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Do you or would you help others with their photography?

Started by Beaux Reflets, January 25, 2013, 07:35:28 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

Beaux Reflets

Spawned by the conversation in What Bemused you today thread and picking up on aspects in 

Quote from: ABERS on January 24, 2013, 04:51:33 PM
Whoa!, don't pull the plug Mick!

As Alfono says this site has got it right, it is populated by people who are comfortable with their photography and is not an excercise in mutual backslapping. It also is not peppered with strange expressions like 'togs' and 'glass'  so my toes don't curl like when I visit another site. ;)



I agree that this site has got it right; But does this make it appear like a cosy closed shop to potential new members ?  :-\

"Being comfortable with your photography", would you be prepared to be an On-line Mentor, if someone asked you to help them expand upon their current abilities ?
:beer: Andy

"Light anchors things in place and gives perspective meaning."

The choices we make are rooted in reflection.

http://beauxreflets.blogspot.com/

Beryl

I would have thought any one of us would help out where we can if any one should ask
A true friend is the best possession

My Web site
http://berylladd.com/
Oh . And thanks for looking in

Oldboy

Agree with Beryl.  :tup:

When members have a problem they do post a question on here, to which someone has an answer.  ;D

ABERS

Quote from: Beaux Reflets on January 25, 2013, 07:35:28 AM
Spawned by the conversation in What Bemused you today thread and picking up on aspects in 

Quote from: ABERS on January 24, 2013, 04:51:33 PM
Whoa!, don't pull the plug Mick!

As Alfono says this site has got it right, it is populated by people who are comfortable with their photography and is not an exercise in mutual backslapping. It also is not peppered with strange expressions like 'togs' and 'glass'  so my toes don't curl like when I visit another site. ;)



I agree that this site has got it right; But does this make it appear like a cosy closed shop to potential new members ?  :-\

"Being comfortable with your photography", would you be prepared to be an On-line Mentor, if someone asked you to help them expand upon their current abilities ?

That used to go on a lot in the old days of the DCM site. I've spent hours exchanging PM's and emails with a couple of people, one I remember went on for many many months and it can become extremely time consuming. Perhaps I haven't got the knack of imparting knowledge or technique in what can become a somewhat tedious drawn out operation, no matter how enthusiastic the recipient may be!

The odd one off question like "what button do I press" or "how do I do this or that" of course is usually met with an answer from the membership, but I think there was a deeper reasoning behind the question.

I'm afraid I am not a fan of on-line tuition or any form of distance learning as far as photography is concerned. I get a little angry when I see the flimsiness of some of the courses on offer and the abilities of the so called tutors that help you for what in some cases is serious money!

Several things I would advise if anyone wants to improve, or think they need to improve; join a club, where advice is free, get out and just "DO IT" learning by your mistakes all the time, don't flog yourself to distraction by those mistakes and finally if you need to see how your photography stacks up, join the RPS and work towards the distinctions they offer.

I see that Tim Wallace has now achieved the Fellowship of the RPS, congratulations.

Beaux Reflets

#4
As an old saying goes 'Some folk do not like to hang their knickers on the line'  ;) and I just wondered whether potential new comers (and perhaps some current members who appear to remain quiet) may prefer to receive assistance and constructive critique, on a one to one basis.

The idea being that they could post an image to their gallery, and then privately PM a member of their choice for assistance.

Does this sound like a good idea?

And if so perhaps in a thread titled Mentoring  :-\  - Folk willing to assist in such a way, could post an image/s that best describe their areas, so that a potential requester feels confident enough to ask for an opinion and or assistance, as they expand their repertoire.
  :-\ ?

:tup:
:beer: Andy

"Light anchors things in place and gives perspective meaning."

The choices we make are rooted in reflection.

http://beauxreflets.blogspot.com/

Karen

This is and always has been a really friendly site. I didnt visit for a while as was too busy with business but was made very welcome when I returned. I agree about the "tog" "glass" business it gets very wearing. The one that gets me is people who go on about "togs" etc and all their jargon then spell lens "lense"
You can offer constructive critisism on here and no-one takes offence or starts a row.

Beaux Reflets

Quote from: ABERS on January 25, 2013, 09:21:49 AM
Quote from: Beaux Reflets on January 25, 2013, 07:35:28 AM
Spawned by the conversation in What Bemused you today thread and picking up on aspects in 

Quote from: ABERS on January 24, 2013, 04:51:33 PM
Whoa!, don't pull the plug Mick!

As Alfono says this site has got it right, it is populated by people who are comfortable with their photography and is not an exercise in mutual backslapping. It also is not peppered with strange expressions like 'togs' and 'glass'  so my toes don't curl like when I visit another site. ;)



I agree that this site has got it right; But does this make it appear like a cosy closed shop to potential new members ?  :-\

"Being comfortable with your photography", would you be prepared to be an On-line Mentor, if someone asked you to help them expand upon their current abilities ?

That used to go on a lot in the old days of the DCM site. I've spent hours exchanging PM's and emails with a couple of people, one I remember went on for many many months and it can become extremely time consuming. Perhaps I haven't got the knack of imparting knowledge or technique in what can become a somewhat tedious drawn out operation, no matter how enthusiastic the recipient may be!

The odd one off question like "what button do I press" or "how do I do this or that" of course is usually met with an answer from the membership, but I think there was a deeper reasoning behind the question.

I'm afraid I am not a fan of on-line tuition or any form of distance learning as far as photography is concerned. I get a little angry when I see the flimsiness of some of the courses on offer and the abilities of the so called tutors that help you for what in some cases is serious money!

Several things I would advise if anyone wants to improve, or think they need to improve; join a club, where advice is free, get out and just "DO IT" learning by your mistakes all the time, don't flog yourself to distraction by those mistakes and finally if you need to see how your photography stacks up, join the RPS and work towards the distinctions they offer.

I see that Tim Wallace has now achieved the Fellowship of the RPS, congratulations.

Some very valid and sound advice Alan.

Your suggestion in joining a club, effectively allows a degree of privacy through face to face one to one friendships within a club; I just feel that additional atmosphere may be of help to folk who have limited time to socialise (but have a little time to be on-line) due to circumstances.
:beer: Andy

"Light anchors things in place and gives perspective meaning."

The choices we make are rooted in reflection.

http://beauxreflets.blogspot.com/

Beryl

Have you not got a special section for shy people and those who are not very savy where they can go and sak questions with ut feeling embarrased ................sort of thng. 
That way we can all chip and help in if we know the answers
A true friend is the best possession

My Web site
http://berylladd.com/
Oh . And thanks for looking in

Beaux Reflets

Quote from: Beryl on January 25, 2013, 09:48:23 AM
Have you not got a special section for shy people and those who are not very savy where they can go and sak questions with ut feeling embarrased ................sort of thng. 
That way we can all chip and help in if we know the answers

I could not see a section/thread for such purpose - Hence getting this thread going to see what may materialise  :tup:
:beer: Andy

"Light anchors things in place and gives perspective meaning."

The choices we make are rooted in reflection.

http://beauxreflets.blogspot.com/

Simple

I am sure we all have visited numerous forums and photography sites over the years. It is remarkable that even the big sites only have a small core group of really active members. They are the ones commenting and helping with queries. The only difference is of course the amount of members, that post pictures and have queries, after which they vanish. Or the backslapping brigade that only post pictures, waits for comments and not participates in discussions or comments on other peoples pics. I think the latter group are the biggest contributors to photography forums.
I have tried to get many of my students, camera club members, friends and family to enjoy and join CC. The reason they did not, was because to them the site seemed cliquish and they felt like they would intrude. One person said they felt like a stranger interupting a friendly chat between good friends. I know when people join and introduce themselves they get a nice warm welcome from 10-15 people. but you have to get them to introduce themselves in the first place. So what to do......???
I do not have any answers, but I would think you let things be and have a site for 25 people or completely revamp the site.
Make the site unique in one way or another. For example, tell people they get serious critique/praise on their pictures when posting. And give them serious critique/praise. Horizon not straight, over exposure, background distracting, lovely B/W conversion, great use of perspective, etc. It will be boring after a while but not for the recipient. And never ever just say "nice capture"!!
Or market the site as a fountain of knowledge for all things photographic. They have a photographic related question this forum will answer it.
The site than needs to state clearly its intent and a concerted effort of all active members promoting with facebook and friends should get you a start.
These are just my ideas, do note Mike, pulling the plug was not an option ;-)

ABERS

Can I be a little contentious here.

I said this on another forum and got called all manner of names as a result.  ::)

It was under the heading of " Physician Cure Thyself " and alluded to the fact that that those who readily offered constructive criticism should have a look at their photography before making suggestions as to how to improve others' work. What I should have said more politely perhaps is  "Is there anyone here that has the wherewithall to advise people that ask for advice?"

O.K. we can all see wonky horizons, under and over exposure, the odd blown highlight and blocked shadow, a post emerging from a head and the like, but can you teach people to "see" a picture and that photography is much more than running around firing off frame after frame, or the interminable procession of picture postcards.

I know I can't because I have enough trouble trying to satisfy my own needs to improve!

I've just been looking at some B+W pictures on another site which are beyond redemption and yet they have received a rave review from another forum member, so the author will sit back satisfied with his work thinking he has 'cracked it'.

Be careful what you say, it can reveal much about you rather than the photographer.

As an example and as an aside I usually watch, with an afternoon cuppa and a biscuit, a quiz show that requires the contestant to answer True or False. This particular contestant was asked "Did Tennessee Williams write Death of a Salesman?". Whilst working out true or false he said, "I've got a lot of his records in my collection, but I don't remember that title!"  ???


Paul Montgomery

For what its worth, I would help in any way i could. However, the question is would anyone actually want my help?

I don't know why, but i see this  forum as being more for people interested in photography than for people who just happen to read the same magazine. As such I think I'm probably more in need of help than being a helper. But as mentioned above, I've joined the RPS with a view to getting my 'L'...

Reinardina

Quote from: ABERS on January 25, 2013, 03:26:50 PM

O.K. we can all see wonky horizons, under and over exposure, the odd blown highlight and blocked shadow, a post emerging from a head and the like, but can you teach people to "see" a picture and that photography is much more than running around firing off frame after frame, or the interminable procession of picture postcards.


I still have the occasional lamp post growing out of someone's head, but I'm getting better at spotting these things before I press the trigger.

Still have a lot to learn, but I'm lucky I have people who point these things out. Here, elsewhere and in private. I often don't have the patience or time to correct a shot afterwards, but I think I take in most of the advice, and very slowly I am improving. I hope.

Not up to giving advice, and when I comment on a photo it is hardly ever a technical comment, unless the horizon is so wonky even I can see it. (And I have problems seeing straight lines!)

Hmmm not sure this helps the topic evolve, but I'm not going to wipe it now!
__________________
Reinardina.

Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye.
Shakespeare. (Love's Labours Lost.)

Oldboy

Quote from: Reinardina on January 25, 2013, 08:38:19 PM

Not up to giving advice, and when I comment on a photo it is hardly ever a technical comment, unless the horizon is so wonky even I can see it. (And I have problems seeing straight lines!)

Hmmm not sure this helps the topic evolve, but I'm not going to wipe it now!

When you comment on a photo it's your opinion, but that may still be a technical comment. For example, you might say a picture is too dark or light for your taste, but that is a technical comment as you are giving advice about how it should be corrected. Nothing wrong with that as that is how we learn. When you are in the same position, remembering your own advice you will adjust your camera to get the best picture. My point is, you don't have to be a 'expert' to give advice, just the honest truth as you see it. Your opinion still counts regardless of your experience.  :tup:

Reinardina

Quote from: Oldboy on January 25, 2013, 09:18:11 PM
Quote from: Reinardina on January 25, 2013, 08:38:19 PM

Not up to giving advice, and when I comment on a photo it is hardly ever a technical comment, unless the horizon is so wonky even I can see it. (And I have problems seeing straight lines!)

Hmmm not sure this helps the topic evolve, but I'm not going to wipe it now!

When you comment on a photo it's your opinion, but that may still be a technical comment. For example, you might say a picture is too dark or light for your taste, but that is a technical comment as you are giving advice about how it should be corrected. Nothing wrong with that as that is how we learn. When you are in the same position, remembering your own advice you will adjust your camera to get the best picture. My point is, you don't have to be a 'expert' to give advice, just the honest truth as you see it. Your opinion still counts regardless of your experience.  :tup:

Hmmm yes ... But (here we go again!) I remember photos I took, when I first discovered digital photography, that totally bowled me over. When I look at some of them now, I shudder!
Now, just imagine someone as green in photography terms as I was then, taking my opinion as gospel truth, because I managed to give the impression I knew what I was talking about ...
That person might still be making the mistakes I made in those days.
__________________
Reinardina.

Beauty is bought by judgment of the eye.
Shakespeare. (Love's Labours Lost.)

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