Why don't you post any (more) pictures ?

[kiwi]

After responding with info for another member who has plenty of posts, but not one single picture I thought it might be useful to understand why people do not post any or many pictures to what is essentially a photography centric forum ?

[mrDooba]

I don't post many photos anymore because I receive very little criticism. (that was the whole reason for me posting)

[Tannin]

I don't post many photos anymore because I receive very little criticism. (that was the whole reason for me posting)

^ What is there to criticise about your pictures, Chris? In your own words, "Very little". You have gone past the stage where a lot of CC can do much for your photography. (At least so far as your birds go.)

[Tannin]

For my own part, I don't post a lot of pictures here because:

1. I have a website which is the primary place from which I share pictures
2. because my bird work is reasonably well-known here and there isn't a lot to add to that unless I develop a new skill or a new way of conceptualising what it is that makes a good bird picture (there is no great point in just adding more different species, though that can be fun from time to time)
3. because if my eye isn't good enough to know what is good and not so good about a bird picture by now then it never will be and there is no point in soliciting CC
4. because my landscapes sometimes go straight through to the keeper with little more that a "nice shot" or two'
5. because about every second landscape I post elicits a really thought-provoking response from someone (Dtoh and Ricktas both come to mind immediately in this connection, though they are by no means the only ones) and I need time to let that soak in and percolate its way into my work (what is the point of good CC if you read it and say "OK, good point" and then forget about it?). There is no point in posting more before I've got my mind properly around the last couple.
6. because I often learn more from commenting on other people's pictures. Sounds silly but it's true! To comment well, I am forced to think, forced to verbalise and justify my visual instincts, forced to be more disciplined and incisive in the way I look at your pictures, and that flows over into my pictures
7. Probably other reasons that I forget just now.
8. Because I'm too busy writing down a list of the reasons why I don't post many pictures!

[Xenedis]

because I often learn more from commenting on other people's pictures. Sounds silly but it's true! To comment well, I am forced to think, forced to verbalise and justify my visual instincts, forced to be more disciplined and incisive in the way I look at your pictures, and that flows over into my pictures

That's very true. Analysis of someone else's work can definitely help with your own.

You may instinctively know what makes an image work or what makes it appealing, but there's more to be learned (both as the giver and recipient of critique) by analysing an image and verbalising its strengths and weaknesses.

Listening to judge commentary also has the same effect (on me, anyway).

[Pine]

Gee MrDooba
Its great to be that good!

Personally I think that some of the photos are not that good
but then again its all in the eye of the beholder.

Regards

[kiwi]

Looking at your past threads you seem to receive Forum average response, roughly one post for very 20 views

[ricktas]

Will be an interesting poll I feel. If anyone has suggestions (MrDooba), on how we can improve that, let me know. Maybe we need to run another 'best critique of the month'?. Other ideas will be considered. After all, critique is something members need to do to each other, not something I, or the moderators can make people do.

[Russell K]

Mr Dooba you obviously never had Kiwi post cc on one of your threads (no ofrfence meant Kiwi).

Russell K

[mrDooba]

Mr Dooba you obviously never had Kiwi post cc on one of your threads (no ofrfence meant Kiwi).

Russell K

I can't recall receiving a comment from Darren but I have seen his comments(relating to photos) throughout the site.

Kiwi is comfortable giving his view on a piece of work.

[mrDooba]

Perhaps the BCOTM would be a nice regular feature. But I guess that means more work for the(already hard working) admin crew.

I know there are some members who consistently offer critical analysis of photos but I guess some people just don't really feel comfortable or confident offering their critical opinion on other people's work. Perhaps some people are unsure of how it will be received by the photographer.

[Xenedis]

My view is that people don't post images much (if at all) for any or a combination of the following reasons:

1. they're intimidated by some of the images visible on this site;
2. they don't feel their images meet some perceived standard;
3. they've posted before and received little, unhelpful or no critique; or
4. they're here for other reasons (eg, sharing knowledge, answering questions, etc.).

While the solicitation or provision of critique is to be encouraged, some people simply won't feel comfortable doing either or both.

[Robbo7D]

My view is that people don't post images much (if at all) for any or a combination of the following reasons:

1. they're intimidated by some of the images visible on this site;
2. they don't feel their images meet some perceived standard;
3. they've posted before and received little, unhelpful or no critique; or
4. they're here for other reasons (eg, sharing knowledge, answering questions, etc.).

While the solicitation or provision of critique is to be encouraged, some people simply won't feel comfortable doing either or both.

All of the above for me!! I try & post fairly regularly and am keen to read comments, cc etc on the photos. More often than not there are nil comments. OK, so obviously the pics are boring. Then I look at pics posted by "regulars" that command many responses, but these pics look the same to me, same compositions, same colours, same scenes. I like these pics, I respect the photgrophers & the efforts they put in to get these shots.....but inherently, they all look familiar, and you see the same comments on each & every one of them. Do these banal & obvious comments help the photogropher achieve better photos in the future?

[alextdel]

My view is that people don't post images much (if at all) for any or a combination of the following reasons:

1. they're intimidated by some of the images visible on this site;
2. they don't feel their images meet some perceived standard;
3. they've posted before and received little, unhelpful or no critique; or
4. they're here for other reasons (eg, sharing knowledge, answering questions, etc.).

While the solicitation or provision of critique is to be encouraged, some people simply won't feel comfortable doing either or both.

I have always got good CC on my photos but I agree partly with the sentiment of the first two points made by Xenedis. However, it would would useless to have a site like this with below average and less than best photos submitted because the 'good' photographers didn't want to show off - that's part of the point isn't it. We obviously need to see the best. I have to say though that I enjoy the competitions even though I know my photos suck.
This is a good supportive forum for wannabe as well as guru photographers, so overall, great site.

[porsche 911]

I like the reward system, the more posts that you put out there the more of the site's fun parts you can access, may be a critic counter with benefits might work. Think outside the box as this is what makes this website so much fun. Just a quick idea what if for every 25 cc counts you get to use the HC (Hard core critic smiley) This could then be sent to selected members probably those whom identify them selves as advanced.

[Xenedis]

I like the reward system, the more posts that you put out there the more of the site's fun parts you can access

Personally I'm not keen on the use of a reward system for offering critiques, as it's open to abuse; ie, people could post critiques (of varying or even NO quality) to gain points.

For my liking, I post critiques because I have something to offer. It's not about rewards for me. If someone gains something useful from what I have to say, then that's my reward.

I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. I'd rather read a dozen insightful critiques than scores of "nice shot" posts or otherwise useless critiques. Of course, we all like to hear that we have produced a nice shot, but informed critique is ultimately more useful than an ego boost.

[mrDooba]

Yes Tony I am very serious about my bird photography but I am also still learning(and I say that with absolute sincerity).
My photos are picked to shreds on bird specific forums. The competition is fierce!! I'm always amazed at what other bird focussed photographers will see and offer advice or just opinions on. Receiving this criticism makes my work stronger and trains my eye to notice subtle aspects that could be changed for the better.

I might add that looking and commenting on other's work in a very critical manner also strengthens my work

[kiwi]

People don't post pics, people don't post critique, I get that. I do. But the lifeblood of a forum are pictures, not discussions about carbon tax or gear etc.

Sometimes yes, you get to a point where you might not get a lot of critique or comments as you post excellent photos, but surely you get lots of admiration and people who aspire to achieve the same results.

[old dog]

a very interesting view from you guys. For my part, I just want to learn and most of all to have a good time doing it...having fun. One can`t lose sight of that

[kiwi]

Nice shot comments are better than zippo.