Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Categories
Most Helpful FAQs
When is appropriate to use the 'Mark as Constructive Critique' link on a comment?
(1) The critique should provide the poster of the photo, or anyone reading the critique, with significant ideas on how to improve their photography. Minor suggestions do not necessarily make it appropriate to us the Mark as Constructive Critique link.
(2) This does not mean the critique has to be lengthy. A few words accompanied by a modification can be equally helpful, but only if the modifier has explained the "why" and "how"..
(3) It should stand out from other critiques, e.g. merely complimentary ones and ones containing only minor suggestions
(4) It should explore composition, lighting, style and execution - as appropriate. Subject matter comes after these aspects.
(5) Critique does not necessarily mean critical. You can draw attention to good aspects of the photo in such a way as to help anyone reading to improve their own work. This will always mean going well beyond merely pointing out these aspects and admiring them. (This will often be a much more difficult task than suggesting how to improve the photo.)
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How can I get my exif data to appear automatically?
There are a couple of ways to make sure you save all the metadata with your image.
When saving from your computer, make sure you use 'Save as'. When saving from Photoshop, go to file > Save for web and devices. On the right under the image information you will see a dropdown for Metadata. Click on the dropdown and you can choose to keep all data or just copyright and contact information.
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How do I prepare my photo for uploading to ePHOTOzine?
You are not required to resize your photos to upload them to the ePHOTOzine gallery. In fact, we strongly recommend that you upload the full size version of your photo as our system will automatically resize your photo for you as long as your photo meets the following criteria:
1. The file must be a JPEG file (.jpg or .jpeg)
2. The photo must be in RGB format (not CMYK)
Note that if you use Adobe RGB (1998) colour space rather than sRGB it will result in a loss in density and contrast.
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I'm thinking of posting photos to the critique gallery. How do I get maximum benefit?
GUIDELINES FOR POSTING PHOTOS IN THE CRITIQUE GALLERY
We are here to help you
The Critique Gallery is your opportunity to learn about photography on a personal level.
It's a joint venture between you and the Critique Team.
We will assist with all aspects of photography, all the way from the basics, camera controls, composition, post processing, etc so that you can grow, become competent, and effectively graduate from the CG.
We will commit to work with you, as long as you work with us.
What we ask from you
What we ask from you is that you complete the Description Box with as much information as possible about your reasons for choosing to upload to the Critique Gallery (not just a description of where and when the image was taken):-
Briefly try to explain what you were trying to achieve.
Indicate any areas where you feel there is room for improvement.
Include your camera settings, known as Exif Data. If the site doesn't automatically pick it up, open the picture on your hard drive, right click on it, click on Properties, and then Details.
Because critique includes post processing suggestions, it's helpful if you state what editing software you use, and how competent you are with it.
Your original image
If your uploaded image has been significantly processed or manipulated, please say what you have changed.
Maybe you had a specific idea about how the image was supposed to look, eg you toned it a blue colour, you softened it to achieve a certain feel?
We would welcome seeing a copy of your unmanipulated original, because it will often allow us to give a more effective critique
You can easily upload the original as a Version or under Modifications.
We may prefer to use your original to do a modification for you.
You may want to upload Versions of your image, not just the original, and that's fine. All we ask is that you limit your Versions to Before & After, showing only versions that originate from the same exposure, not unrelated images.
Please communicate with us
Most importantly, we need your feedback on the information we give you.
The Critique Team like to feel that the Critique Gallery is an interactive area of the site, so reciprocal comments from you are important.
In the comments section under your picture, let us know if the critique you received was helpful, so we can tailor advice according to your needs and abilities.
Feel free to ask further questions, and please be kind enough to respond to questions from critiquers.
The critiques you will receive
There are always different ways to approach things, and different opinions as to how to achieve the best from your image.
Some members may make blunt statements. Remember they are not criticising you, but simply offering an opinion on your photo.
You may receive critique from members who are not in the Critique Team, but feel they have something helpful to offer you.
There may be conflicting suggestions for you to take on board. Consider them all and try not to dismiss any of them.
It's important not to get into debates or arguments over critique offered.
If you need to seek further clarification fom the critiquer, feel free to do so in a polite and friendly manner.
Our objective
Our objective is that the critique provided will encourage you to learn to become a better photographer.
We would love to see you using our advice to help you to progress, if you feel it's useful.
But if you are reluctant to act upon advice being offered, then perhaps the CG is not the appropriate place for you, and the main gallery may prove more beneficial, where you can receive comments, votes and awards.
If you do find critique helpful and constructive, you can nominate it as such by clicking on the green 'Nominate' button above the comment.
The Critique Team.
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Why when I upload a photo to the Critique Gallery is there the option for others to mark as constructive Critique?
Uploads to the Critique Gallery always are allowed to have comments marked as constructive critique.
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Is there a correct method for offering critique?
General
- Be polite and respectful in your comments. Insulting comments will be deleted.
- Remember: you are trying to help and encourage your fellow ePhotozine members
- Avoid misunderstanding: nuances of speech and facial expressions cannot come over in writing.
- Do not use the copy & paste technique to flood the gallery with meaningless comments.
- The original poster may contact you to seek clarification on your comments. Feel free to add any further comments or suggestions on the poster's photo.
Before you comment
Study the image and form an opinion of what does or does not appeal to you, both technically and aesthetically.
Identify technical qualities that appeal or do not appeal:
- focus
- camera shake
- contrast
- colour (including colour casts)
- lighting
- exposure
- digital 'noise', artefacts etc.
- depth of field
- background
- composition
- choice of lens
Do the same with the aesthetic qualities: assess any emotional response you get from the picture. Say what is your response and try to explain why the image evokes that response:
- Is the eye led in or around the pic?
- Is there a discernible subject?
- Good balance between subject and background?
- Any parts of the subject lost unintentionally?
- Could crop be better?
- If there's a horizon is it level?
Commenting
- Begin your comments with what you like about the photo.
- Then go on to what you think needs improvement - offering suggestions as to how the photo can be improved. Give reasons as necessary.
- Do not argue the validity of another member's comments on the photo or get into a debate on the critique.
- There is nothing wrong with saying 'Nice pic' but say exactly why you think it is nice - be specific on the technical and aesthetic qualities which appeal.
- Upload a modification if you think it will help, stating what you have done and, if possible, pitching the modifications at uploader's experience.
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What does vote mean?
Under every photo there is a green "Vote" button apart from photos with the critique option. The reason for this is that the users who upload these photos are looking for comments stating what is good about the photo and what they can improve upon.
Clicking the vote button will add one to the photo's votes. If you want to you can add a comment as well by filling the 'Add a comment' box at the bottom.
This is not a mandatory requirement, and you can just view and move on if you want to!
Please do not vote on a photo just because the person voted on yours. This is seen as fishing for clicks and is not good site etiquette.
You shouldn't vote on a photo just because you like the person. Votes should indicate high quality and not friendship!
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I'm a new member/new to photography, should I comment?
Yes, everyone is welcome and encouraged to comment, no matter what level of skill or experience. Your opinion is as valuable as the next.
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What is the upload limit and why is there one?
Uploads to the ePHOTOzine gallery are limited to two a day for each member, this is to prevent flooding of the gallery and give fair exposure to all.
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If I see a photo already critiqued should I still post my own comments?
Yes, the more comments the better, as this will allow the poster to get a general feel for opinion on their post. After all, a large part of critique on any photo is personal opinion.
It's important not just to go and critique photos that are currently uncritiqued (although this is, of course, valuable). The idea is to offer as much support, help and comment across the board.
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