Stephen Bowden
(K=64141) - Comment Date 11/8/2004
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Hi Toni,
Personally, I prefer the second one - I don't think the bottom right floor is offputting at all and the light on the subjects head is nicely subdued.
To be honest, I also liked the original one and actually missed the bright spot initially !!
I think opinion will always be divided as everyone is an individual and has his/her own thoughts on the photographs.
I have posted photos on here which I was about to delete and had some wonderful comments, I always believe we are our own worst critics lol
Steve
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 11/8/2004
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I think I agree with Steven, the second one is better. Interesting shot.
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/8/2004
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Thank you so much, Steve, for taking the time to give me such a thoughtful reply. Sometimes it's hard to trust my own instincts, particularly when I do something unconventional. When I take risks I like to get more resounding agreement to quell my self doubts..lol. You are so right about everyone having different views. And I've done exactly the same thing as you have--I've gone to the computer to yank something, only to find very positive responses. As for the recent upload of my daughter Rachel, I had to turn off the ratings because, despite favorable remarks, they were the lowest I'd ever gotten on anything and I couldn't bear to see that happen to my flesh and blood. I guess I'm biased, because I thought it would be more of a hit. lol. When I think about it, it is a rather boring photo for others as compared to me. :)
Best wishes,
Toni
Toni
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 11/8/2004
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Toni, I for one don't rate photos, even if the option is there. To me, it too much like picking a favorite. I much prefer to leave comments, espeicially if the photo touches or catches me in some way. People who frequently leave comments/suggestions on my work, I try to return the thought. If my limited mind and photographic abilities come up with an idea to improve the shot I will offer it usually (as sensitively as I can think of).
As for as viewing the lower "Scores" on your daughter, try to view it this way. They are not scoring your daughter rather the way you chose to shoot her. Different folks are impressed by different things and I just shrug this scoring thing off as different tastes.
I looked at your photos and was pleased to find a variety of different styles of shots. I like to think that when I post a shot I'm sharing a moment of my world with others. Some might enjoy it, most will like pass them over. On occasion, I will recieve some nice comments, and even better some suggestions to make my shots even better. Some folks like opera, some don't. Some like sculptures and others like paintings. No right or wrong here, including your work. Just keep shooting and sharing.
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Nigel Smith
(K=3834) - Comment Date 11/8/2004
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Nice reply by Mike.. read that again!
I prefer the 2nd pic because not having those bright highlights lets me concentrate on the picture. I really like the composition.
and just a little story... I put a portrait of my son up at my camera club print night once. I thought it showed his cheeky side and technically, was pretty good. Pretty pleased with it in fact. The judge looked at it briefly, commented "his mother would love it" and moved on to the next picture!
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Mike,
This is my first request for help on this forum and I really appreciate it that you devoted your time to view my work and comment like you have.
Your remark that you don't rate photos touched on an important subject to me. I have been considering whether to allow ratings at all. Because most comments that are left are kind, I feel that the ratings give me another perspective on how nice a job I've done. But I realize this isn't that reliable for all the reasons you state, and it is often a function of who the audience is. I have learned to relax more about this in the two or three weeks I've belonged to this site.
Coincidentally, today I just learned that I won my first two photo competitions and am a finalist in a third in a photography group to which I belong (Women Digital Photographers). No one was home to tell when I got the news, and so I telephoned my mother to brag. She was pleased for me as a mother would be, but then asked, "What does this mean...what do you do now?" I answered, "I guess I just go to the grocery store." What I learned from this is that, although high scores and awards are good for my self-esteem, what really means the most are the comments that help me improve, because comments can actually be put to good use!
So here's to good critiques. I would be both grateful and honored if you would give me yours whenever you have the time. :)
Toni
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Nigel, your story made me grin from ear to ear. I can just imagine your reaction..lol. Thanks for your opinion...and I did read Mike's reply again (3 times!). T.
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Neil Dolman
(K=26883) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Hi Toni, i've enjoyed rerading this thread because it says a lot about why we post photos, whether or not we should rate them etc. I tend to only rate the ones that really stand out IMO and often i'm disappointed over the ratings that my own work is given. I've often considered turning them off, but i believe it still gives you an idea of how you photo is received. As for the views you can't let yourself be influenced by that because there is even a trend to writing answers/replies to every comment you receive and then you have a ridiculous count like 14 Views/14 comments! Not to mention the circles of friends that develope due to language, nationality, style, taste etc. Try and take it all with a grain of salt. To some people it is important and they need that. Doesn't mean they are a better photographer though, on the contrary it just annoys me. The only fair way would be: Not to be able to see who puts up the photo, but even that can be beaten, just log in on another computer and click away :)
Anyway i've drifted away from your theme here sorry.
I like the second photo better because i do find the hot spot a little too much IMHO.
As for posting your photos... go ahead and post what you want and don't let yourself be influenced by others. Congrats on your awards/prizes and have a good time at the grocers :)
Best wishes, Neil
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Mike George
(K=3429) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Toni, since your are going, I could use some eggs, cheese and milk (2%)......... :) just kidding.
Wait, I have an inspiration, I have to got to the grocery story for eggs, cheese and milk......I have a photo idea!!!!!!!!
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Great advice, Neil. I'm buying it. Thanks very much.
Best regards,
Toni
P.S. I had the best time at the grocers!
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Mike, I hope you get some great pics at the grocers. Let me know if you post any so I can see 'em. :)
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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....and Mike has inspired me. Here are some pics from a recent trip to the grocers. And one of them is "spot on" (pun intended), in that it takes a light on the head to the extreme! This has been a great exchange. Thanks.
http://www.usefilm.com/image/605436.html
http://www.usefilm.com/image/605441.html
(the links take you to a sepia version of the interior shot that is on this comment, and to another portrait of a man with a light over his head. I have the pen and ink version of that in 120 k now, so I'll plug it into the next thread.)
Toni
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Ma n Pa's
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Big white light over the head!
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/9/2004
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Oh, what the heck, I'll save anyone who cares the trouble and put in the sepia here too.
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Alejandro Mendez
(K=2066) - Comment Date 11/10/2004
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Toni,
To be honest I think the overall composition and angle from where you shot this picture is excellent enough to reduce importance to the lights in both girls heads. Maybe in the future you can avoid it and get a even better shot, but this is wonderful...
congrats!
Regards
AMC
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/10/2004
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Neil, It's been a day or two since you left me the advice to go ahead and post what I want and not to be influenced by others. Consequently, I have been. Thanks. :) Toni
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Antonia BauerleinSehnert
(K=30599) - Comment Date 11/13/2004
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Steve, I see angels, you see ghosts. ;) Toni
http://www.usefilm.com/image/608479.html
(Sorry, I couldn't resist)
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