Myself as a fellow Model Railroader and Photographer I sometimes find it hard to not comment on a poorly taken picture. I will offer some advise on how to take a better picture but rarely will I put down their efforts. I just try to keep in the back of my mind that I cannot expect everyone to have the same type of cameras lenses and other equipment that I have. I by no means have professional grade cameras but what I do have not alot of others people have. Point and shoot digital cameras range from great to poor and have varying features that dont always include macro or no shake for low light situations, and that can make things not too perfect when taking close up pictures of our beloved trains.
Feel free to keep commenting on photos from other users, just keep the comments constructive like “try using a desk lamp to highlight the locomotive in your picture” over one like “what is the use in showing us your new paint scheme when you cant even see the blasted thing with that horrible lighting, learn how to use a camera and come back later!!” Both comments tell the user that he needs better lighting but the first one is a wee bit more constructive in doing so.
Check and make certain you’ve switch the camera to macro mode. This should help your focus issues. Also try a less reflective surface, maybe the reflection is fooling the autofocus.
Great examples that we all can use as a general rule-of-thumb for offering helpful critiques on photography.
JKtrains,
Good tips about the Macro Mode and the reflective surface. I’m an “old” SLR 35mm shutterbug. The digital camera is a whole new technology for me but I’ve been very impressed with it.
The thing people have to remember is that there’s a fine line between critiquing and insulting. Critiquing points out what the person did right versus what they did wrong and how to improve on it. It does not go into personal attacks like calling somebody an idiot or making a fake screenname to mock them. Be yourself everyone else is taken.
It seems to me today’s antics are a result of one of the cubbies sneaking in under the fence and thinking he can crack whip with the big boys.
The reason was regrettable, but it turns out that it is of benefit to us all that R.T started this thread even though he was, understandably, expressng his frustration.
In the past 3 years we’ve seen threads in which modelers contributing photos received posted feedback ranging from very encouraging [:D] to humiliating []. As in many social situations, the negative expressions are what often stand out. Some negative comments were posted with no “ill will” intended, while others were obviously intended to be nasty, condescending, self serving tripe.
Bottom line, some of us take it for granted or just don’t fully understand the incredible power that written words can wield**.**
Now we are discussing how to respond to posted photos in helpful ways without tearing down the persons or sucking up to them.
Guys,It is my opinion that we enjoy the photos that others takes the time to take the picture,resize it and then upload it.Just because a picture doesn’t meet your or my standards(what little I have) is no reason to feel we need to give advance on a poorly taken picture after all that advance may not be wanted…Another thing I want to mention is everybody may not be able to afford a high dollar camera and a set of lights…Even a desk light can be tricky to use in order to avoid shadows.
It is also my opinion that silence is golden when it comes to certain things.After we do not know the person that took the picture of his(say) poorly painted locomotive or building.There are many reasons from the lack of skills to not being able to do the work due to a illness or handicap.Also maybe he/she wanted to share a picture of his/her pride and joy and use a 19.99 throw away digital camera…
Well, I have been mulling things over as I have lunch.
Our hobby encompasses individuals with a variety of backgrounds. Collectively, we are a creative bunch, and most of us has our own way of doing things. Just as we we have differing skills for all the aspects of our hobby, we have differing communication skills. Much of the flare up may have been attributed to communications. Comments on an individual’s work can come across as offense when they actually could have been intended to be constructive. I believe I may be guilty myself to jumping to conclusions. Sorry about that. That’s giving the benefit of the doubt to some who may not appear to deserve it to some other forum members.
]. As in many social situations, the negative expressions are what often stand out. Some negative comments were posted with no “ill will” intended, while others were obviously intended to be nasty, condescending, self serving tripe.