Is it the picture that matters?

[Mike Parr]

Re: Is it the picture that matters?

Patrick,
I have just re read your post and I can now see that my comment you isolated did not convey what I was trying to say, therefore I will try now.

If the poster of the image did not offer to explain the Image with written explanation it therefore has to stand on its own merits, If I had Known the cicunstaces of the image, I would have probably made similar conclusions.
My comments were intended to be constructive and are of my opinion, But I did comment on the image in its own right.
I asked myself what is the poster asking for critique on, is the image a good composed photograph, balanced and pleasing to the eye, or was hes asking is this a good image of a heron in flight. On the other hand was the poster looking for comment on composition, light etc.
Without this forsight one has to make a judgement based on what one sees.
Mike

[Patrick]

Re: Is it the picture that matters?

Patrick,
I have just re read your post and I can now see that my comment you isolated did not convey what I was trying to say, therefore I will try now.

If the poster of the image did not offer to explain the Image with written explanation it therefore has to stand on its own merits, If I had Known the cicunstaces of the image, I would have probably made similar conclusions.
My comments were intended to be constructive and are of my opinion, But I did comment on the image in its own right.
I asked myself what is the poster asking for critique on, is the image a good composed photograph, balanced and pleasing to the eye, or was hes asking is this a good image of a heron in flight. On the other hand was the poster looking for comment on composition, light etc.
Without this forsight one has to make a judgement based on what one sees.
Mike

[vlarcombe]

Re: Is it the picture that matters?

Hi Patrick,

Very interesting topic.

In my opinion (not always as humble as it should be) the image is absolutely what matters but the reasons for, and location of, the viewing can have an impact on the viewers perceptions and expectations.

The same image presented in a gallery or a tabloid paper can invoke very different emotions and reactions, the one constant is that a great image will always generate some reaction. A photograph taken "against the odds" can still be a great image even without a technical "perfection" is the content or context is there.

Vernon

[Ian]

Re: Is it the picture that matters?

not and I repeat not as a criticism of the particular thread I just use it as an example. The author was in fact asking for opinion and help so the problem of equipment and position become relevant.

I simply offer the thought as a topic of discussion for the interested.


Patrick

Hi Patrick - you have raised a very good issue here.

At the moment we have two primary forum boards where people are encouraged to post pictures (apart from the Salon); Critique and Eye of the Camera.

Critique has always been a place to show the 'final result' and to induce frank critique. Explanations about the limitations of the result are welcome, but should not be an excuse for critical feedback.

Eye of the Camera was designed for people to show pictures that had something to say but where frank critique wasn't being invited - a more relaxed board.

I also set up the Help and Advice for Beginners board, for newbies to get help - but now I am wondering if we need a 'How can this picture be improved' type of board? This would be if use to beginners and the more experienced, alike.

But back to your question - how you respond to a picture displayed on the forum is really down to the context and which board you choose to show it in. But a response to a post, no matter where it is, can impose a new context, too.

Ian



Critique has

[Ian]

Re: Is it the picture that matters?

Agreed

Patrick

Indeed - it's quite possible a response could be missing the point of the picture intended by the photographer, though this can be avoided to an extent by the photographer setting the scene for the picture being taken in the first place.

Just posting a shot without some background is going to do your shot an injustice. Horses for courses - an action shot may attract irrelevent feedback from a person judging it from an 'artistic' viewpoint.

We all have our personal preferences and will make poor judges on subjects we're not particularly interested in.

Ian