Is it me?

Hi Richard,
I would take a ‘no comment’ on an image as indication that the shot does not work. People are very careful with criticising other artists because they fear to upset them. Which is fair enough – every person taking the photo had some sort of artistic moment to justify the shot. I totally agree that ‘absolutely awesome’ comments on a poorly executed photo doesn’t do the photographer any good because it will not improve his shooting style. But there is also a lot of people who simply don’t see if the photo is (excuse me) crap. :-)
Will comment on your photo right now.

Hey thanks Steve! Well straight away, I got a bit of feedback that may help me improve the shot (well the process of the shot!). I’m not suggesting we change RB, rather add an optional stream for critique. I love RB but if all I can look forward to is people saying what a great shot it is – when really they think the crop is too tight or the saturation too high – or whatever – I’m not learning and that’s not what I need.

Thanks mate, appreciate your response and your feedback on Harry ;)

Hey, who the heck is your other FAVOURITE photographer, haha! I think this site is designed more for politeness than critiquing, as that isnt what most people upload for. Its for showcasing your work not getting feedback. Like Sascha said, no comments is a good sign that it doesnt work, without needing the words. There are groups for critiquing on here though. Photography 101 maybe? Have a search coz ive come across several! Perhaps you could send it thru to those groups asking for advice. I used to be a member of a critiquing site and in the end i actually found it a bit annoying – some people had no photogrpahic experience or knowledge and took pretty ordinary pics, but were telling me my pics were bad! Overall mate the best advice i learnt long ago is if you like the shot you’ve created, it doesnt matter if anyone else does. Some people dont get Baby Butterfly! Most on RB do, but not some external to RB! If i had gone with their opinions no one would have ever seen that shot! Which i love by the way! :)
I think Harrys parents would love the shot you did because they love the subject matter and its a damn fine photo! Its soooo subjective!
Seeya tomorrow!!! xxx

Yep, good point mate, there should be an options box to tick if you want critique – Why dontchya email the BM administrators and ask if they would consider it?

It’s not just you. When I joined RB and saw the comments and received them myself I was a bit down and up at the same time. It’s nice that people like what you do and say so but it was immediately clear to me that most people using this community are amateurs or just don’t want to upset anyone with their criticism. I prefer to say what I think, just give good criticism. But for example I have seen some really good pics here that unfortunately are not sharp and I have not left a comment. If you post a pic like that then it’s obvious you’re an amateur and there’s no point in me saying it’s blurry…sorry guys.
Mariann

Hey Mariann, I would disagree and feel that as an amateur good criticism is exactly what one does need, if the photo is blurry then perhaps a comment like,’Nice compo but watch your focus’ wouldn’t go amiss. Criticism is especially valuable with things that are more technical, i think if somebody doesn’t like my work just because it isn’t there cup of tea then perhaps don’t comment, no point, however if it is something more technical such as composition, balance or technique, then criticism is valuable – and the information gained through that criticism will allow us as artists to grow.

By the way Rich darling, your photos are crap – JOKE, you know I love em. :)

I think Rich, that if I felt “qualified” as one worthy of critiquing anyones work here, then I would be more inclined to do so. But I feel that such things should be left said by those of us here who really do qualify as “experts” or at least have enough confidence in their own work to give the criticism you are looking for! xo Until I do, I hope you won’t mind if I just express my gratitude and enjoyment of your work in a kind and simple manner. ;o)

I actually always hesitate when I see a flaw in a photo….I’m sure not sure if I should say anything or not. When you know an artist wants an honest critque it’s easy, but when you don’t know it’s a little uncomfortable doing it. But, now that I know you want honesty…I’ll be right on to it!! One of my most popular images on redbubble I really don’t think is that good, the details in the whites is blown out and everytime I get a comment I think “you’ve gotta be joking”!!

Thank you for writing this brilliant point. I am also on Flickr and have the same problem (I just joined RB about a week ago). I think part of the problem is that people pick too many people on their watchlist which leads them to have no time to really look at other people’s images and make fair assessments of them (good or bad). I personally would love some feedback (including the “bad”), because that’s the only way I’m going to learn and improve. I live in a small community that has no other photographers to get together and share feedback with. But here, it seems people don’t want to offend others - I mean, if my work here is crappy, I want to know why so I can improve it and produce a better image. Thanks again for writing this - I’m glad I’m not the only frustrated one here…