[Leica] Critique & comments:

[nathan.wajsman at planet.nl (Nathan Wajsman)]

I am like Ted in this respect. I look at all photos posted here. When I 
see a photo that I think absolutely sucks, I just move on. What is the 
point of sending a message on or off-list to that effect? Another 
category consists of images which leave me indifferent; I do not think 
they are bad, but I just have nothing to say about them. So I just move 
move on. When I see one about which I feel I have something constructive 
to say that may be of interest to others, I do so on-list. And finally, 
when the only comment I can make is "WOW", I do so in private, just to 
keep the traffic down here.

I admire people like Ted who actually take the time to comment 
(constructively) on many more images than I do. They are doing a great 
service to the photographer in question and indeed to all of us. And I 
very much appreciate both kinds of comments, i.e. a pat on the back when 
I have done well, and constructive criticism when I have not.

Nathan

Ted Grant wrote:

> Gene offered:
> 
>> I do look at the postings on here to see what i can learn.  And if I 
>> have any
>> constructive things to say then I do.  I also give out a "Nice Photo" 
>> reply
>> if I really like something.  I also want constructive criticisim of my 
>> photos
>> when I post them, so I can learn from those who have the experience, 
>> knowlege
>> or talent I do not.  I really do want the comments, so I can learn and 
>> improve
>> my photography.  I keep waiting for the day that I post something that
>> attracts your attention and comments.  I figure when that day arrives, 
>> I will finally
>> have made some progress.  ;-)  I learn a lot from your books, from Steve,
>> Sonny, Nathan and others with the talent and sight for good 
>> photography on this
>> list.<<<<<<<<
> 
> 
> G'day Gene mon ami,
> 
> First of all let me make some general open comments why I do and why I 
> don't make comments in some cases. And this has absolutely nothing to do 
> with your photography. So please read it as "General open comment about 
> doing critiques in general."
> 
> And yes I will comment on your work from now on ...  :-)
> 
> Sometime I don't make a comment. One for sure is, the photograph is an 
> absolute dud, I suppose one could say..... "should never have seen the 
> screen!" However, in the past, and I do believe I've said this 
> before.... "No matter how careful a critique is worded trying to be 
> gentle, honest and forthright of opinion, it is not accepted by the 
> poster simply because they think they used a Leica, therefore the 
> picture is the cats meow perfect!"
> 
> We know that is not true at all, because it that were the case, all of 
> us would be the worlds greatest perfect picture takers because "We use a 
> Leica!" Hogwash!
> 
> What a Leica gives the user, is a wonderful mental state to do better 
> simply because we've seen what's been done before us, by us, and I'm 
> sure from those yet to discover the magic of seeing, feeling and 
> accomplishing better pictures because they're using a Leica. Does this 
> "magic happen" for everyone?  Nope! But it does for many of us.
> 
> So I have the option of making a comment about a "file 13 waste basket 
> exposure" and receiving a vilification of nonsense. Therefore why make 
> any comment about them? Or the picture is so wonderfully shot one hardly 
> needs make a comment. And in many cases when they're so well done 
> nothing need be said. If anything, only praise.
> 
> However, I have learned over the years from fellow photographers and 
> students who suggested it's just as important to know why a picture is 
> great, as why it's a throw away exposure. Obviously it's not feasible, 
> nor time available to make comment on every picture posted. Therefore 
> many go without comment.
> 
> By the same token there are folks on the list who's photography improves 
> week after week due to critiquing and comments. WHY? Well they listen, 
> don't whine, bite the bullet and go do it again. Or take the tip to 
> heart turning it into successful photography the next time.
> 
> And in your case many of them do not receive comment for this simple 
> reason.... " Or the picture is so wonderfully shot one hardly needs make 
> a comment. And in many cases when they're so well done nothing need be 
> said. " :-)Something like "No news, is good news!" :-) :-)
> 
> Finally I will say, even after 54 years of published work, there isn't 
> any better gift than a pat on the back about ones photography! :-) 
> Therefore, in the future I shall try to give pats and slaps when I can! ;-)
> 
> There you go eh! ;-)
> 
> ted
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
> 
> 

-- 
Nathan Wajsman
Almere, The Netherlands

General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com
Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com
Stock photography available at: 
http://www.alamy.com/search-results.asp?qt=wajsman
Prints for sale at: http://www.photodeluge.com