When someone asks you how their photo looks ( and it was poorly taken) do you try to find something positive to comment about it, like nice sunshine, or do you say ok, this is what you did wrong and I know you want to improve so next time try.......
I try to balance the 2. This looks good, that not not-so-good...someone once posted a LOVELY image of croatia, but it had words on it and looked like a cheap post card...and I said that the image was amazing and the shot was gorgeous, but please
take the words off of it because it was distracting. The artist did take the words off, and my goodness is it a lovely photo!!!!
It's a rare photo on here that has absolutely no redeeming features. I'll say what I think could be improved on a pic (although I wouldn't say "this is what you did wrong"), but I'll always try to point out something I like as well, to balance it, as Jenn says.
"How to Give a good review" (see under "Other Stuff") says it well:
> Do include one or more points that you particularly like about the image.
> Do include one or more points that you don't like.
> Do offer advice on how the image could be improved or how the author's skills could be improved.
> Don't be afraid of hurting someone's feelings. As long as your review is mature and polite most people will love your attention.
(That fourth point does come with a health warning these days. Although "most people" appreciate constructive criticism there appear to be one or two who don't take it well... But let's not go there again.)