Emotion or Technically Perfect?

[Ronnoco]

Doesn't it really depend on where you want to go and what you want to accomplish? That has yet to be mentioned here. Is it a photo for personal gratification, regular clients, galleries, competition, or publications?

I've seen some "pros" with technically crappy photos, and the clients are extremely happy, if it's just for you, if you like it, fine. Competition, p&r companies, and publications want extremely high quality photos.

So, I think the first question should be what do you want to do?

You really have to have a clear understanding of what photography is all about, irrespective of where you want to go.

I have done a lot of journalistic photography which is not quite the same as artistic work, but it is interesting that even non-photographers recognize a great journalistic photo and they are often unconsciously using the same basic concepts of technique and composition in their evaluation. So you still need to know how to take a great journalistic photo and make and take the opportunities whenever possible.

Public relations, publications, graphics and television work have different requirements as well but technique and composition are still important.

If it is strictly for personal gratification, then you should not be in a photo forum because you are really not ready to progress beyond that limited level and like some, not ready to recognize that you need to improve your eye, your knowledge, or your techniques.

Ronnoco

[payn817]

perhaps I wasn't elaborate enough?

LOL Adina

[adina]

If it is strictly for personal gratification, then you should not be in a photo forum because you are really not ready to progress beyond that limited level and like some, not ready to recognize that you need to improve your eye, your knowledge, or your techniques.

Ronnoco

A while back, Irakly started a thread regarding the level of photos that were being posted. I believe his complaint was the lack of "art" that was showing up on these forums, and that there was a whole lot of camera talk and "snapshots". I don't remember his exact words, I will see if I can find the thread.

This is not an Art photography board, but rather a place for those of all skill levels to chat with others with similar interests. There isn't a set of rules and an application that you have to fill out, along with submitting a portfolio to determine if you qualify to post.

It has been pointed out numerous times that this is a forum for people of all skill levels to discuss and share photography, regardless of whether or not they are technically perfect.

The attitude you expressed above is one of the reasons lurkers stay lurkers. What are you doing to help those who haven't reached the level you are at? Are you offering helpful critiques in a manner that's not going to offend people to the point where they are afraid to post? Or are you giving them harsh criticism and belittling them until they leave to find another site to learn from.

People aren't going to get better by telling them they suck and shouldn't be on a board. People are going to get better by telling them what they can do to improve in a civil manner, without getting personal.

[Ronnoco]

This is not an Art photography board, but rather a place for those of all skill levels to chat with others with similar interests. another site to learn from.

People aren't going to get better by telling them they suck and shouldn't be on a board. People are going to get better by telling them what they can do to improve in a civil manner, without getting personal.

You are still missing or ignoring the point that I have made several times. Technique and composition are the essential elements of ALL photography and that is what needs to be learned.

I standby what I said about people here, strictly for personal gratification but most people are here to try and learn how to improve their work and get a more objective view. Surely you are aware of the distinction.

Gee, you start off by getting personal and suggesting I told anyone that "they suck" (not true) and then suggest that I get personal.

You know VERY WELL, that I have told numerous posters how to improve in a civil manner without getting personal, and further that I have only REACTED to personal, uncivil remarks about me or my work.

Ronnoco

[adina]

You are still missing or ignoring the point that I have made several times. Technique and composition are the essential elements of ALL photography and that is what needs to be learned.

I standby what I said about people here, strictly for personal gratification but most people are here to try and learn how to improve their work and get a more objective view. Surely you are aware of the distinction.

Gee, you start off by getting personal and suggesting I told anyone that "they suck" (not true) and then suggest that I get personal.

You know VERY WELL, that I have told numerous posters how to improve in a civil manner without getting personal, and further that I have only REACTED to personal, uncivil remarks about me or my work.

Ronnoco

I'm not missing that point. I don't disagree with it. I agree that you need to learn the technical skills that make a good photograph. Only when you know them, can you break them by choice. Whether you shoot more by emotion or by going step by step thru these rules is irrelevant. Those who are successful, even though the "rules" may be broken, have most likely learned those rules before breaking them.

Yes, most people want an objective view. But most people also want to know how someone feels about the photo they posted. How often do you see a post titled "what do you think of the use of the rule of thirds here". More often you see "what do you think of this?". I think a good critique has both technical suggestions and a personal response to the work.

Whether or not you actually told someone "you suck" is not the point. Stating that unless someone is at a certain degree of skill, they shouldn't be posting on a photography forum is just as disheartening to those who are learning as telling them flat out they suck.

And really, I was speaking generally about manners of critique, not directing it specifically at you. But the fact is, 9 times out of 10, when someone gets upset and offended about a thread, you've posted numerous times.

And for the record, I have never commented negatively about your work. I haven't seen any, so how could I. The only personal remarks I've made towards you have been regarding the tone you set in the thread. And given you've made similar comments towards me, I fail to see the need for capitol letters.

[payn817]

The attitude you expressed above is one of the reasons lurkers stay lurkers. What are you doing to help those who haven't reached the level you are at? Are you offering helpful critiques in a manner that's not going to offend people to the point where they are afraid to post? Or are you giving them harsh criticism and belittling them until they leave to find another site to learn from.

Honestly, I felt that as well. That is why I no longer post in critique. Instead, I found a photography club nearby, and through friendly group critique, and competition, am slowly learning. As successful as 2006 was photographically for me, I still won't post because it will certainly be ripped, and that will not help acheive anything.

[freygr]

Honestly, I felt that as well. That is why I no longer post in critique. Instead, I found a photography club nearby, and through friendly group critique, and competition, am slowly learning. As successful as 2006 was photographically for me, I still won't post because it will certainly be ripped, and that will not help acheive anything.

Yes and Yes, it's suppose to be a critique forum not a flame forum.

You are still missing or ignoring the point that I have made several times. Technique and composition are the essential elements of ALL photography and that is what needs to be learned.

I standby what I said about people here, strictly for personal gratification but most people are here to try and learn how to improve their work and get a more objective view. Surely you are aware of the distinction.

Gee, you start off by getting personal and suggesting I told anyone that "they suck" (not true) and then suggest that I get personal.

You know VERY WELL, that I have told numerous posters how to improve in a civil manner without getting personal, and further that I have only REACTED to personal, uncivil remarks about me or my work.

Ronnoco

"Technique and composition are the essential elements of ALL photography" but framing and other rules are only guides, not rules set in stone. Some B&W Photos would not have the same impact if there were shot in color and the same can be said of color photos. Color and B&W photography has different techniques for outstanding photos.
It all comes to the eye of the photographer and some have the gift others have to work at it.
AND
I hate to see payn817 say he isn't posting because of the negative comments in the critique forum.