Self evaluation

The subject of photographers rating their own images has come up

before. I would like to propose a special box where the

photographer would post his own rating (and obviously, it would not

count towards the overall number or averages). It would require an

individual comment for originality and an individual comment for

aesthetics each defending the respective rating. This rating would

be required at the time of the posting and would not be available to

other viewers until there has been a minimum of 10 ratings. When

the self rating becomes public, the photographer would be allowed to

make an additional comment regarding the first ten ratings. They

would be able to respond to criticism and add a revised version of

the image to that particular photo.

 

I think it would be a good learning exercise. It would also weed

out the big egos and those with low opinions of their work. Might

be worth trying to see if this concept is helful in honing ones

critiquing skills.

I have to say this is the best "ratings" idea I have read.

 

It could put a new perspective on an image as well. It could lead to a more realistic view of how an individual see their own work. And would prevent others from starting a feeding frenzy on the photog right out of the gate.

 

The biggest reason I say this is the best that I have read is......... it actually is a fully formed idea. Not a concept without form. Nor a complaint without a solution. And yet it addresses some of those very complaints. If someone is rating your work "low" and they say their own work, which you happen to love, sucks. Then would it really matter as much if they were tough on you? Then again those who self rate highly with thin vapid reasoning, well they are showing their true colors and are doing all the commenting for you. And for everyone else it will give understanding what an individual values, and what they do not care for. And isn't understanding and empathy a worthy goal for any art form?

 

t

I like the idea

I only post images which are in my opinion 5,6 6,5 6,6 7,7 or

occasionally a 4 in either.

 

Therefore I do evaluate all my work pre-posting. I have requested

critiques on 90% of my images for this reason. I think they are

above average but realise that others will not agree, so I want to

find out where the disagreement lies.

 

I can't think of any reason to put up an image I do not like or rate

myself!

I really like your approach to human subjects and just reviewed your folder of 31 images. Very nice work! But I also looked at the average ratings. Most were between 5 and 6/5 and 6. Only one image was between 5 and 6/greater than 6. You stated: "I only post images which are in my opinion 5,6 6,5 6,6 7,7 or occasionally a 4 in either. "

 

I agree that all of your images reflect your opinion of you work but the viewers have rated your images slightly lower on the average.

That is the point of my recommendation for self evaluation. YOU get to see where YOU stand. Yes, some egos will be disturbed by this exercise and some will be boosted. But, perhaps your skills will be fine tuned.

 

BTW, I think some of your people images are as good as I have seen on photo.net but I also believe, in general that this style of photography is not as "appreciated" as some genres. It would be an interesting exercise to do a statistical analysis of genres to see which do best on photo.net.

I like the idea of posting a 25-word explanation of why you uploaded

an image. It would separate the strong ones you upload to share as

good examples of the genre from those you have a specific question

about. The current RFC list would display this text large enough to

get people to slow down and actually think about the image before

rating it. . .

Carl - I like that idea. A lot of times when I go through the gallery I find myself clicking on the pic to see what the photographer had in mind. Because I look at some images and at first glance they appear pointless to me. I know that there are those who would say an image needs no explaination, or if it does it was done wrong. But I would counter that I do not know every genre of art, nor do I know how to visualize other forms.... A little explaination could help to broaden my horizons which could lead to experimentation in other areas for me. I could also better understand the comments that are made by others. I think...........

 

t

I am not in the least bit surprised others do not rate my images

as high as I would - not because I have an exxagerated value of

my skills but I'm just too close to them to be dispassionate and

that is where pnet comes in.

 

Thank you for your kind comments.

 

A current major irritant to me is the way the rating system is

geared to get you 10 rates and then discriminates against you.

 

This will seem crap but please bear with the sense of what I'm

trying to say rather than the harsh and ill chosen words.

 

The current system has meant recently that I have got rates very

quickly eg 10 in 20 minutes and then death.

 

The rates were more frequently from people with few images

and these not too highly rated. Previously I seemed to be more

visible to more longstanding contributors because there was not

this inbuilt system of sandbagging you once you got 10 rates.

 

Therefore with one of the recent images after 20 minutes the

system buried me! This really bugs me. I want nothing more

than a level playing field and I'll take my chances.

 

louis

I have just put up a photo and again 10 rates in as many

minutes.

 

NOW for the positive discrimination it will probably get few rates

as the system shoves it down nearly out of sight in the critique

process.

 

I'm not saying it warrants 10 rates ..... the system is awful and

too predictable in its boring even handedness.

Louis

I have the same experience with 5 of the last six images I publish here but the one that did well is really the only one that deserved it. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages and you will never make everyone happy.

Carl-I also like your idea of the 25 words or less posting defense. So what do we need to do to get the webmasters to consider your idea or my idea or a combination of the two?