Tony Moore

carpenter777, 11 months ago

Tony bless you I too would like constructive criticism because I am learning here I would say more but I would only be commenting on a laymens point of view because I know nothing about photography except what I personally like but yes it is hard to leave a remark that you think might be taken wrong feel free to criticise away on my stuff though because I want to improve and can not do that unless I know where the weak points are

SylviaHardy, 11 months ago

Hi Tony, I have noticed though that in the past I have made a comment that may be helpful that sometimes it is being sensored and then it makes me feel absolutely awful and I feel that maybe I have let the side down? I am no expert, but like you I have an opinion when something works or not?
Also when advise may be given when it is ignored, this can make a person feel vulnerable if it isn’t beeing accknowledged after a feedback!
But you are always welcome to give me your constructive advise if you feel it will help my work, and I am happy to try to do the same for you, if you whish?

Lois Romer, 11 months ago

Tony, no one is the cheif judge of photography, we all have different ideas about what we like and dont like, whilst there are standards rules, like focus, dof, straight horizons and composition etc, it isnt black and white. I sometimes dont have time to comment when i have a quick look. The only way to improve is by seeing what others think and either agreeing with them or rejecting. Keep going as we all shall.
Cheers
Lois

ShaneBooth, 11 months ago

Tony, i don’t see Redbubble as a Critiquing forum. As for commenting Im just lazy and will endeavor to be more active.
Why don’t you come over to “http://www.passionforpixels.com/index.php” where we has a fine site just for that. Lots of P4P members are also RB members

Zeanana, 11 months ago

Hey Tony,

You are absolutly right. Constructive Criticism is a rare find nowadays. And I guess a big part of the community is against criticism.
And indeed, it is possible for it to be getting easily out of hand.

One thing that might work is, when people add in their photo’s description, that constructive criticism is appreciated? Or maybe RP can add a button into the uploading process, that marks the picture as criticizable.
This would give people who do not want their photos picked apart the opportunity to do nothing and people know not to comment critically and tell thos apart, who actually want and appreciate constructive comments on their pictures…

Up to now, however, the forum “For Critique” is also a nice idea. If one really needs advice or criticism on a certain photo, he can add it there quite easily.

But yes, generally, I agree :c) Would be nice to hear some more hints and trips and explanations about how to make pictures better!

Love,

Giovanna

PS: I am sure I left typos behind; if you find them, you may keep them. Feed them well and they will be friends for a long, long time…

fleece, 11 months ago

it would be cool it were easier to provide feedback, like a voting system where you can assign a score. actually that’s a slippery slope forget i said it.

Jeff Burns, 11 months ago

Tony you are absolutely correct. It is good to leave comments to help people improve. I use to belong to another site and some people told me to crop this or change that or try something different and it made my picture better. It also made me take pictures differently.

I agree on a scoring system. Like a 1-5 scale or something. Or 1-6 to make it even.

Anytime you want to help me out and tell me what you think Tony. Do it buddy. I will not get offended. I am trying to learn just like you. I am usually only commenting if I like the shot.

So if you like Tony, go into my profile and grab a shaky photo and let it all out buddy!!
LOL I am READY

natmis, 11 months ago

hi tony i don’t leave comments alot but that does not mean i do not like peoples work i could think something is amazing but not leave a comment. i just roam around this sight looking at as much as i can. i think looking at other’s work is a good way to learn. i wouldn’t be able to see as much as i do if i spent alot of time typing.i think everyone on this sight is talented and brave for just putting their work out there for others to see. can be scary.

RonniLeigh, 11 months ago

I think what Tony is trying to say is…...he doesn’t know why hardly anyone comments on his work. So there for he is thinking maybe people don’t like his work. And if that’s the case then he needs to know what he needs to do to make his art better. So he would feel better if someone would at least say why they don’t like his art. I might be wrong but that’s the way I take it.

Tony, of course I don’t know anything about anything. lol I think for the most part it has to do with people’s likes and dislikes but it doesn’t mean your art isn’t good enough. I looked at your photos and there isn’t anything wrong with your photos. As far as people not commenting it seems a lot of people don’t leave comments. But we all need to hear some kind of comment it gives the artist a positive vibe at least to get a comment of likes and dislikes if that may be the case.

rebecca zachariah, 11 months ago

Hi tony, I am fairly new at RB and I have to say most of the comments on my photos are positive comments. Dont get me wrong, I really appreciated. But of recent time I have also received some criticism of my photo. It actually made me think and encourges me to try different thing. Although, at the end i still like the original composition of the image, at least I learn from the exercise. I did not feel offended in anyway, because it was done in a nice manner. I am happy to receive opinion from people about what works and what does not. So I am with you there.

Coralie Casey, 11 months ago

I think constructive criticism is important for an artist to help to better themselves and their work, but if it could be sent as a private message it would be better. Then that way customers don’t get put off ordering a print based on 1 person’s criticism of that pic….

Maybe it could be something for the Red Bubble crew to work on getting up and running if they aren’t already.

Steven Sandner, 11 months ago

Heya Tony,

I think people should just leave a NOTE at the bottom of their work, outlining whether they want criticism or not. Everyone is different, personally i like criticism as it allows me to develop a better understanding of what others like and don’t like. In terms of prospective buyers being put off by criticism, maybe there should be a limit to what can be seen by the general public?

Good thoughts here! ciao!

Joe Mortelliti, 11 months ago

Hi Tony,
I’m also a passionforpixels member and agree with Shanes point/post above. The P4P site provides for skills development, whereas redbubble is more of a showcase…they compliment each other

Melinda Kerr, 11 months ago

I’m so glad someone has mentioned passion for pixels. It is a fantastic forum (I am also a member). And a great place to get really good constructive criticism.

rxaphotography, 11 months ago

Hi Tony,

You have struck a chord with this post. I think we learn more from what people don’t like then what they do. But having said that i think if giving criticism, one should also amplify the items they DO like with a photo so as not to demoralise a photo or photographer.

Mel Brackstone, 11 months ago

Hi Tony, I’d like to make a couple of points. I think if you want crits, you could add to the description a note asking for them, and also pointing out what YOU like about the photo, that will give others a starting point. So many people interpret art in so many different ways, that it can be unfair to expect everyone to see your point of view.
I agree that this really isn’t the place for crits, but passion for pixels has a critique gallery where you will no doubt get lots of help. It’s where I started out back in 2003, and the help and encouragement I’ve received has been priceless.
Next, I’d suggest if there is something in your portfolio that you particularly like, but it’s not getting comments, then put it up in the critique forum here, once again, stating what you like about it, and asking if there’s something that others feel can improve it.
Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

Andrew Wilson, 11 months ago

Hey Tony,
I joined a photo club 2 years ago, and the best part was judging night ionce a month when different independent judges would look at everyones photos and give positive and constuctive feedback. I found my photography improved heaps and after a while I even stopped taking absolutely crap photos. It would be great if members of Redbubble could also impart some constructive feedback. I hope the staff of Redbubble will however monitor it so that non constructive people are kept at bay.

Natalie Manuel, 11 months ago

I think unless someone states somewhere that they are happy with crits on here, you shouldn’t.

Some of us are against it because this is one of our main ways of selling work that is ready for sale and criticism can harm those sales.

Doesn’t mean we’re against CC in general, just not in this particular place :)

Cheryl Ridge, 11 months ago

Agree with Coralie and Natalie.
For me it would be like walking into a shop that has art and hanging a big sign
next to it criticising it. Crit even if considered constructive by the author could start putting
doubts in the customer’s mind.

If people want crit, perhaps have a seperate/private section.

Graeme Pettit ..., 11 months ago

Hi Tony.
These are just observations…....

A lot of folk use too few tabs, so, unless someone does a search for a subject and finds it with the tabs you have used, then you are likely to get picked for a further look either off the submissions page, recent, or someone elses favourites. I must admit, I search by tag very rarely, but the facility is useful if I do.

I would find it difficult to say what drives my searching, but I follow a thread and see where it leads – pic a picture, look at the portfolio, read comments, blogs, and visit favourites or watched people, or those who leave comment who I have not visited before. Found some interesting stuff this way, and some real happy snap stuff too…..but pass this by and start again.

Due to time, I tend to pick a couple of pics to comment on in a portfolio, but will generally only choose pics where there is firstly something out of the ordinary, or a different approach has been used, or, one which appeals to my warped sense of humour and reality, or one which I especially like for some reason.

Generally, I do not give negative critique unless requested, as others may view an image differently than I. I give positive critique if I still like it on good examination. I pass it by if I am indifferent to it or it is not my favourite within a portfolio.

Recently, I spotted an image I really liked, but which annoyed me because of a distraction at the edge. I commented, the said image has been cropped, and the new version put up – to modest acclaim, so I commented a second time. However – finding some images a second time, is impossible on occassion.

For the most part, all of your BW stuff is spot on for me – textures abound, and they have interest and impact. In colour, snakes alive is an interesting look on an object, I like the contrasts in West Kirby Boating Lake. A and mirror mirror are creditable for their lighting, and you are generally using the rule of thirds in composition. However, for ME, rain is bland – I can see where I think it is coming from visually – just that my approach would be very different – this does not make yours bad – after all, who am I to judge – one of my images has only been viewed 4 times since it was put up months ago, and I quite like it!

So – maybe now ask why I probably have not commented before on your work. Perhaps, since, like me, you are based in the UK, your upload times do not match when the Redbubblers are about – since most in Australia or US are either in bed or at work when we are uploading, we get missed – so burn some midnight oil or grab early mornings – worked for me. Oz is 9 hours ahead of us, and I find the best time to upload for quick comment is to time with their Saturday or Sunday evenings, which means around 10AM to Lunchtime in the UK. For the same times for the US audience, we have to upload at Midnight here. Perhaps you need to go see others more and comment – many will reciprocate – but I’m finding only about 25% have done so after two weeks, so dont expect too much from folk. I really dont think it is because folk dont like anyones work – it is perhaps more a case of they have not yet found it.

I have a lot of photos which have been viewed many times, but no-one commented – good or bad. I can live with that quite happily – at least it means some work is being found and looked at….....but I suspect an awful lot of folk just dont have the time or interest to comment all of the time – I spend a lot of time on RB…..perhaps too much!

Good Luck Tony.

Elaine van Dyk, 11 months ago

Tony, if you want serious commentary/critique on your work, you can post in in the Forum and invite people to do so. But as most people have already pointed out, your portfolio is there for potential buyers, and it is not a good idea to have anything that may make your work sound “doubtful” or have negative connotations which may put buyers off – unfortunately would-be purchasers are often influenced by what they think other people think about your work.

snoopytas, 11 months ago

I concur that i dont see RB as a critique environment. If you want honest and good critiques, join passionforpixels, as has been stated by many contributors in this thread.

martinilogic, 11 months ago

Hey tony, hang in there, The important thing here is that you like your art and you are not affraid to put it out there for others to enjoy. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, don’t let a lack of comment stop you from enjoying Your art.

twiggy72, 11 months ago

i have not been on rb for long and this is the first site i have used, the one thing that i have noticed that everyone is very pollite, i am not saying this is wrong, in this day and age it is sometimes rare but i do agree that constuctive critism from someone who know what they are talking about can only help and allow you open your mind to trying different things and creating different images. But at the end of the day if we all liked the same things then it would be a dull world

amber81, 11 months ago

Tony,
I agree with you completely, except for the fact that I’m sure alot of people fail in the ART of being TACTFUL.
Some people have also failed in the ART of accepting corrective critisism. I do agrre with some of the comments about there being a specific spot for the critics to voice their opion where it is not in right site of “potential buyers”.
I am not afraid of people critising my photos, even if it is in right site of ” potential buyers”. It shows that people are intreseted enough to take the time to comment and in the future MAYBE help you as an artist. As we are all the ” potential buyers” on this site, we SHOULD all be open to the critism.

Please feel free to comment whether it’s corrective or not on any of my photos.
Much appreciated,
Amber

Belinda Leopold, 11 months ago

Hey Tony,
It’s that iffy feeling in your gut isn’t it??? Does no one like my work??? Why is there no comment?? I like it-is it so bad??
And then…God that’s not so crash hot-why does everyone like THAT? Why has THAT person got so much attention when their stuff is crap compared to mine??
And then…..Do I….Do I take that chance at leaving the comment that I feel I really need to leave, and risk shirting someone off? I’ll feel better if I do….but then how will THEY feel???....Oh bugger it, just don’t say anything…quick, move onto another pic….!!!!
Am I on the right track here?........:)

Pepper, 11 months ago

Tony, contstructive criticism is so subjective. Where in one hand such comment would be appreciated by the artist, to another one it may be a grotesque or hurtful comment. I too believe, as others have stated, that criticism is helpful. (I am an ex-therapist after all) However, criticism given to someone without solicitation or expectation, can be damaging to an ego, a feeling, a sale. Because we don’t all embrace criticism in the same manner, we need perhaps to “give it” to those who “ask for it”. (Even though I agree with your views on constructive criticism) One thing is unanimous, a kind word, a kind comment, is always welcomed and can be a bit of sunshine in someone’s life. And isn’t that what we all hope we get from someone else. I learned from a great psychologist—”You can be the best banana, brightest banana, yellowest banana…there is always going to be someone who doesn’t like bananas just happens to like apples. This doesn’t mean you aren’t the top banana.” Okay…I will stop with my psychoanalysis. I post my images for a reflection, a view, from another. I welcome the great comments. I am not discouraged by the “no” comments. I have sold none on redbubble. (Although, I am in several galleries and do well otherwise.) I view other’s work for inspiration and admiration. I am blown away by the amazing talent I see here in redbubble. I have coordinated art festivals and auctions here in the US. I see more talent here on redbubble than I saw at some of these art festivals and auctions. I sometimes feel like I am intruding in something Australian. I welcome the friendships I have nourished via redbubble. So, in conclusion, and my apologies that you had to read so much to get here, see redbubble as a place to post and get a bit of “sunshine” from others and post in other websites to get CC from members, sites where the images are not for sale or there is a means to specify that you are open to the such. It’s so wonderful to have such options. PEPPER ps..I only get to come on really, really late at night due to time delays and constraints, so I too miss out on alot. But I am happy to see the work I get to see. And having looked at your work…....my friend….......your work is so wonderful and amazing. See no comments as if you left them speechless. (Secretly, I do)

Kate Eling, 11 months ago

Hi Tony,
I’m quite new to redbubble, am not bothered about people viewing and not commenting as its nice to know people are looking and I find that sometimes it is hard to put into words what it its about an image that you like, so there’s a risk of writing ‘looks fantastic!’ over and over again on everyone’s comments! Maybe a thumbs up button might be a quick and easy way of saying ‘I like it’ if someone doesn’t want to leave a comment. You’re right though, it would be nice to have an avenue for critique. I added images initially as a maybe potential sales source before I realised it was very much a community thing, Ireally love browsing everyone’s work, and find it really inspiring, as I guess a lot of people do, hence I suppose wanting critique from people who’s work we admire. The suggested ideas of a symbol to say critique accepted and a private channel for messages, not in the general comments that potential buyers could can see, sounds like a good idea. (Redbubble…is this possible?) I like the idea of a symbol to say its accepted as I’d really love some constructive criticism but would be a little afraid to leave it for someone else as it’s currently not the done thing on the site and would worry that it would be a bit above myself/out of my league as I still feel I’m quite a beginner. Perhaps, rather than put it on each image, we could say in our overviews that criticism is ok and provide email addresses?

amanda steel, 11 months ago

I’d love some constructive critisism, as it’s a rare find. People I show my work to (so far mainly friends and family) say it’s great, but then they would as I’m usually standing there! Maybe there could be an option to leave it anonomously? But then I suppose that’s not in the spirit of the community thing. How about a vote on the whole idea? And definately, there should be some sort of way of saying whether you welcome critisism.

Zeanana, 11 months ago

Just an extra side note about the suggested rating system: I personally am not a fan of those 1 – 6 scales, because they won’t tell me anything about the picture. Someone gives me heeps of 1s, telling me in such, my work is crap…. But that’s all he’s telling me without ever giving some additional advice in how to improve as well as WHY he thinks my work is crap.
A rating system is okay for having to count votes for a competition, but not where constructism is expected.

Just my additional two cents :c)

German Saravanja, 11 months ago

Hi Tony,
I also get few comments on my images. I invite you to browse through my gallery and comment on any or all of the works I’ve posted.
Take care,
German.

MtnMan, 10 months ago

Criticism does not always feel nice, and with a play nice reminder I think we are gun shy.

Eugene Farrell, 8 months ago

Hi, Tony thanks for your resent comments on my photos. On the point of criticism, firstly let me say that I love the buble and everyone in it, but there is the feeling that everyone is (playing nice) like we are encouraged to do and I have never seen a bad comment on anyones work and there is some very ameture work posted here. Ametures are fine for I myself am an ameture, who has never recived any criticism, is it possible that only after a few months after picking up my first camera that my photos are so wonderful that they need no criticism, well as much as I would love to think so and some times I do, dew to lack of criticism. Constructive criticism is a way to build and learn, from the past, remembering that is constructive is the key to progress.We should be reflective practitioners, always trying to improve. What I would like to see is the please play nice removed from the add comments area onto the upload page were members can have a choice of ppl(please play nice) ccw (Constructive criticism welcome). Tell me what you think and lets try to do something about it,

Thanks, Eugene.