I have a photo critique problem...

[gardener]

That is, I would love to take part in the critiquing process when some photos are posted but despite reading most of what you guys and gals post, I really don't have the technical "eye" as many of you do. I also feel weird commenting on other's photos when I rarely post any of my own should I even have one or more that are good enough to post.
I'm also learning to try to disregard my "don't like that photo subject" attitude and see beyond that to the technical aspects of some given picture so I can learn more about what works and what doesn't. My tendency to look at a picture and have my eyes immediately focus on a single feature only doesn't help either... even worse, my eyes will go back to that same exact spot each and every time I see the pic again and that rarely varies. ADD strikes again as it were...
Two things...
1. Is it/would it be fair to the original poster in giving an idea of what draws me to a picture when the technical and sometimes even the artistic merits are sometimes lost on me? I mean... I like em or I don't and sometimes I don't even know particularly why...
2. Or should I just continue to enjoy the forums and pictures in my own relatively quiet lurker way and let it go at that?

There are some very good photographers here and a ton of helpful info for those of us (or maybe just me) that like to take photos for fun and accumulate equipment of whatever sort but in my case, I have no aspirations of ever going "pro" in the photography business even though the learning experience is quite grand in its own way. I'm not particularly shy but am relatively "quiet" for the most part both on the boards and in real life and that is why I'm asking...
Your opinion on the matter is asked for and appreciated... and yes, it was hard to ask this question openly.
Steve W

[boxofrocks]

What makes you think those of us that do comment really have any idea what the hell we're talking about? I can promise you that some don't (some that were recently banned, for example).

Ever heard the expression "I don't know much about art, but I know what I like"?

Critique away.

[smoothassilk]

It's not real hard to say wether you like a photo or not. Or why you do/don't like it. I'm know where near as talented as most here. but I do have an opinion. I know all the trouble I go through to get a shot posted and I love it when those that do try to help me with the next shot. Nowhere can you get more help than here on this forum. Give it a try, Post your shots and learn as we learn also. And by all means post your comment.

[Duffy Pratt]

If you say what you like, what you don't like, and make a reasonable effort to try to say why you feel that way, you will be helping the poster (who is probably looking for just that kind of commentary), and you will also help develop your own critical abilities. Everyone benefits. And you will also be doing more than most of the commentators, who simply say: "Great shot!" or "Nice work". I'm sure that's nice to hear too (I know I like to hear it), but its not as helpful as actually trying to go on and say why you think something is good or bad.

Duffy

[JPalmer]

My theory....if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything all.

Sorta...if they ask specifically for critiques, then fire away. But not everybody posts photos for critique, some just want to show off (like myself on occasion).

Also, if they have specific questions about this or that...how to do something or another, that's a good time to chime in.

That's just my opinion though....there are those that have 10x as many posts as I have

[jeffkohn]

1. Is it/would it be fair to the original poster in giving an idea of what draws me to a picture when the technical and sometimes even the artistic merits are sometimes lost on me? I mean... I like em or I don't and sometimes I don't even know particularly why...

I think this type of feedback is useful. You don't have to be a technical expert, in fact I'm sure I'm not the only poster who is more interested in feedback on the non-technical aspects of images.

BTW critiquing is a mutually beneficial activity. You say that sometimes you like a picture and don't even know why (at least on first glance). Study those images and try to figure out what it is that you like (or dislike) and what makes it different from images that you don't respond to. Not only is this useful feedback for the person who posted the image, it's a useful excercise for you and will help you develop your photographic eye and learn what does and doesn't work.

[JohnRushing]

If I like a photo I say so. If I don't like a photo I also say so, that is I say it to myself . J/k there. I don't know half of an eighth of what some members on here know so I just keep my mouth shut when I see something I think should have been done different and wait to see if some of the more experianced members mention it. I get way more out of reading what others say about the photos than me running my mouth and looking like a fool, wait a minute, I can do that without running my mouth!!! Really though if you see something in the photo that you feel should have been done different like lighting or pose then say so. As long as you word it nicely and let them know it's just your opinion I don't think anyone should be offended, if they are then they shouldn't post on a site where anyone can C&C their photos. Speaking up is also the only way to learn.

[billbunton]

Steve, what Jeff said. Critiquing is in many ways harder than being critiqued -- you actually have to organize your thoughts and figure out not only why you like or dislike something, but also how it could be improved.

As Jeff's signature says, some of us are always interested in hearing constructive criticism, and some will indicate in the subject line or text of their post that they are interested. That means anybody can (and should, if they feel they have something useful to say) provide their thoughts. It doesn't have to be technical, and you certainly don't need to know which rules of composition are being broken (or adhered to, when they shouldn't be). I would like to know if you think one of my photos might look better cropped, or framed differently, or whatever you think would improve it.

[gardener]

Thanks for the opinions guys... I shall try the comment route as there are times I'd really like to say something but didn't know how it would be received since it likely won't be the same technical aspects most are concerned with.
Steve W