Modifications of one's work by others
I recently showed some modifications of my photos done by other members at one of our meetings. One of our club members said he thought I was "very brave" to allow others to modify my photos. I don't understand what he meant. Why would he think I was brave? Can anyone explain what he might have meant by that? I'd ask him myself but it was a Zoom meeting.
Some folk, who share their photos, think they're perfect and get upset if other folk can find fault (and even prove their point by making a mod!). You have to be able to accept other's opinions to allow it.
Also, perhaps he was thinking that others may ignore the 'Copyright' rule and steal your image.
A shame you didn't have the time to ask him/her.
Also, perhaps he was thinking that others may ignore the 'Copyright' rule and steal your image.
A shame you didn't have the time to ask him/her.
Thanks for the swift reply. I had considered the potential for theft but (a) I'm quite sure none of my work has any market value, and (b) people could steal it by deed of me having posted it (independent of whether or not I had allowed modifications). I suspect you're right - its a form of snobbery they are unknowingly suffering from. I'm always open to constructive criticism and ideas for alternative interpretations. In fact, some mods have helped persuade me, where there was doubt, that I was right the first time!
It was a Zoom meeting but I think I know who it was - so I'll have a chance to ask him at some point if we ever resume physical meets. But I asked here because I'm not sure how to ask without appearing critical.
It was a Zoom meeting but I think I know who it was - so I'll have a chance to ask him at some point if we ever resume physical meets. But I asked here because I'm not sure how to ask without appearing critical.
I think I would start the conversation "I was really interested in your comment.................." and take it from there - I don't think that would be at all critical. Once in the conversation you can put your view forward! (Whereas starting "What do you mean by.............." could be a little aggressive(?)).
The English language is a funny thing - Mum-in-law sometimes gets offended by texts because there is no way of inflecting tone of voice or body language.............especially if the person doesn't use commas ect.
The English language is a funny thing - Mum-in-law sometimes gets offended by texts because there is no way of inflecting tone of voice or body language.............especially if the person doesn't use commas ect.
Since we started running our camera club on Zoom, and are more restricted on what we can do, we have had more critique evenings, and more people have felt able to contribute (perhaps because the photographer whose work is being critiqued can't reach them with a swift upper cut 
). This has been really helpful in improving the work of some members. Others of course still take offence (particularly when you suggest that just hitting "auto" in Lightroom would improve something 
)
I've found it extremely useful - when 15 people comment on your photo and point out something you haven't seen.
We also do what we call "raw fun". People are invited to contribute a raw file and members are able to do whatever they want with them. This is entirely voluntary, but offers people really useful ideas on how differently people just do the simple things like process and crop.
On the other hand, I would not dream of taking someone's photo and modifying it without their permission.
). This has been really helpful in improving the work of some members. Others of course still take offence (particularly when you suggest that just hitting "auto" in Lightroom would improve something )I've found it extremely useful - when 15 people comment on your photo and point out something you haven't seen.
We also do what we call "raw fun". People are invited to contribute a raw file and members are able to do whatever they want with them. This is entirely voluntary, but offers people really useful ideas on how differently people just do the simple things like process and crop.
On the other hand, I would not dream of taking someone's photo and modifying it without their permission.
I don't think it's a question of being 'brave' after all it is nice sometimes to have someone else's opinion. If you are not open to critique then don't worry.
It can be frustrating sometimes though when your 'masterpiece' is critiqued by a judge about something you missed!!
DOH!
But it is a good way of learning and improving perhaps.
It can be frustrating sometimes though when your 'masterpiece' is critiqued by a judge about something you missed!!
DOH!
But it is a good way of learning and improving perhaps.
Quote:I recently showed some modifications of my photos done by other members at one of our meetings. One of our club members said he thought I was "very brave" to allow others to modify my photos. I don't understand what he meant. Why would he think I was brave? Can anyone explain what he might have meant by that? I'd ask him myself but it was a Zoom meeting.
There is little point in speculating what this other person was thinking; why not contact them and ask? I would not normally ask anyone to edit my images as it would not be mine then. I am happy to hear a critique. If the critique is that I should have been facing in the opposite direction or similar then it is of no value to me as I chose the view and it is what I wanted. However, I occasionally miss a technical issue for example leaving a halo when I have cut something out or otherwise edited the image. Correcting such errors can only improve the image but I do not need anyone to do this for me but just to have the error pointed out.
Unfortunately, critiques sessions are best with smaller numbers (less than 20). While we hope to have live meetings again from September, my club plans to continue some Zoom session. We are aware that you can set up different Rooms in a Zoom meeting. We have not tried this yet but may be able to usefully use this for training or critiques where overall numbers would be too large.
Dave
It's a sign of confidence that you asked for modifications, so turn it around and ask why he'd be so scared?
It would be good for you to find out though you don't need to post what you find here.
Modifications allow you to learn about processing and to get to see how others might view your image, all adding to your visual armoury. Thios could be simply lifting shadow detail, better mono conversions or different crops, which you may not have seen yourself or couldn't decide on the best approach or technique.
That's all about wanting to improve, learn and extend vision. That can be considered as taking brave steps.
Perhaps some would feel they're being 'shown up'. Copyright (important though that is) can be bandied around to avoid other concerns and insecurities like not being open to ideas.
It's alays good to get different opinions.
By doing modifications or others you learn a lot yourself, too.
It would be good for you to find out though you don't need to post what you find here.
Modifications allow you to learn about processing and to get to see how others might view your image, all adding to your visual armoury. Thios could be simply lifting shadow detail, better mono conversions or different crops, which you may not have seen yourself or couldn't decide on the best approach or technique.
That's all about wanting to improve, learn and extend vision. That can be considered as taking brave steps.
Perhaps some would feel they're being 'shown up'. Copyright (important though that is) can be bandied around to avoid other concerns and insecurities like not being open to ideas.
It's alays good to get different opinions.
By doing modifications or others you learn a lot yourself, too.
Quote:Modifications allow you to learn about processing and to get to see how others might view your image, all adding to your visual armoury. This could be simply lifting shadow detail, better mono conversions or different crops, which you may not have seen yourself or couldn't decide on the best approach or technique.
Agree 100% - I've also been in the situation regularly where I've been with a couple of friends and shot almost identical photos, but we have processed them very differently. The main problem with this is that I often then can't decide which I like best
There are many ways tto process the same shot, each giving very different results and that for me is alot of the fun of photography.
