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FrankS

FrankS

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On Facebook, I'm a member of a Leica group and a medium format group. My question is whether or not I should bother giving constructive criticism on really poor images.
This morning I did so. The image was tilted from horizontal, not enough to be purposeful, but because it was a view of a lake/ocean, it was bothersome. Water doesnt behave that way. Secondly, there were bits of distracting elements along the edges of the frame.
I pointed out these issues along with an apology for the tough love. The picture had 2 likes already. If no one said anything, the maker may not learn a couple of very basic things to be careful of. It bothered me somewhat that someone would post such a poor picture on Facebook, using a Leica. He's obviously a learner, yet has a most expensive camera.

Just a stream of consciousness rambling, sorry. As a former grade school teacher, and camera club judge, I sometimes need to practise more restraint in inserting myself when I should just keep my nose out of it.

Any thoughts on this?
 
In FB? No, Steve is right. Anywhere else, perhaps, but not in FB. I am member of a couple of photographers communities and see the same thing... but do not comment. Why? Because it's not expected or requested. Take care!
 
You're totally right in doing what you did. The group I belong to are people more or less all related to me whether near or distant. Some of their posts picture wise are so poor I consider them trash worthy but, guess what they get high,high praise! Go figure. And No, I've never posted anything negative.
 
I believe the problem stems with how criticism is given. When giving constructive criticism, you should point out the good along with the bad. People can only give only good or only bad criticism. Bad criticism is harder to give in a good way (i.e. "this is why this or the other is not good") vs. bad way (i.e. "this is bad").

People are too brief in their praise or their (bad) criticism: "good capture!"..."x is distracting". The short criticism causes short bad reactions, the short praises cause short good reactions. It's that simple.

It is not only because "they want praise". Empty calorie praise is as damaging as empty calorie criticism.

That, and the Intertoobes filter intent, so one you go on critiquing something, it's hard not to come across as a blowhard! 🙂


And, yes: FB is not a critique forum, it's a sharing platform. I'd stay away from pointing out flaws to strangers on FB.
 
"That, and the Intertoobes filter intent, so one you go on critiquing something, it's hard not to come across as a blowhard! "

Hey, I resemble that remark!

😉
 
I commented today on a blog post that the OP wrote about ethics. His photograph irregardless whether it illustrated ethics, it didn't, was terrible. I told him so. Sometimes I have no compunction to hold my tongue. I often wonder how certain people on the web, FB aside, become outspoken of what is right and wrong in regards to photography, hold workshops, get paid from attendees, and rise to became household names, all the while only maintaining a level of mediocrity?
 
"Sometimes I have no compunction to hold my tongue."

Yep, that's me too.

Okay Joe, I've got a couple of comments for you:
You have a picture of a young man with red hair. I think it's very good because his expression is natural, the colour of the background is perfect for his colouring, and its nice and simple/non-distracting from the subject.
There's another pic in b@w of a young lady holding a violin. Love the lighting and that her hat covers her face. IMO, it would be perfect if she weren't also holding a cell phone. I understand that the juxtaposition drew you to see the picture, but it could have been something more. Just my opinion!

See what I mean? 😉
 
As said above - people (especially social-networking people) want praise, not criticism or advice of any kind. I hate hate hate it when a friend emails me a snapshot and says glowingly "Huh, what do you think of this one?" - my brain screams to me ..... incoming incendiary !!!
 
FrankS said:
"Sometimes I have no compunction to hold my tongue."

Yep, that's me too.

Okay Joe, I've got a couple of comments for you:
You have a picture of a young man with red hair. I think it's very good because his expression is natural, the colour of the background is perfect for his colouring, and its nice and simple/non-distracting from the subject.
There's another pic in b@w of a young lady holding a violin. Love the lighting and that her hat covers her face. IMO, it would be perfect if she weren't also holding a cell phone. I understand that the juxtaposition drew you to see the picture, but it could have been something more. Just my opinion!

See what I mean? 😉
Click to expand...

i wish the red haired man was in better focus...the fuji has a hard time with a moving subject...but i like the shot as he was singing and moving about and i think i caught his energy well.
i love that she has the phone in her hand...made the pic for me...but i can understand how some might have liked it a bit more simple...if i could have caught both i would have and then been able to choose afterward.
thanks frank!!
 
People seem to have lots of time free to spend on Facebook nowadays. I wonder how small is the minority I am belonging to (no Facebook account, never had, never will).
 
Highway 61 said:
People seem to have lots of time free to spend on Facebook nowadays. I wonder how small is the minority I am belonging to (no Facebook account, never had, never will).
Click to expand...

facebook is far from a perfect place to visit but it has put me into contact wirh some long lost friends and relatives and for that i'm grateful...and there is some interesting info there at times too!!!
 
I only recently started posting photos on FB, and joined a number of groups there. I'm treading carefully, but I agree FB appears to be more about sharing photos than critiquing them. If I see a photo I think is weak, I simply skip over it. I only "like" or comment on the stuff that seems to have merit.
 
Over-processed digital photos. Hey! Weird doesn't = Great 🙄

I've seen a professional photographer post instagram photos of snow scenes making the snow look as though used engine oil had been sprayed on it. This was a professional! All comments were positive. If I had just booked him for a wedding I would've been having serious second thoughts.

I didn't want to say anything because he's a friend, but, for goodness sake, if you're going to post, make an effort 🙄

Pete
 
Highway 61 said:
People seem to have lots of time free to spend on Facebook nowadays. I wonder how small is the minority I am belonging to (no Facebook account, never had, never will).
Click to expand...


I had a FB account a few years back, and shut it down after maybe 2 months.
People ask me why I did that, and I say "All my friends are dead 😛 "
Truthfully, I just like e-mail and personal websites better than the FB ..... uhmmm.... ambience.
 
Bingley said:
I only recently started posting photos on FB, and joined a number of groups there. I'm treading carefully, but I agree FB appears to be more about sharing photos than critiquing them. If I see a photo I think is weak, I simply skip over it. I only "like" or comment on the stuff that seems to have merit.
Click to expand...

I'm going to turn over a new leaf, and just skip over the weak ones. Thanks for your (all of you) thoughts.
 
Only critique in a critique group imo (unless the poster requested). Posting an image in a critique group is by default looking for critique. Otherwise keep your finger off the "like" button ��
 
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