Critique Forum? :cofused:

[Dracotype]

I am curious to know, has anyone ever suggested, or perhaps considered, having a dedicated forum for critiquing photos? Not just a galllery, but a forum where photos are posted as threads and people come and comment on them and offer costructive criticism.

I ask this because I have found that the learning curve steepens greatly when one has lots of critique. It helps refine one's sense of composition. I know it has helped me before, and I was wondering if we couldn't have something like that. Just a small suggestion.

Drew

 

[RayPA]

There seems to have always been little to no interest in a critique forum here at RFF. The topic has come up several times in the couple of years that I've been here, but I think the logistics and complications of a it scare most of us off. The gallery is obviously very limited in this respect. Some members have created "Critique Wanted" threads on photos, groups of photos, blogs, and web sites. Those seem to work fairly well, but it's not a "group critique" like you would get in a photo class, where everyone who critiques also offers work FOR critique.

I think online group critiques could be problematic--but possible, nonetheless. I think there's some potential in using a w/nw type format, but as I discovered recently that suggestion was unpopular and unappreciated. Apparently, w/nw threads are sacred ground :angel:

I see you're in El Cerrito. You might be interested in this thread. We're trying to another plan a local get-together. You're local, you're invited!

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25655

 

[Dracotype]

There seems to have always been little to no interest in a critique forum here at RFF. The topic has come up several times in the couple of years that I've been here, but I think the logistics and complications of a it scare most of us off. The gallery is obviously very limited in this respect. Some members have created "Critique Wanted" threads on photos, groups of photos, blogs, and web sites. Those seem to work fairly well, but it's not a "group critique" like you would get in a photo class, where everyone who critiques also offers work FOR critique.

I think online group critiques could be problematic--but possible, nonetheless. I think there's some potential in using a w/nw type format, but as I discovered recently that suggestion was unpopular and unappreciated. Apparently, w/nw threads are sacred ground :angel:

I see you're in El Cerrito. You might be interested in this thread. We're trying to another plan a local get-together. You're local, you're invited!

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25655

I probably won't be able to come to the get together. I am either out of town or am already doing something. But thanks for the invite.

I know a critique forum might be potentially hazardous. But I know that it can provide real motivation for improvement. I suppose until something occurs, the galleries are the best bet.

Drew

 

[back alley]

we created a section in the gallery called 'rate this photo' or something like that.
it was little used and i think jorge deleted it when we decided to simplify the site.

many things are sought after by the membership and theneither used or not used much. it's a trial & error sort of thing. we respond to requests and then see how it goes.

 

[RayPA]

I probably won't be able to come to the get together. I am either out of town or am already doing something. But thanks for the invite.

I know a critique forum might be potentially hazardous. But I know that it can provide real motivation for improvement. I suppose until something occurs, the galleries are the best bet.

Drew

I agree. Critiques are essential for improving your photography. You might want to look into a photo class at one of your local schools or community college, because in person critiques are great. You could also look into seeing if you have a group or club local to you--folks that share your interests and might be motivated along with you to put something together. Hey isn't there a good size group of RFFers in your area?

.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

As an actual forum, like "general discussion", "darkroom", etc., I can see a "Critique" forum as a valuable asset.

The gallery has become a place to post images of anything, test rolls, classified pics, family snaps, etc. Using the "rate this photo" option, seldom garners the attention that a dedicated critique forum would offer. Of course one must be prepared for honest critiques, the good with the bad, but that is how we learn.
I often upload photos that I like for one reason or another and they seldom are commented on, it would be a learning experience to here from others as to why.
There would be a need for rules of course but I think a dedicated critique forum would be a benefit to us all.

BTW I have used this site off and on for a while (as well as a few other members here): http://www.photocritique.net/

Todd

 

[RayPA]

As an actual forum, like "general discussion", "darkroom", etc., I can see a "Critique" forum as a valuable asset.

The gallery has become a place to post images of anything, test rolls, classified pics, family snaps, etc. Using the "rate this photo" option, seldom garners the attention that a dedicated critique forum would offer. Of course one must be prepared for honest critiques, the good with the bad, but that is how we learn.
I often upload photos that I like for one reason or another and they seldom are commented on, it would be a learning experience to here from others as to why.
There would be a need for rules of course but I think a dedicated critique forum would be a benefit to us all.

BTW I have used this site off and on for a while (as well as a few other members here): http://www.photocritique.net/[/COLOR]

Todd

What a great idea for a site! Not much happening by way of critiquing, at least in the photos I looked at. Todd if you're interested--and ownership allows it--I would be willing to work with you on setting up a critique forum here at RFF (or elsewhere for that matter).

.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

What a great idea for a site! Not much happening by way of critiquing, at least in the photos I looked at. Todd if you're interested--and ownership allows it--I would be willing to work with you on setting up a critique forum here at RFF (or elsewhere for that matter).

.

I think it's a great idea, would love to do it here (RF's only) mangmnt willing.

If bandwith is an issue a requirement could be to post an image on a free site like Flikr and post inline here for critique, anyone else wanna bite?

Todd

 

[jano]

I have found the internet is a poor place for critiques. Local photography clubs are FAR better for that, especially when you have to print and get those critiqued. My own photography, or at least my perception of it, has improved as a result, on various levels including quality, creativity, composition, and subject matter.

 

[robert blu]

for sure critique helps personal growing. It happens with me, in my photoclub, with my friends or when I take part in workshops (i'm just back from a K.Carter workshop: excellent!). When looking at gallery I always try to leave a comment on picture which capture my interest, but it is not easy. Sometimes afraid to irritate the autor, sometime do not find the appropriate words in english, or too difficult to explain, with the risk to be misunderstood. For this reason sometime my comment is of the type "great shot" or " I like it", which is not so helpfull. But at least indicates that the shot create interest for me !

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I have found the internet is a poor place for critiques. Local photography clubs are FAR better for that, especially when you have to print and get those critiqued. My own photography, or at least my perception of it, has improved as a result, on various levels including quality, creativity, composition, and subject matter.

True, it may not be the best choice for critiques, but it may be the only choice for some. Critiquing a photo also expands ones knowledge of photography. Leaving a comment as to why you like or dislike an image requires some thought and insight, the same way you would think before releasing your own shutter. Alot could be learned here...

Todd

 

[back alley]

not to be the wet rag but...

every time this comes up and we try something there is always that group that says they are not qualified to critique a photograph, and it seems to die at that point.

for this to be successful, i believe there needs to be a structure in place. perhaps even a panel of volunteers who do the critiquing. i think that would be the hard part.
doesn't have to be limited to the volunteers but maybe a few volunteers plus anyone else who would like to add something.

joe

 

[Dracotype]

As an actual forum, like "general discussion", "darkroom", etc., I can see a "Critique" forum as a valuable asset.

The gallery has become a place to post images of anything, test rolls, classified pics, family snaps, etc. Using the "rate this photo" option, seldom garners the attention that a dedicated critique forum would offer. Of course one must be prepared for honest critiques, the good with the bad, but that is how we learn.
I often upload photos that I like for one reason or another and they seldom are commented on, it would be a learning experience to here from others as to why.
There would be a need for rules of course but I think a dedicated critique forum would be a benefit to us all.

BTW I have used this site off and on for a while (as well as a few other members here): http://www.photocritique.net/

Todd

I would wholeheartedly endorse and use such a forum if it appeared on RFF. I would be happy to be a volunteer critiquer (is that spelled right? ). And yes, Joe is right, we need structure and a good panel of critiquers so that we don't just have people saying "Great picture", "I like it", or "Perfect" (I am not criticizing you Robert). I see too much of this kind of behavior on Flickr. The purpose of criticism/critique is to be constructive.

I'm with Todd and Ray on this one. Lets make this happen.

Drew

 

[robert blu]

yes, the purpose of criticism/critique is to be constructive. I full agree with you, Dracotype.
In this case it requires time and there are too many pictures in the gallery for this. Some are without any indication and seem just familiar memories (which of course are a valid use of photography) and crticizing those I feel I could offend (without desiring) the autor. What is just a normal picture for me can be important for anyone else. A selected area or forum could make it more interesting and usefull.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

not to be the wet rag but...

every time this comes up and we try something there is always that group that says they are not qualified to critique a photograph, and it seems to die at that point.

for this to be successful, i believe there needs to be a structure in place. perhaps even a panel of volunteers who do the critiquing. i think that would be the hard part.
doesn't have to be limited to the volunteers but maybe a few volunteers plus anyone else who would like to add something.

joe

Some stucture is a good idea, a limit to the amount of images posted (per week maybe), a panel might be a dicey way to go...what kind of qualifications would be acceptable to the group?

I am of the opinion that most people can critique a photo given some idea of how to express their opinion, here are some tips I came across once from another site: http://www.photosig.com/go/main/help?name=faq/faq.011

I think it would be a good forum.

Todd

 

[Dougg]

Yes, criticism should be constructive, in that faults have possible solutions. I'd think it should be an "immersion" process, so that those critiquing are themselves subject to critique. For some, there may come too much enjoyment in demolishing another's work while witholding one's own..

The "rate this photo" feature in the gallery was well-intentioned of course but I think fatally flawed in requiring a single number to be assigned. The advantage of this is avoiding the clash of personal discord... But ultimately so de-fanged as to be useless. I think a critique calls for explanation; of course this is more work and takes time. One may struggle to say ANYthing about a totally banal image, while someone else might find some faint redeeming value. Not all will be inclined to participate, or do so often.

While some feel unqualified to judge another's work, yet they should be free to express a constructive observation...

I agree a fresh attempt at a critique forum would be interesting, and I too am willing to help however I can.

 

[RayPA]

not to be the wet rag but...

every time this comes up and we try something there is always that group that says they are not qualified to critique a photograph, and it seems to die at that point.

for this to be successful, i believe there needs to be a structure in place. perhaps even a panel of volunteers who do the critiquing. i think that would be the hard part.
doesn't have to be limited to the volunteers but maybe a few volunteers plus anyone else who would like to add something.

joe

where is the 'wet rag' icon?!

there really isn't a qualification for critiquing an image, maybe a delivery method, a way of saying it, so that the person whose work is getting critiqued gets the most out of the experience. You look at an image say why it works or doesn't work for you and offer a suggestion for improvement. That's easy enough to learn; you learn by doing it.

IMO, using a critquing panel is no good, and is asking for trouble. Critiques are basically peer evaluations. Even the ones I participated in where an instructor was involved, he/she acted as a moderator to keep the dialog going. Besides, if you're going to be critiqued, you have to critique. It's a two-way street in which the benefits go both ways. You critique to be critiqued.

 

[back alley]

just to be clear, my post had suggestions only in it.

i am of the opinion that most people can critique a photo given some idea of how to express their opinion...

i think this is the fatal flaw as most people don't want to risk it. i'm not trying to be mean or anything, i just think there are too few people that would do the work and take the risk of offending someone.
i agree with a limit per week though.

i wish i had something more constructive to contribute.

 

[back alley]

out of curiosity, how did the "thumbs down" icon appear on my previous post? How do I remove it?

Todd

i have no idea. normally you have to click on the icon to have it appear.

 

[back alley]

where is the 'wet rag' icon?!

still looking...