The benefits of providing critiques

[Keitht]

If anybody doubts that providing critiques to others has a positive effect, just take a look at my own stats. I was very quiet on the site during the second half of 2005, writing very few critiques. In that period I only received about half a dozen critiques myself. In the past month I have been submitting about 6 or 7 critiques per day, on average. In return I have received approximately 40 critiques in return, many of those from people who hadn't commented on my work previously and had viewed my gallery.
I haven't been providing critiques with any expectation of return, but it has been appreciated.
Thanks to everybody involved.

[ronners]

I think that any photographer with half an ounce of altruism in them will want to pull up their peers as they themselves improve, and I think that this readily applies in your case Keith. All other discussions aside, writing a critique is (or at least should be) much easier than taking a photo that you are actually proud of. With this in mind, ALL members should have more critiques than photos posted here.

Though it's not what motivates you and I to post critiques, the thought of earning 'credits' via critiques to allow photos to be posted is an interesting one.

[Keitht]

Most of pictures I critique fit into 2 categories.

1. "That's the sort of shot I wish I had taken"
2. "That's the sort of shot I have taken in the past, and these are points I picked up from critiques received"

I think many of the newer members are worried about providing critiques because "The established members must know more than me". If both the poster and recipient of critiques simply remember that critiques are a personal opinion there shouldn't be a problem.
I don't like to see entirely negative critiques. Even if the end result has been poor there is generally something that can be included of a positive nature to sweeten the pill.

[plimrn]

Your summary of your critique categories you use provides helpful insight.

[AdrianW]

> I don't like to see entirely negative critiques. Even if the end result has been poor there is generally something that can be included of a positive nature to sweeten the pill.

Agreed, particularly with new members - I was treated very harshly by a professional photographer when I was 9 or so - she said there was no point in me having a camera because I had no talent. It was years before I took another photograph... Just a little encouragement can go a long way :)

Interestingly, critiquing can sometimes teach you more about photography than taking pictures. Finding out why you like (or dislike) something is very important to finding your way as a photographer IMO. That's why I can laugh at those who don't critique - ironically they're the ones missing out!

[Keitht]

"Interestingly, critiquing can sometimes teach you more about photography than taking pictures. Finding out why you like (or dislike) something is very important to finding your way as a photographer IMO. That's why I can laugh at those who don't critique - ironically they're the ones missing out!"
I agree totally. We all presumably post images that we like on a personal level. Getting feedback that agrees is great for the ego, but those that make observations about things that we hadn't noticed are actually much more valuable to photographic development.

[langaloo]

I am afraid to make this sad constat : the more favorite members you nominate on your page, the more points you give to persons who get incredible scores like 130 for one single picture, may give you in return more points. If you pick up a lonely picture lost in the great hole of Calcutta, just because you like it and give it a full green, you have vey little chance to get a big reward in return. It all comes down to the same old song : Politics and diplomacy!
My score, in two years of membership is desesperatly low, barely 3 points a Pix, many time : blank, but I keep on coming here, to travel on my sofa, when I am not out there taking pictures that won't interest anybody, except if I gave a few points the day i posted the pictures, as a matter of fact, I think I have more pages of points and critics given than received and pages of pictures posted.

[Keitht]

langaloo,

Unfortunately there will always be an element of 'You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' on any site of this kind. As I only have 8 favourites (4 of whom I have seen post in many months) it is neither my desire or intention to get or give points based on who submitted the image. I actually tend to look for images that appeal to me and that haven't at that time got huge numbers of points. I avoid looking at other critiques before submitting mine, but if a picture has 30+ points already it is unlikely that my critique would add anything new so I generally don't bother.
I have certainly seen images where the situation you describe seems to apply, but they are a very small minority. The actual points received are meaningless, I simply use the count against my name as an easy way to see it new critiques have been added. The point has already been raised, but there is a growing tendency for people to use the 'big smiley' every time they give a critique. I reserve the use of that one for images that really appeal to me, but that is personal choice.

[mlopes]

"but if a picture has 30+ points already it is unlikely that my critique would add anything new so I generally don't bother"

Hey Keith, i don't agree with this, there's always something new you can add... if you don't read the critiques before how can you say this? if you like a photo just throw in your opinion... why can't high score photos don't deserve your attention?

[jinju]

I also dioagree for the sme reason. 30 points isnt that much, it means only 15 people usually have critiqued it. Thats not that many, and therefore something new can be added. And remember, you can always say something to improve such a photo. 30 points photos are not perfect and if you see something you would improve, say it. You dont even need to give points. Click the NR option.

On other points I agree with you. Its good to critique photos not getting tons of points as a way of encouraging people new to TE or those who are being overlooked.