise on the shot. Next time you might want to........

-Something just seems off
-The image seems a bit too sharp. What setting did you....
-The colors on the are a bit distracting
-There's no flow in the shot
-It hard to focus on the picture
-This picture might look better in black and white
-The picture lacks depth of field. Maybe you could....
-The picture would look better maybe if you had less depth of feild
-What is depth of field?
-It would be neat if you could have focused more on the....
-It would have been cool to frame the shot using the.....

These are just a few. You get the idea. : )

B A H-- http://www.pbase.com/gdguidehttp://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

 

[s k u l p t]

I also think boosting a newer poster on the forum is great. We want them to feel welcome. You can mention the things he/she did right and leave it at that. It's the people that have been here longer where it would perhaps be a good idea to start offering comments on how to improve the shot.

B A H
-- http://www.pbase.com/gdguidehttp://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

 

[DougT]

I agree with dboogie here, http://www.photocritique.net is an excellent place to get an honest critique on your photo.

I think I'll really limit my photos over here and post them at the other sites, and in Samples and Gallerys. I'll still come here first and often to get information on my Oly cameras, but critiques will come from other sites. It seems like it just doesn't fit to post pictures here and thats ok, I don't want to clutter up the forum so look for my photos in Samples and Gallerys and communityzero or http://www.photocritique.net

Doug

B A H
Still a happy & proud Olympus forum member. : )

I understand what your saying. The folks at http://www.photocritique.net
may be more to your liking when it comes to trying to grow
photographically. I recently found them and it seems like a good
spot also.
Everyone here may not have a lot of technical expertise (I put
myself at the head of the line in the "no technical expertise"
category) but I constantly pick up valuable info from this forum.
I also believe encouraging words such as "great shot" or "I like
it" do help people grow. It may not give them the specific details
on how to get to the next level in their picture taking abilities,
but it does let them know that whatever they did to take the
picture in question does work, and its pleasing to other folks
eyes. Speaking for myself, that alone makes me want to go out there
and shoot and experiment some more. Whenever I can offer
constructive criticism, I ALWAYS try to give it. Sometimes I just
like what I see, so I tell them that. My lack of photo experience
may hinder me from seeing something a more seasoned photographer
may detect, but that lack of experience doesn't stop me from
telling them that I do like it.
In a nutshell, what I'm saying is I never put all my eggs in one
basket. If I can find 10 places to get feedback from, then I'd
visit all ten. When I first became involved in digital photography
Olympus Talk was the first site I came across that I enjoyed
reading and learned valuable info at the same time. I'm sure there
are other sites that are equally as good, I just haven't visited
them yet. I too am a happy and proud Olympus Forum member!!

dboogie
--
Free your mind and everything else will follow

 

[Inigo Montoya]

While I appreciate what you wish to get out of this forum, I don't
believe it was set up as purely a technical one. From Phil's
description on the main forums page:

"Here you can discuss, ask questions or generally debate anything
related to digital photography, digital cameras or digital imaging
technology."

In addition, there is SO much more to photography than its
technical aspects. Just because someone can take a perfectly
focused, perfectly exposed shot, doesn't mean that the results will
be equally perfect, or even interesting at all. That I believe, is
where the posts of images in a wide range of subjects is most valuable.

We've had dogs, babies, ducks, planes, even small appliances and now
barns. Each person's submission brought a new way to look at a similar
subject, and in doing so I think we all learn a little more about
photography.

If you're not comfortable posting a critique, I don't think anyone is
saying you have to. I don't think anyone would think less of you, and we
certainly would still appreciate your postings on other topics.

Personally I'd love to get the opinions of a number of the folks here
who obviously "have the eye". With the postings here from these people,
I've been able to see what they can produce with the same equipment I have.
It's been both humbling and inspiring as a goal to aim for.

I'd hate for this forum to turn into a place where all people talked about
was the cameras themselves and not about taking pictures.

The real photographers grow up in the real word ..
The technical sites and the forums is here to suply you with
knowledge , of how to use your camera at best , but the level of
knowledge covers only tha part of using the camera ,the camera is
one machine , and the people needs some help in the technical part
most ,as this help can only come from the forums and not in the
street .
In conclusion , all of as we have to help the forums to work at
the right direction , as this is the one that helps most the people
that need help .

The i dea of turning a techical forum to one photography show room
, with dogs - babys - chickens - ducks - cats - flowers - planes ,
is not something that makes me feel positive about it .
My profile as technisian had make me to see things in a more
practical way ,helping others in my real life or even from the web
forums ,always gives me a pleasure .
To critique pictures of others people is not my job , this is a
job for profesional photographers that hang out in the photography
show rooms.

Thats my 0.2 Euro

 

[Kiriakos C2100 GR]

As long you keep this coming out of your personal point of view and likes ,and the opinions of the others just helped this thread to stay on the top of the list, with out having any special weigh and effect , i will follow the same root like you and i will say ..

I like to get a nice TOYOTA car ,and actualy to get it from free .
I like to get married with a nice smart and with some cash woman.
I like the earth to stop spinning
I like ... I like ... I like ... I like ... I like ...

In conclusion ,i got your point ,but i will never reply again in threads ,that the people by their minds ,they try to lead the members of this forum to act by their likes and dislikes , above all is the forum rules ,liked or not ..

So if the forum rule is do not post pictures of your dog , this is what you have to do ..

All good points. Thanks for the links as well.

My main point is to push people to expand in their photography, and
talk about how to do it on this forum. We'll all get better in the
process. : ) I think it's great to offer support to people by
giving them the thumbs up, but let's also offer suggestions to help
push that person to a higher level.

I sure know the pictures that I post aren't perfect, and would like
to hear how I can improve a shot. I don't care how much experience
someone has with photography. There are really no wrong answers in
a critique. The people that buy photos often aren't a pro, but they
know what they like. They can sense if something is 'off' in a shot.

Here are the type of things I'd love to hear....

-The edges are a bit blurred. Perhaps you could....
-The horizon isn't quite level. I find that.....
-It seems that you're highlights are blown out.
-The picture just seems to busy
-The framing seems a bit tight on this one
-You might try and get a bit closer on that one

• There seems to be a fair amount of noise on the shot. Next time

you might want to........
-Something just seems off
-The image seems a bit too sharp. What setting did you....
-The colors on the are a bit distracting
-There's no flow in the shot
-It hard to focus on the picture
-This picture might look better in black and white
-The picture lacks depth of field. Maybe you could....
-The picture would look better maybe if you had less depth of feild
-What is depth of field?
-It would be neat if you could have focused more on the....
-It would have been cool to frame the shot using the.....

These are just a few. You get the idea. : )

B A H
--
http://www.pbase.com/gdguide
http://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

--C 2100 UZ http://www.geocities.com/teranova52/

 

[Mofongo]

daryl.com wrote:
Actually, Bob S I heard your advice, took it to heart, and applied
to my next round of post processing.......Just because you dont get
your "kudos" mentioned for every message that you have given help
on doesnt mean that you didnt help....P.S. Thanks for the helpful
critique of my pictures..

Daryl, I'm glad it helped...I really liked those USS Wisconsin shots!

Bob--www.pbase.com/mofongo'When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.'

 

[daryl.com]

Ummmm......Yeah, what he said?

????

D

I like to get a nice TOYOTA car ,and actualy to get it from free .
I like to get married with a nice smart and with some cash woman.
I like the earth to stop spinning
I like ... I like ... I like ... I like ... I like ...

In conclusion ,i got your point ,but i will never reply again in
threads ,that the people by their minds ,they try to lead the
members of this forum to act by their likes and dislikes , above
all is the forum rules ,liked or not ..
So if the forum rule is do not post pictures of your dog , this is
what you have to do ..

All good points. Thanks for the links as well.

My main point is to push people to expand in their photography, and
talk about how to do it on this forum. We'll all get better in the
process. : ) I think it's great to offer support to people by
giving them the thumbs up, but let's also offer suggestions to help
push that person to a higher level.

I sure know the pictures that I post aren't perfect, and would like
to hear how I can improve a shot. I don't care how much experience
someone has with photography. There are really no wrong answers in
a critique. The people that buy photos often aren't a pro, but they
know what they like. They can sense if something is 'off' in a shot.

Here are the type of things I'd love to hear....

-The edges are a bit blurred. Perhaps you could....
-The horizon isn't quite level. I find that.....
-It seems that you're highlights are blown out.
-The picture just seems to busy
-The framing seems a bit tight on this one
-You might try and get a bit closer on that one

• There seems to be a fair amount of noise on the shot. Next time

you might want to........
-Something just seems off
-The image seems a bit too sharp. What setting did you....
-The colors on the are a bit distracting
-There's no flow in the shot
-It hard to focus on the picture
-This picture might look better in black and white
-The picture lacks depth of field. Maybe you could....
-The picture would look better maybe if you had less depth of feild
-What is depth of field?
-It would be neat if you could have focused more on the....
-It would have been cool to frame the shot using the.....

These are just a few. You get the idea. : )

B A H
--
http://www.pbase.com/gdguide
http://adigitaldreamer.com/portfolio/

--
C 2100 UZ
http://www.geocities.com/teranova52/

--It's not the big that eat the small,but the fast that eat the slow.www.daryl.com/2002 - photo calendar

 

[Juli Valley]

One of the few times I said anything critical, the person was highly offended and hurt. I really felt bad when it happened. I don't guess I've said much of a critical nature since that episode. It's hard to tell if the persnon's skin is thick or thin. -- http://www.pbase.com/julivalley/galleries21oo , B-3oo3o4oJuli