Do photographers posting here want honest feedback, or not?

[Box Man]

Do people posting images here want honest feedback? Or is this more for "social sharing?"

I used to spend a lot of time posting at naturephotographers.net, where the expectation was that people would post their best work and expect honest critiques from other photographers. It was an excellent way for people to gauge the quality of their own work, hear honest criticism and advice, and incorporate that into their future work. I spent many years at NPN but have moved on after it changed owners and took a different form.

I know it can be hard for any of us to take criticism, and some people posting at NPN actually only wanted positive feedback. I also know how hard it can be to give honest feedback in a sensitive manner.

So, before I go down the wrong track here I'd like to hear what others think of this. Do you want such feedback? Do you think it helps or hurts to get such feedback? Do we need a way to indicate our preferences when we post an image? Should the be a separate forum just for image critiques?

 

[Box Man]

Do people posting images here want honest feedback? Or is this more for "social sharing?"

I used to spend a lot of time posting at naturephotographers.net, where the expectation was that people would post their best work and expect honest critiques from other photographers. It was an excellent way for people to gauge the quality of their own work, hear honest criticism and advice, and incorporate that into their future work. I spent many years at NPN but have moved on after it changed owners and took a different form.

I know it can be hard for any of us to take criticism, and some people posting at NPN actually only wanted positive feedback. I also know how hard it can be to give honest feedback in a sensitive manner.

So, before I go down the wrong track here I'd like to hear what others think of this. Do you want such feedback? Do you think it helps or hurts to get such feedback? Do we need a way to indicate our preferences when we post an image? Should the be a separate forum just for image critiques?

Rich, I feel sites like this one are mainly for the purposes of creating and developing social bonds. As you know most people have an inherent need and/or an insatiable desire, to speak and to share, to be recognized and to recognize others with similar interests and goals--in short, to be part of a larger community, something that might be lacking in the contemporary societies of the present.

That said some of us might truly want strict feedback from time-to-time, but even then I believe it takes a back seat to the social element. Specifically for me, I'm not that interested in any type of rigorous critique. Perhaps in the future. I think I'm pretty good at understanding my own shortcomings and failings of which I have many. This is my feeling on the topic.

 

[Serge]

Well, there are a couple of rules that I think do apply in this case )
1. If you don't like a image for any reason - don't write a negative review - just leave.
2. You should only critique a photo if the author asks you to do so.
3. It's impossible to be a better photographer without a study of other photographers' work. The more you see and analyse images, the better photographer you will be.
4. The less you want to lecture others, the more you know about the photography.
Photography is a nervous and individual creative process. I know "big bosses" who are incredibly positive and kind people in normal life. But when it comes to criticising what they've photographed, they get really crazy

 

[Blufftonian]

Not sure if that's aimed at me or not, I was only re-quoting from another post. Although I do have my own opinion that in general, there is a lot of 'snowflake' attitude in society nowadays, with many jumping on that bandwagon.

...

Andy, I can assure you it was not.

 

[Macro guy]

Well, there are a couple of rules that I think do apply in this case )
1. If you don't like a image for any reason - don't write a negative review - just leave.
2. You should only critique a photo if the author asks you to do so.
3. It's impossible to be a better photographer without a study of other photographers' work. The more you see and analyse images, the better photographer you will be.
4. The less you want to lecture others, the more you know about the photography.
Photography is a nervous and individual creative process. I know "big bosses" who are incredibly positive and kind people in normal life. But when it comes to criticising what they've photographed, they get really crazy

We don't get better without feedback. Sure, 99% of the feedback we receive may not be helpful, but there has to be a critical mass of critiques to generate the gems. Otherwise, all we're doing is reveling in and celebrating mediocrity.

 

[Lee Jay]

We don't get better without feedback.

I *entirely* disagree.

 

[Blufftonian]

I *somewhat* disagree.

I think feedback is just one of many things that help us get better. But I’d say that attitude (having an open mind), experience, the desire to improve, and education are all at least equally important.

 

[stig]

What’s that expression, “one man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure”?

If someone wants C&C they should ask for it, otherwise subjective criticism, no matter how gentle or correct in the responder's opinion, should be withheld.

And, calling someone who doesn't want critique a "snowflake" isn't exactly helpful. It's good that this forum has an ignore button, n'est-ce pas?

Oh good grief, snowflakes uniting already - leave it out will you! You lot are on my special 'Snowflaketards' list.

 

[stig]

Stig, I really look forward to seeing some of your extremely wonderful photos. I was really hoping that we could leave some of these kinds of attitudes behind on DPReview.

Some people just like to share images they took just because they enjoy photography. Most here are not professionals. If they ask for C&C, they will get it and hopefully in a respectful manner.

Wow, I'm amazed how so many have been triggered by a joking off the cuff remark. It is snowing in springtime - good grief! Get over yourselves!

 

[stig]

Not sure if that's aimed at me or not, I was only re-quoting from another post. Although I do have my own opinion that in general, there is a lot of 'snowflake' attitude in society nowadays, with many jumping on that bandwagon.

I just see it that some may purvey the word in black and white, right or wrong. Personally I don't think that exists. Everything is just various shades of grey ;-).

If you want to ignore someone based on a single post, or take out of it only one word to portray the entire article, or their personality, then doesn't that kind of prove the point? I thought this was meant to be a discussion, which in the real world you'll hear things you don't like, there will be differences of opinion, some of it will inevitably turn into a full blown argument.

As I said, putting all your discussion communication down into just written form is harder than people think, so much is being missed when you're not standing in front of each other, and seeing facial expressions, or hearing tone of voice.

Walking away, with your nose in the air, saying 'I'm not talking to you anymore', while turning to others to talk about it, is just childish, and not that helpful either.

Cheers.

Precisely!