This was probably a very busy, productive place in it's day...Old Plantation
I couldn't post anything on the forum page...the verification text wasn't visible...but I just wanted to comment on the voting or rating issue that Cory brought up in his post...
It would be interesting to hear everyone's opinion about voting for images or employing some kind of rating system. I've made a suggestion on Cory's post on the main page (I'm not saying it's right, or the way to go).
I remember several months ago when the voting system was first introduced, everyone was for it and pretty excited to give it a go.
I'm personally in favor of some kind of rating system...it doesn't have to be complicated and it should allow (in it's design) some kind of feedback as to what is right with a picture or what is wrong with it.
I've heard several times that this was a site that would help hone ones photographic skills but in the two years that I've been a member here the critiques have not been the type that would assist in that endeavor. Don't get me wrong, I really like it here and I'm not going to go away, but realistically speaking most of the comments are "nice...great shot...love it..." Even the Photography Discussion forum is rarely used.
I feel as though if we don't have some kind of system in place as we scroll from page to page it will be like looking at Sadie Mae's family album on the couch, on a rainy day...nowhere to go.
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I also agree with you ... And you and Candice are the perfect examples of what I was talking about in my last post to Cory!!
You and Candice are an exceptional photographers ... far beyond my level of expertise ... therefore I feel very intimidated and inadequate in officering any kind of constructive criticism ... I can barely take my own images – so I’m going to give the two of you constructive criticism – NOT!!
But a rating system similar to the one you laid out to Cory would help all of us by giving a starting point with specific elements to look for.
This would also help us when taking our own shots … by reminding us of the elements of a good image!!... The longer this goes on … the more strongly I feel about this!!
The only problem with my theory is that one of us may belong to the wrong Photography site … it might be me!!
OK … So here goes my “critique” of your Plantation shot … It certainly is a very pleasing image – If walls could only talk what a story they could tell!! … At first I thought the rule of thirds had been overlooked – then I noticed how the two trees framed the house making the house in the center of the frame … For me this image would be a little stronger if the right side were cropped well into the tree … this would have the effect of taking the house out of the center.
- Out of Focus!!
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I too am guilty of nice shot or good shooting. I guess I get lazy. I haven't ever found much if anything to critic in your work. I'm usually quite blow away by your shots.
For Old Plantaion, it looks a tad off kilter and needs tad more contrast. wonder find!
- Say...CHEESE
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- come over for lunch
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To be honest guys, I'm beyond flattered that you think my work is good, I mean I am truly blown away by that. Thank you! I've worked hard to try and emulate some of my heros....Surferguy, Candice, Lilbit, Wilk, Stan, ClassyShots, Boyhidingintrees....but aside from a suggestion here and there, I've had to read books, go to other sites, and experiment. One of the reasons I joined this site two years ago is that I thought that this would be the place that I could learn the "art" of photography...at least through the comments (so I figured), but that has not turned out to be the case.
Sadly, I'm just as guilty as everyone else in my commenting....not sure what to say (I've offended other members before and I've become sensitive to that)...not sure I'm qualified to say anything...not even sure if I'm technically advanced enough to make suggestions. I do know, though, that I want to get better!!!!!! I do know enough to know that I'm still a novice and that I'm not where I want to be yet in terms of artistry, technique, and know-how.
Stan, I see your picture that you just won an award on and I have to wonder how long it will take for me to get to that level. I see that macros that Candice puts out there and am always amazed at the artistry and beauty of her work.....and I see Surferguy's stuff and feel so far away from my goals.
I'll take advice/criticism/suggestions from anyone but if I can't get them from the comments...I'll gladly be willing to get them from a rating system similar to the one I proposed.
Again, thanks guys for your kind words.....that is such an encouragement to me....you have no idea!!!!!
- ain
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- Spike Lee
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- Blessings
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I know this is kinda slow and I'm a little late, but I agree with everything you've said Jam. And I agree with the other people's defense of not feeling adequate. I jumped in guns blazing when I joined, you can ask those that remember (although many don't visit much anymore). But that was me. I'm in school for photography and at the time my thought was I could get a little help and give a lot. Turned out it was the other way around. After reading some this and giving it much consideration, I don't think we can expect to come in here and instantaneously be transformed. I don't even think we can be transformed in a year. But I do know, that in the first year I was here I found out I needed to look at my horizon lines. It never occured to me before. And now I'm convinced my head's just crooked.
I knew about DOF and I knew how to control it. I knew about composition and the rule of 3rds. But being able to put all that knowledge into a successful picture took me going and trying. And then getting feedback. And realizing there was something missing or I hit it. And if I hit, by george, I got a lot of "Love it!"s.
The feedback is nice and helpful, no matter what it is (especially if it's a sincere "love it" because then you know you did something right). I love being criticised. It gives me something to work for. Or maybe I can go back to the subject and do it differently, better. And I miss a lot of the feedback from many people who have switched the flickr. We've lost our quality commenters (kay, fuzzy, birdie, penny, smalls, kitzi and many others). And they were damn good posters as well. I'm trying to pick up some slack in the commenting (if not the posting) quality.
Cory, perhaps you could leave the site voteless and rateless for the time, but maybe work on it for the time being with your dev site and let us try it out there and see if we like it.
I've noticed comment quantity go up a bit since voting was taken away, but I'm not sure about quality yet. It all takes time.
That being said, I agree with old guy about the cropping (maybe the top instead of the side though) and with busyb about the washed out colors. Perhaps a bit of contrast or saturation for the shot?
- Film-junkie: Back in 2008
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