What do members think about the gallery?

wildone · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 05:29 PM

I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on how we can improve the gallery. Essentially, it has two aims:

1. To show each species in as many differing ways as possible, thereby making the gallery an educational resource.

2. To see photography of wildlife at it's very best. Giving those not quite there something to aim for.

As a result, it would be great to hear suggestions on how we can improve it.

Every day, we're getting more and more members and the viewing statistics are going up very quickly. For this reason alone, please keep adding your superb photos and send us your ideas on how we can continue to make the gallery such a great resource.

Over to you!

Fourwings · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 05:56 PM

In my opinion the gallerys are a fantastic visual reference library for those who either want to learn more about a specific species or need to identify something that they have found or seen.

They also showcase the work of everyone who uses a camera to record wildlife, there is no distinction between skill levels, style, type of equipment used etc.... which is the way it should be, I enjoy seeing everyones work.

As for the comments, number of views etc.... this issue does not bother me really, whilst it is always great to recieve comments on images, my primary reason for posting them is to share them with other people in the hope that they will further enhance their enjoyment of British wildlife.

Perhaps the only thing missing is comments of constructive critisism, as an experienced wildlife photographer I welcome any such comment on my work, other peoples perception & thoughts on your work is one of the main tools that we use to hopefully continue to improve, so please don't be shy, we don't bite!

John · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 06:55 PM

This gallery could be an excellent addition to this site. My gripe is that a good percentage of photographs get very few comments and also in relation to the amount of members get few views as well.

It could be great as a reference photo library but the viewing figures are not showing it as one at the moment.

I totally concur with Fourwings comments that constructive comments are an aid to improving ones photography.

There is one thing I will pick up on and that is the makeup of the thumbnails. The description is also showing alongside the thumbnail which actually takes up a lot of space. My thoughts are that these descriptions should only been seen when opened up as a larger image. This way there will be a more uniform look to the thumbnails and more thumbnails to a page.

John

Boddie · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 07:00 PM

I do not necessarily agree with the constructive criticism comment as it can become antagonistic.

My suggestion would be to have a section inviting criticism. Maybe part of the gallery whereby submitters can specifically ask for criticism rather than dissection of peoples images ad hoc.

Fact is everybody that submits has taken the photo to the best of their individual abilities. I understand what you mean. Time and again I realise that there was an object in the background which I wish I had noticed and removed prior to taking the shot, or perhaps waited a little longer for the sun to set.

I would welcome criticism by PM, as I am sure most would but via forums and in the gallery is too public, unless by invite.

Boddie · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

There is one thing I will pick up on and that is the makeup of the thumbnails. The description is also showing alongside the thumbnail which actually takes up a lot of space. My thoughts are that these descriptions should only been seen when opened up as a larger image. This way there will be a more uniform look to the thumbnails and more thumbnails to a page.

John

I agree entirely

digi · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 08:26 PM

Whilst some members would welcome criticism I think it would deter others from posting images and we don't want to do that.

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digi

Whilst some members would welcome critism I think it would deter others from posting images and we don't want to do that.

I agree. While I don't mind criticism, we shouldn't forget this is not just a photography site. I also enjoy the "poor" photographs, (of which I've posted many!) for their content as well as others for their technical merit.

digi · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 08:43 PM

Yes, I would rather see a poor photo than no photo all are very welcome.

If a photographer wants advice on a shot they can always request this in the text or in the Photography Forum section.

Boddie · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 08:57 PM

This was my point with PM's. You are all correct

Fourwings · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glsammy

I agree. While I don't mind criticism, we shouldn't forget this is not just a photography site. I also enjoy the "poor" photographs, (of which I've posted many!) for their content as well as others for their technical merit.

I agree entirely - as I've already stated I really enjoy all the images posted, subject matter & content is my main consideration when posting images to the gallerys.

I just wouldn't like to think that people would hold back on giving critical advice purely because they thought it might offend the photographer, everyone sees images differently, what works for one person ,won't for another, and if you send images to magazines,printers, graphic designers etc..... then believe me you to get used to it, but its there to help you improve & not to insult you.

nightshade · #11 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 06:29 AM

The gallery is to give a taste of what and how other people see, it is up to you to say yes thats it!! or post a pic. of your own to say no it is more like this..
I have seen pictures taken with a £35 digital 1mg camera that captured
Badgers investigating a frog it was the most hilarious sequence i have ever seen so never mind the quality feel the content
With over 800 members most with cameras we should be getting thousands of pictures to make us laugh (nicely)or fill us with awe
perhaps if you are shy of posting? we could arrange a private viewing to give you confidence or constructive criticism I am game if you are

3

digi · #12 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 06:41 AM

The main thing is to get everyone that goes out and takes a picture suitable for the site to post it, we have had many new members but not so many new uploaders.

Maybe a check box in the upload as suggested earlier to allow comments on the composition etc, could be added for those that want constructive critism. The problem from my experience with other forums is someone will always come along and have a pop at a particular person or image, then they no longer upload. I don't want to see that happen.

Words · #13 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digi

The main thing is to get everyone that goes out and takes a picture suitable for the site to post it, we have had many new members but not so many new uploaders.

I love looking at the galleries, but agree that more posters would be great. And you don't need a great camera. Most of the ones I've posted (until very recently) were with a relatively cheap point-n-shoot Olympus digi (3.2 Megapixel job).

Stuart · #14 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 11:31 PM

I think that if the photographer takes their photograph within the scope of their current ability and the limits of their equipment that is fine by me, because even if you have a point and shoot camera you can capture activity that may take a photographer with super-duper equipment years to get, if ever. If they wish to improve their ability and upgrade their equipment then invite constructive criticism through the forums, this could mean a seperate forum but is this such a bad thing?

digi · #15 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart

If they wish to improve their ability and upgrade their equipment then invite constructive criticism through the forums, this could mean a seperate forum but is this such a bad thing?

Thats a good point Stuart, although I think most would expect to get advice from photographers that shoot similar subject matter. Most dedicated forums and I am a member of Airliners.net have sub forums to cover photography and they become very active which stimulates membership. At the moment the WAB gallery viewing and feedback figures are low but if you increase the interest then the whole site will benefit. Also more people will visit to view the images and take part in the WAB disscussions.

Digi

jennyb · #16 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by digi

The main thing is to get everyone that goes out and takes a picture suitable for the site to post it, we have had many new members but not so many new uploaders.

I am a relatively new member and I have uploaded just a few photographs. One of the things that holds me back from uploading more (and I've got loads) is that the quality of some of the photos in the gallery is really quite astounding. Frankly, I am embarassed to upload mine which are pathetic efforts in comparison

. Before viewing some of the photos in the gallery I used to think that mine were not too bad, for a real amateur.

I am sure that many people feel the same way but I am not sure how to get around this problem.

Jenny

wildone · #17 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennyb

I am a relatively new member and I have uploaded just a few photographs. One of the things that holds me back from uploading more (and I've got loads) is that the quality of some of the photos in the gallery is really quite astounding. Frankly, I am embarassed to upload mine which are pathetic efforts in comparison

. Before viewing some of the photos in the gallery I used to think that mine were not too bad, for a real amateur.

I am sure that many people feel the same way but I am not sure how to get around this problem.

Jenny

Have a look through the gallerys and your photos. Have you any of things that are not in the gallerys? Upload those for starters. Remember that this site is also a resouce for people to ID their finds and a help to learn more about British wildlife. I agree that so many of the photos are superb giving us all something to aim for. I know that I shall be trying harder this year. But above all enjoy your camera and the wildlife you see through it.

wildone

wildone · #18 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 10:36 AM

Jenny

I have had a look at your postings to the gallerys and if they are a sample of what you have, please, please upload more asap.

wildone

jennyb · #19 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 11:02 AM

Unfortunately, the photos I have uploaded are probably the best I have. However, I will look through and see if I have any subjects which are missing from the gallery.

I have to admit that the quality of photos in the gallery has whetted my appetite and I have given out a very big hint to my husband for a new camera for my birthday!

Jenny

John · #20 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennyb

I am a relatively new member and I have uploaded just a few photographs. One of the things that holds me back from uploading more (and I've got loads) is that the quality of some of the photos in the gallery is really quite astounding. Frankly, I am embarassed to upload mine which are pathetic efforts in comparison

. Before viewing some of the photos in the gallery I used to think that mine were not too bad, for a real amateur.

I am sure that many people feel the same way but I am not sure how to get around this problem.

Jenny

Hi Jenny

I hope you don't put yourself down too much. We all have to start somewhere and I think you will find that the members on this site are not judgemental regarding photos posted in the gallery. By all means post those that think best represent you but also use it as a kick start to better what you have acheived so far.

I am in another forunm where my photos are so way down in the list quality wise, in respect of other photographers, that I could easily become discouraged, but I don't. I now aim to better the last photo I have taken of any subject matter. That is my yardstick and I think it is possibly a similar yardstick that many photographers use.

John

Oy · #21 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 11:51 AM

Some great comments so far!

I think the idea of a check box for comments & feedback on a technical photography level is a sound one. Or maybe use a new forum area specifically for critique & advice about members' photos. As far as I'm concerned - people upload to the gallery because they want to show us their photos - not so that they can be told they are lacking in some way. We're all taking photos at different levels of experience and with different levels of equipment.

glsammy · #22 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennyb

I am a relatively new member and I have uploaded just a few photographs. One of the things that holds me back from uploading more (and I've got loads) is that the quality of some of the photos in the gallery is really quite astounding. Frankly, I am embarassed to upload mine which are pathetic efforts in comparison

. Before viewing some of the photos in the gallery I used to think that mine were not too bad, for a real amateur.

I am sure that many people feel the same way but I am not sure how to get around this problem.

Jenny

Jenny,
Please don't be embarrassed about the quality, what most of us here care about is the photographic content first and last. Quality is of minor almost insignificant importance.
Yes it's lovely to look at the quality shots, were all in awe of some of the contributors here, but that doesn't lessen the importance of other contributors. POST AWAY!!

Oy · #23 (**permalink**) 11-02-2006, 12:29 PM

^^^ He's got it!

The important thing is that you enjoy your photography and share your results. Everything else is optional