My deal with comments is I find myself wanting to say "here's what I'd do" or "here's what I'd change" with pictures and I stop myself from commenting. Who am I to say it should be straighter, warmer or more or less sharp? It's not my picture, it's not my artistic vision and it's not my representation of that vision.
I do however really value when somebody does this to me. It usually (and gradually) improves my eye, style and vision.
Should I hold back?
eta: I know how we can become "blind" to our own images, especially when we stare at them for a long time. That's why having outside input is helpful to me.
Don't hold back! I feel the same way. However, I still try to comment and offer the changes as a suggestion. I'm usually a very straight forward person, but have tried very hard to candy coat everything I type. I do comment under a paper bag though because I got tired of people writing trying to get me to change my score during voting. Usually after voting I notice that at least one other person has noticed the same thing as I did.
So, just comment. Say something you like about the pic first, then offer a suggestion about something that could be different.
I know that I would much rather have a comment with everything wrong in my pic than no comment at all (and trust me, there is always a lot wrong in my pics).
100% agree with Wendy and Julie. Those types of comments are my favorites. I learn the most from different points of views or people pointing out elements I didn't notice.
I know there are some people that get offended at others telling them how to perhaps do it better, but I take those type of comments as personal preference sort of things, rather than real flaws. Now if multiple commenters tell me the same thing, then it moves up the scale to being a real and serious flaw. I wouldn't be human if I didn't get a little huffed, especially if I thought I had a really good entry, but I get over it quickly. Like in a minute or so.
I really think it's all in how you phrase it ... compare:
"You should have made this lighter."
"Too dark."
"If this was mine I think I'd have made it lighter."
"I'd like this more if it wasn't quite so dark."
I think these progress from more-to-less likely to cause resentment -- telling people they are "wrong" or that they "should" do/have done something differently almost never helps, while offering your opinion is usually well-accepted.
Also try to remember that the primary beneficiary of your comments is yourself, through making yourself systematically analyze and express what "works" and what doesn't; eventually this will help you think through these factors when making your own pictures.
When commenting, I try to state that my comment is a suggestion or personal preference. (I'd like to see this in B&W, or lighter, or more vivid, cropped like so, etc.)
When receiving comments, I am very flexable. (Don't like it, sux, meh, are my least favorite as they do not provide any real guidance on what the viewer thought might be better.) However, almost any comment is better than no comment, as far as I am concerned. I'd rather you feel something, anything, about my image rather than nothing at all.
I love comments why my picture didn't work. if i have a good picture and its scoring well i know its good, glowing praise isnt helpful. but if my picture is hanging in the low to mid 5's the negative comments clue me in to what the problem might be.
right now i have a picture in the Never Seen on DPC, at its hanging at a 5.2, but i got one favorite and 5 comments, no one criticizing it. I thought it was a good pic, so i have no idea why its doing poorly. I wish someone would clue me in.
if i give a low vote i try to leave some feedback why. It also helps me not make those same mistakes in my own photo.
I do so like comments. It is mostly why I'm on DPC. My photos easily drop into the dreaded 4's, and occaisionally reach mid 5's, and I wish people would give more critical comments. The last two photos I've entered haven't ONE comment. A bit frustrating!
I love comments why my picture didn't work. if i have a good picture and its scoring well i know its good, glowing praise isnt helpful. but if my picture is hanging in the low to mid 5's the negative comments clue me in to what the problem might be.
right now i have a picture in the Never Seen on DPC, at its hanging at a 5.2, but i got one favorite and 5 comments, no one criticizing it. I thought it was a good pic, so i have no idea why its doing poorly. I wish someone would clue me in.
if i give a low vote i try to leave some feedback why. It also helps me not make those same mistakes in my own photo.
Btw Mike, I thought your image for the Never Seen on DPC was outstanding, but I think the reason you got lower votes was because people probably didn't think it fit the challenge as much.
People respond favorably to a criticism sandwich: positive comment, negative comment, positive comment.
For example: I like what you did with your composition, however I feel the reds are a bit over-saturated. Your vision is still evident, though.
You should say your thoughts in a respectful manner, though. People with the right goals will appreciate your ideas. :)
Also, Mike, I agree with Revecca. It is a very good image, but people were probably voting on how unique the images were.
‘Slime Pig!’ she called out to him, breath like flames –
‘There’s nothing in that hard-hat heavy head
but my clutch laying in your tar pit bed.’
But skip the keep-the-kettle-boiling games;
what if the girl exhausted all those names
that turn up like primeval dirt gone dead?
‘Tyrannosaurus in a dress’ he’d said.
She guessed a paleontology of shames
were running under Scaley Green Man’s passion
but, feeling none, the lady fell and cried,
wishing her little arms grew wings and flew.
Caprice is nearly all there is to fashion –
only integrity is dignified.
So what’s a tyrannosaurus girl to do?
