I think Leanne sums it up nicely!

Can I add that I have no problem providing critique, but only do so for people that I've known for a while because rightly or wrongly, when I provide critique it's generally direct (some would say harsh) and uncompromising! I know that I've upset people in the past, so that's why I now limit my critique to those that I know or those that specifically ask for it. If that's mis-construed as a clique, then so be it!

As for the number of friends in ones profile, you can't just expect to have friends requests come in all the time. I know if I adopted that approach my friends list would not contain the number of people it does. Get out there and chase after people whose work you like or who you would like to work with at some stage. Also remember, as has been mentioned before, the friends list isn't some sort of competition to see who can have the longest list.

As for Spencer Tunick, he's hardly a great photographer. He is, however, a great installation artist, that happens to use photography to document his artwork. I think referring to him as the greatest joke in the world displays a distinct lack of apprecaition for art (not that I'm much of an art expert myself, but I think such sweeping statements need to be used with care).

- Thorsten.

As a novice, amature, beginner, I note how many views my pics get, very glad to get comments.  I assume if not many views = not a good pic or subject matter.  To avoid judging, if the site just has a bucket for least viewed images then I can look there and know which ones I (and others) should remove from my portfolio.

11 replies This has to be one of my most active threads. It was meant as a tongue in cheek suggestion, precislely because some of the keek that is posted in the main gallery.

Precisely :)

I do think a critique gallery would help people who are genuinely looking for 'constructive' imput.   If it was used for that purpose and not a  'hey look how good this, find something wrong with it'  purpose.  It would give everyone who is experimenting with techniques, as we all are doing irrespective of abilities and styles, a place to air and discuss. 
Not only that, constructive input can lead to the development of threads relating to a specific techniques or a solutions which may be very positive for all.   
When I view the galleries I see very obvious things in work appearing that I have learnt through trial and error to correct.  It would be nice to give good advice and not be seen as knocking someones achievments ........ and to explain how I would go about it......but I definately am not going to critque posted image in the main gallery though I have often felt like it.
 I know people can get very sensitive about their images.

But yes, Leanne I think the critque gallery would be good for people who want to use it constructively.

Art

I'm very actively involved in a camera club and regularly enter shots into competitions, both locally, nationally and internationally. One thing is for sure, it gives you a thick skin :)

The reason I use critique forums is to get a judges opinion before going to print with an image, which will eventually end up in front of another judge. Now the thing to realise is that every judge is different, some people will love a shot that others hate - but without critique on my images I'd never have developed.

I'm shooting 4 years now and my whole development has been based on what I learned via the internet. Honest critique was a huge part of that development.

I can't see a critique forum getting off the ground here and to be honest, i don't mind so much because I have other sites I use for that. What I do find a pity is that any quality of image is posted and simply left.. if people were "guided" towards what makes a good photo and indeed what doesnt I do believe you'd have less shrapnel in the galleries.

Web models have a system where you can submit an image for critique by ticking the relevant box when you submit the image. I think this would be useful for those with a great desire to improve their photography if used responsibly or with  a structured system for critique. However a weakness with their system is that most of the time it just attracts comments like "great image" or terrible image" and rarely offers any real technical critique. I'm not sure how you get the balance right. You could of course have a selected panel of people to offer the critique but would that even work. I often look at the featured gallery which is handpicked by experts (isn't it) and often wonder how some of the images are selected. Is it really because they are considered on excellence or is it just on the name of the photographer who has taken the image. Anyway the more i try to write on this topic the more i realise how difficult a subject it is and how hard it will be to come up with a definitive solution. I'll probably just stick to uploading pics that i like and leave positive comments on the others i enjoy.

I think the featured gallery is a welcome addition to the site to be honest. Ok, I'm not sure of the process for how and why certain images get in and there are a few that personally I'd question. But that aside, there's far less "keek" in the featured gallery than there is in the main one, so it's more enjoyable to browse.

As for critiques, sites have worried and discussed this balance for ever and will probably continue to do so for the next "for ever". The "nice shot" syndrome will always be there.. it's here now! As far as I'm concerned, any image that's posted on the site, welcomes comments (which is critique).. be that good and bad. If I know the photographer/model I'll generally be more open and honest with my comments. If I don't know them and the shot is awful, I'll say nothing in gallery... and start a thread like this instead

- Thorsten.

While others don't know you've been looking at some of my complete, warts and all, unedited and unprocessed shoots, I've certainly benefitted from it already, Thorsten.

BUT, that is because I respect your style, knowledge and general opinion. Therefore I have no problem taking a critique from you, and in the spirit it's meant. There are a handful of photographers here that I would feel that way about. Even some of the ones slagging me over my almost better injury in the gym.. ;)

As to a general public critique.. only if I ask. Even at that I do usually only ask specific people.

One downside to all critique is that it is completely subjective, so if a person doesn't have a sense of your work, or intent, they will simply not like the work, and their advice is usually getting you around to their way of thinking. No thanks. 

And speaking of thanks, thank you again for those critiques. When they're fresh, they help focus. And to tie in with ciaran's other post, it may be time to hire some more experienced models. I'm tired of all the time spent getting across the point to models on the rudiments of posing and losing that 'one look' expression.. Sigh.