p.2 #1 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
I usually pass over the threads with photos I dont think are very good. Commenting on those threads has a tendency of making you look overly condescending - even if you are being "honest".
p.2 #2 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
These days I generally pass (didn't used to but kept getting into trouble with the mods ).
When someone asks for comments and critique they generally mean 'tell me how good this is' and get very defensive when you criticise and tell them what you really think
p.2 #3 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
I give honest criticism. If it's a new photographer, I try to be as constructive as I can, since it's not about bashing someone's photo, it's about helping them get better.
I know I don't want all roses when I post a photo. If it's good...please tell me it's good. If it's not, tell me what I can do to improve it, or what I should have done to make it a stronger photo. It helps us all grow as photographers. Sometimes I disagree with the criticisms, but I still want to hear them.
p.2 #4 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
The bottom line is that even if you are experienced enough to help someone with honest criticism it is usually of little help here. Informed comments seem to conflict with casual photographers who want to put their "two cents" in. I find that overall constructive criticism here is mostly based on majority rules, or a poll of transparent likes and dislikes.
p.2 #5 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
mh2000 wrote:
I didn't vote because this is a gear forum for me so I very rarely say anything about the images posted (that and most the images in this forum only rarely have anything that interests me), but on my photo boards etc. that I am sometimes active I am very honest... but if someone obviously doesn't have a clue I just ignore their post and hope they pick up pointers within the comments of better photogs works.
p.2 #7 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.
I too am always amazed. I know one poster in particular who posts out of focus shots, shots cropped in way too much and books with the worst images in there. I'd say 30% of his shots are actually nice, but all he gets is kudos.
p.2 #9 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
If I write feedback, it's brutally honest. If I don't feel either way, I don't post anything. I no longer post negative feedback to some regulars because then the whole army of other regulars often comes all fed up to defend them, which I think is pointless.
I never look who a post is from first; I look at the substance, phrase a response in my head, and then look at who it's from. If it's from someone who posts the same blah stuff day in day out, I don't respond at all. If it's bad and from a regular, I don't respond as per above. Otherwise, feedback will be given, as long as the picture(s) evoke at least some emotion, good or bad.
p.2 #10 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.
I've noticed that too.. I mostly post in the landscape forum now, where many people, including myself, will offer honest, polite, and helpful criticisms.
Another question worth posing I think is: will you respond differently to someone's post if you know them personally? Will you lie if this is the case, or be tempted to reign in any criticisms you may have?
p.2 #11 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
floris wrote:
Another question worth posing I think is: will you respond differently to someone's post if you know them personally? Will you lie if this is the case, or be tempted to reign in any criticisms you may have?
I don't, but then people know me as an opinionated bastard and would not expect anything less
p.2 #13 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
Brent Ward wrote:
I too am always amazed. I know one poster in particular who posts out of focus shots, shots cropped in way too much and books with the worst images in there. I'd say 30% of his shots are actually nice, but all he gets is kudos.
Very confusing indeed!!
Had to laugh on this one. I believe I know who you are talking about, and i just don't get it. Doesn't bother me or nothing like that, but the dude must think he is a great photographer. These folks are not doing him any favors.
p.2 #14 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
I will never say a photo is crap, but if I feel it's let down due to poor PP say, I used to like to give tips now and then how to improve the shot. Usually it is ignored when you are the only one not being glowing. I rarely bother now, just don't comment if it's truly crap and look on in bewilderment that such shots seem to still earn high praise.
p.2 #15 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
When it comes to photos, I would rather say nothing than speak my mind and get lambasted. And I don't like to be patronizing either. Most of the "post your best images" submissions are really quite poor and lacking the wow factor.
p.2 #17 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
Johnny Bravo wrote:
Jim, you are not alone. Most of the Nature and Wildlife 'former regulars' I know have stopped posting there due to just that phenomenon.
bobbytan; When it comes to photos, I would rather say nothing than speak my mind and get lambasted. And I don't like to be patronizing either. Most of the "post your best images" submissions are really quite poor and lacking the wow factor. [quote bobbytan]
I agree with Jim and John mostly but do not disagree either. They are very good photographers and photographic technicians. I post my compositions for feedback from the people on FM I feel have a technical expertise and keen eye for all the fundamentals that create a great image. I truly wish Jim and John, and their peers, WOULD comment on my posts. It helps me and I don't mind them telling me it is crap BUT please let me know, IYHO, why. I don't pretend to be an above average photographer but I do want to learn, even at 61yrs young. I just quit posting images because the ratio of "views to comments" is practically non existent(comments) and I see image posts that have many technical imperfections but get rave reviews and tons of comments. I know that this is subjective but just offering my opinion.
"bobby" I would have very much appreciated ANY comment/criticisim you had to offer and any advice you rendered. If the comments or criticisms you offerred were not to my liking, I doubt very much I would have "lambasted" you at all BUT I DO understand your input. I do see it it often.
p.2 #18 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
I just witnessed the "you go boy, awesome job (on ugly pictures)" phenomenon in "N&W" forum that Jim mentioned above...Jeez ! I guess, I have to stay away from the N&W forums...going forward.
p.2 #20 · Do you guys give sincere opinions about pics ?
You didn't give me an option to vote for my own approach. I could almost always find something to like about a person's work, even if only the subject. There can be honesty without brutality.
At one time I commented a great deal on others' photos. Eventually I got burned out because the ratio of response to my comments was so low here. Plus I became fed up with some of the rudeness masquerading as critique. But when I did provide feedback, it was on the level.
). 
