New Constructive Critiques Guidelines

[Abel]

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Please note these are still are work in progress and as soon as theyre finalized they will be sent to our entire memberbase.
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I would like to ask that you take a minute to read our new Guidelines I have written below in regards to Constructive Critiques here on TPF.


Guidelines for Receiving Constructive Critiques:

1. How to Ask For Constructive Critiques
Select the CC: option when posting a new thread in order to let other members know that you are looking for a Critique of your photos.

2. All Levels Welcomed
Everyone from the very beginner to a seasoned professional photographer is welcomed here on the forum so no matter what level photographer you are feel free to ask our members for a Constructive Critique on your photos. You can learn so much from our members here if you just ask for advice. Please do not feel intimidated. That is NOT what TPF is all about.

3. Photo Quantity Limitations
Do not post more than 3 photos in a thread for critique. Choose your absolute best 3 shots of the series and post those. Posting more than 3 shots per thread will only hurt your chances of getting an honest critique since critiques do take time.

4. Be Open
Have an open mind when receiving critiques from members. Members here have all sorts of background, training, experience and such and if you're asking for feedback on your photos, and members are taking the time to give you that feedback the least you can do is to have an open mind in regards to what it is they're recommending. You don't have to take their advice but at least listen to it, consider it and appreciate it.

5. Don't Be Rude
If any of the given feedback is not for you then simply do not act on it. Under no circumstances are you to be rude if you do not agree with it. Comments like "I meant to shoot it that way" or "That was the look I was going for" may be taken as if you're defensive of your work and my only turn off potential critiquers of giving you honest reviews in the future. If there is something you shot a specific way on purpose feel free to explain yourself as to why it was you wanted that. That will help inform members of your thought process. Always be courteous to those that have invested their own time to helping YOU become a better photographer.

6. Don't Get Discouraged
Every photographer has room to grow. There is no one photographer that knows everything and that shoots everything perfect. Having said that just remember that we're all trying to better ourselves and if you're posting a Critique thread then it's obvious you're looking to get better. Don't expect ton of pats on the back, you're going to get some honest feedback. Also don't be upset if you have 40 thread views and only 1 critique. Critiques are more of a time investment to the person GIVING the critique versus for the person ASKING for the critique. Give it time and be appreciative.

7. Don't Get Your Feelings Hurt
There will be some critiques that you may take personally but you should know that critiques are just another photographers opinion. If you receive something that you totally do not agree with and/or that upsets you do not be discouraged and refuse to post any more photos in the future. As I have said there are many styles aof photographers here on TPF and their style may not fit your style and thats completely ok. Just be nice, thank them for their time and don't dwell on it. In other words if someone upsets you don't pack up your toys and go home. We're all adults here... this isn't elementary school. We are only trying to help you become a better photographer which is the reason you posted the Constructive Critique thread to begin with. Right?


Guidelines for Giving Constructive Critiques:

1. What Threads Do I Offer Constructive Critiques To?
When browsing any of the sections within the main Showcase Section you will notice threads that will have a CC: prefix in the title. These threads have been posted with the intent of receiving a Constructive Critique. All other threads noted with a NC: prefix are seeking No Critiques and are just being posted to share their photos although general commenting is fine. Detailed critiques are not to be given on those threads.

2. All Levels Welcomed
Everyone from the very beginner to a seasoned professional photographer is welcomed here on the forum so you will see a wide range of photos submitted for critique. Remember that no matter what you are asked to remember where it is that you came from and that everyone was a beginner at some point so please keep that in mind when giving a Constructive Critique.

3. Be Professional and Courteous
When critiquing posted photographs, please do it in an adult, considerate and professional manner. Do not insult the photographer or simply state "it sucks" or "read the manual" etc. Those types of comments are not welcomed here on TPF at all. If you can not be professional and courteous in your critique then simply do not leave one. Let other members that can leave the critiques. This process is to be Constructive and Positive for all those involved.

4. Tell The Photographer What You Do Like
Take a minute to cite to the original posting photographer what you do like about the photograph right out of the box. This positive reinforcement will inform the photographer the aspects that they are doing right in your mind. This is a major help in becoming better because the photographer will be made aware of what he/she is already doing well.

5. Tell The Photographer What You Would Tweak & How
If there are things that you do not like about the photograph don't bluntly say "I hate (fill in the blank).." etc. Tell them what it is that makes the photo less impactful to you, then explain why and then offer up a suggestion as to how to modify it in order to make the photo better. In other words be mindful of how you give your critiques and such in order to help the posting photographer understand more about what your critique is and less about you ripping into them. Those hurtful, blunt, ripping of a photographer does no good in our community whatsoever.

6. Be Respectful
I have asked that photographers that are asking for Constructive Critiques be respectful of those giving the critiques and I also ask that those giving the critiques are respectful of those asking for them. We're all here because we have a passion for photography and its a great gesture in order to help others become better at what they do.