Mina

[auddii]

Originally Posted by shutterfire

I wasn't arguing with the opinion. I was simply making a point. That if there is not anything constructive it just doesn't carry the same merit.

Constructive criticism does not require saying you liked the photo or elements about it that you may like. Constructive criticism points out something that you may not like specifically, and possible ways to change it.

I agree that her skin is not consistent across the photo. You can see the pores of her skin on her right cheek, but not on the left. Personally, I'm not a fan of plastic looking skin, so I'd tone down the processing on the skin some. I also agree that they eyes are over sharpened.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the look on her face - it's a little more deer in the headlights than scared or horrified. I also agree that it might make more sense in a series that portrays your intent better.

I'd like to see some more images in the series as it has some great potential. Hope this thread does not drive you away from the site, looks like you have some great ideas, and I'd like to see more.

[shutterfire]

There are some great things to glean from the comments. Audrey, in the guide lines for CC #4 comes to mind. I have suggested this before but I think it would be beneficial to have a form so that people are not chased away from posting photos. I do agree with a lot of whats been said and definitely appreciate the comments. I certainly would not have had the opinions. thanks Eldon

[rab3rd]

Originally Posted by shutterfire

I wasn't arguing with the opinion. I was simply making a point. That if there is not anything constructive it just doesn't carry the same merit.

I know you werent, thats why I used the word "one" instead of "you"

[TheFantasticG]

Interesting. When I post an image here or somewhere else, I'm happy just to get views on the thread. A reply? Awesome-er. It can be CC or not, doesn't matter. At least it means people are seeing my images.

As for the image in this thread. First thing I noticed was the red spots on her cheeks... which seemed out of place. Expression is all ... weird? I don't know the exact word for it. Just not sure what is going on in this portrait I guess. I suppose seeing the entire series would put it into context.

[shutterfire]

thanks Garret

[Patti Edens]

Originally Posted by auddii

Constructive criticism does not require saying you liked the photo or elements about it that you may like. Constructive criticism points out something that you may not like specifically, and possible ways to change it.

I agree with this, but there is more to it.

I know he is just saying "constructive criticism", but from context, I think shutterfire is talking about positive constructive criticism.

Constructive criticism has two elements, positive and negative. Negative is as you describe, pointing out the things that you do not like and hopefully adding suggestions for improvement. But another very important part of constructive criticism is the positive side where you point out the things that you do like. Enforcing the positive strengths in a critique is just as important as pointing out the weaknesses.

In my experience, it is always worked best to put the positive comments right at the beginning. And I have always been able to find something positive to say, even when I was commenting on photos taken by 1st graders. Most of them were really, really bad, but I always found something I liked.
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I look forward to seeing more of the series.