Good morning

I would also refer readers to “Giving an Image Review”. There is another more lengthy page with invaluable information called “This just in ... from the Constructive Critiquing Bureau ...” (thank you Lori for finding the link for me) which makes worthwhile reading. There are other posts also which may find themselves linked to from here later, according to relevance and usefulness to the intent of this post.

I have noticed, looking at not just my own images but also those of other artists here that there really isn't much of the review process going on. Some members do, and when I see it on my images it is always appreciated - and that may be something as simple as "I wonder what this would look like darker" to a direct "I think that if this was done this would image would look better" to "I like the way you have done xxx". I won't mention names at this stage, as the aim is not to praise some artisits and not others but to encourage everyone. To those artists who have provided encouragement and open critique, my thanks and appreciation.

When I first came to Caedes some years ago, it was through the direct input of many other artists that my own standard improved and became what you see today. None of those images are today left on this site; we shall only say that I had a few emotional and psychological issues to face and resolve, and in the process deleted all those images and left, theoretically never to return. Well, thanks to Verena and her patience, I am back (and enough groans from the back row up there (Romane laughing)).

So, why this thread. No, I do not believe in or accept whinging, so that is not the purpose. What I would like to do instead is challenge other artists to post more useful critiques on images, and at the same time to provide a thread where artists can tell others what they are looking for in an image when they look at it. This may serve as a useful adjunct to the other links above.

I will begin (well, I suppose that the first post in a thread is as good a place as any to start). :) This is not comprehensive, but provides sufficient grist that others can get some idea of how I think.

The first thing I look for is aesthetics. Is the image aesthetic. If so, why. Then state what I have seen. If no, why, then find the good points to praise, then out of the non-compliant issues, find just one and state how I think that may be improved. And do that it a positive and encouraging manner. If I can use non-technical or otherwise descriptive phrases, I will - don't know too much of the technical schtuff anyway :)

I have in front of me a list of things that I am looking at - some I have extracted from others posts on mine and other's images, some I put in myself. This list is (for want of a place to list them) aesthetics, colour, clarity, angle, placement, tone, balance, composition, warmth, contextual content. And as I think of other terms to look for, they get added to the list.

What do you look for in an image? How do you critique an image and try to do so in an encouraging manner? How can you help to encourage the many potentially good artists and thus, an improvement in the overall quality of images that live in the new galleries?

Ball is tossed - who is the next to catch it, and then pass it on ??

With greetings

Romane

Hello my friend! I was just became aware of your posting here, and would like to say in a word of appreciation..Thanx....because it's time that people might be able to accept a "new challenge" that being one of giving a good critique to the postings made here. I have personally learned so much from the ones who have been generous with their comments and critique. It means a lot to me.

But more than anything, I learn and apply and hopefully improve my own photography skills. I enjoy giving critique to others, because I know how much it means to my own self. To truly state what I like in their posting, and to bring out not only the beauty but to be 'brave' enough (heehee) to go ahead with a bit of constructive criticism, that means a lot to others too I hope. I truly like to sit down and study what photos and creations have been posted. I look for images that are clear and clean and that express a lot of character. I am one who loves colour, since I do canvas paintings, colour is my favorite thing to look for.

I also learned from a friend that used to be here (photoimagery) the proper use of framing. The lines, the size and the colours as well. A frame enhances or destroys a photo image.So to be honest and tell what I see in a interesting and tactful manner is what I feel will help others.

So called 'generic' comments don't really do much. I feel it's extremely important to be encouraging to the new ones posting for the first time and to help them feel welcomed here in caedes too. We all need to remember this is a wallpaper site, so the amount of views and especially the amount of downloads are really important also. Seeing postings with great drama or softness or love and peace, is fantastic, but most of all I think it's important that we see and feel and then tell the person who posted their creation. Romane, I really appreciate your starting this thread, and I hope very much it will draw people in. That they will take note to add their thoughts too. Thank you so much, and I am SO very happy you are back here too!(smile) Verena.

Well critique is fine,But really I don't think I'm expert enough to give it.I do now and again and sometimes i ask if i may add to or alter an image,As i did with my Manger upload,The base image kindly sent by Tick.Personally i just upload any image i like and i do like comment or criticism.But it's not that important as we all have different taste and see images through different eyes.So i temper my critique as it is not in my nature to offend and i usually only give it to my friends or people whom i know would value it...R.

I am with you Richie. I know what I like and dislike. If others appreciate what I upload - fine. If they offer criticism or advice - fine as well.

Critique.....Critique.....Hmmmmm......Critque...... Yikes!!!!
O.K., I will be the Ostrich that pulls his head out of the
hole, but I think that I am going to regret it..... I think
that an honest critque is extremely important to growth as
a photographer. I can say that it has been a little over a year since I first began submitting to Caedes and I can say that I am a more aware photographer than I was.

I think what we really are talking about is awareness. I don't
think that anyone really wants to take a bad image. Some are
just more aware than others, but....awareness is a choice. We
choose to become more aware or not. We can take classes or not...we can look in magazines, books or any print media and
reflect or not.....we can practice or not.....we can learn from others about our cameras, photoshop or whatever or not...we can listen to others comments or not..... Those that come with an
open mind to learn (or seek awareness), learn. Those that don't,
don't.

That being said, giving an honest critique is tough. You can
spend a lot of time constructing an honest, objective and
positively slanted critique and the artist is unable to
digest it because they are not that aware yet. They are usually
so focussed on one small part of the image (that they think is
cool) that they forget about the rest of the image. Awareness.
Now,their ego has been hurt, off to your gallery they go and here comes the voting booth.

Behaviors just don't happen. They evolve and for a reason.
Unfortunately sometimes it is for the wrong reason. I can say
that I do not critique as much as I used to and to only to certain artists. If you keep getting your hand bit you stop putting your hand there. Behaviors evolve. I have given an honest and sincere critque only to be shot down by the artists friends. If that isn't peer group pressure not to critique, I
don't know what is. Fortunately, I can say some of those people
are on my friends list today and I theirs. Awareness.

Garrett

I wanted to mention that I really enjoy seeing how many people VIEWED my postings and then DOWNLOADED them. That to me feels really great, because they came looking for wallpaper for their desktop and they aren't a member but enjoy our postings. So that means a lot more to me than the C Index. But the comments I get from my friends here, or a new member now and then, well, that's the icing on the cake.
Verena

I agree with everything you guys have said. I am probably one of the least artistically inclined members of caedes. When it comes to photography, I would class myself as an enthusiastic amateur.

My reason for joining caedes was to put some of my photos in the firing line of those perceived as more experienced than me. What I look for is constructive comment that will help me improve what little technique I have. What I personally find unhelpful are those inane one word comments like "wow", "beautiful", etc. While it is always nice to receive comments, I would far sooner understand why that picture is a "wow" or "beautiful". What is it that the viewer has seen that makes him/her say that. Equally, if there is something glaring, i want to know.

I agree with one of the comments made earlier that sometimes you receive a critical comment focusing on a tiny spot and you are left wondering if that comment was made just to be smart! I think sometimes there is a "us and them" feel about caedes. There is the elite artists and photographers who talk the talk [and walk the walk?!?!] and forget that they are talking to less experienced enthusiastics who are looking for help and guidance.

Finally, regarding the c-index, I must admit I tend to look at that as an indicator of how my picture is rated which I guess is the point. That said, I am often left wondering why the c-index does not necessarily reflect the number of downloads of the same picture. Surely if that picture has been downloaded x hundred times, it is an indicator that people like it. Unless, of course, they download pictures just for the fun of it!

As long as the critique is not mean and destructive that is fine to give a better review. Blending what is good about someones work along with maybe some things to make it even better in the viewers eye would be good. But remembering to be supportive to others whom enjoy what we do. Some folks are kind of like "specialists" in certain areas of work posted and should Not be downcast or frowned upon. Being particularly good at one form is better than just posting whatever, whenever just to keep posting something. In my humble opinion that is. I grew up with a saying one of my grandfathers always said. He even had a little sign made up of it to hang over the main entry to their home. It stated, "It is Nice to be Important, but it is even more Important to be Nice!" A critique does not have to cut one to the bone. When I view someone elses work I look at it in two ways.

First I look at it of course from my own likes and dislikes. Secondly I look at the image trying to see what the actual creator was perhaps going for with their work. Then I blend comments accordingly.

Being what is known as a "Foofy" type photos poster here I have felt many times that me and my work could just dry up and blow away. Some private messages to me have even pretty much told me that and also have advised me that my work is boring. I enjoy the photography work I do and also enjoy sharing it with others. Some will like it some will not. There is no difference between my work and the work of many others here in that respect. This being said, the c-index is not something I can get a good read on. When you get comments that your work is not so hot, well, that certainly has to effect the c-index assuming that those sending the private comments also vote. Okay I will stop rambling. Just a few thoughts to get off my chest.

This is a great site and I enjoy it very much. Thank you to those in charge of it for all you do to make it a great place.

Good on yer Stan..Upload and be damned..Those that don't like it can always flick to another..And your Foofys aint boring...R.

I am In agreement with Garrett, He just hit the nail right on the head.

I agree as well with Garrett....I love seeing nice critiques on my photos, but I've learn more from the "tough" critiques. I say tough because it's hard when you have what you feel is a decent shot and someone picks it apart....but from my experiences on Caedes....they're usually right! I always check out the albums of whoever leaves me a message/critique and compare our styles to each other and see what they're talking about....I'm not pro either but I've definitely grown since joining this site. My hats off to all my mentors that have shown and taught me a thing or two or 3 or 100,000 things....LOL

My Gallery

"Upload and be damned..Those that don't like it can always flick to another.."

I think, really, that this reflects, and I hope I'm wrong, the kind of attitude, stance, position (pick one) that discourages exactly what this thread is trying to encourage. Some greater levels of community, openness, and dare I say, maturity, might go a long way to getting this site back to the healthy critiquing environment it..once had.

Sorry if I'm not more rosy, optimistic, or "nice" about this. Some things just need to be said plainly and honestly.