The below is copied from the site forum posting guidelines and encourages posters to include equipment, setting, and method information.
I'm new to these forums. One thing I notice is many posted photos do not include any information about what camera equipment or if appropriate film was used. Thus I have no idea on such images whether they are from a 1mp $50 digital camera or an 8x10 view camera. Whether the film is one of the saturated films, neutral, or digital SLR. So here in my first topic post on the forum I'd like to state that I'd bet most of we photographer would prefer more of you to include information at a minimum about equipment and film used.
...David
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The process of photo critique is a two-way street. It all starts with you, the person posting the photo.
In order to get the most out of this process, providing information about your photo is crucial. For every photo you post, consider including the following information;...
Equipment information. By telling us what kind of equipment was used we will have a better feel for what we can suggest. Try to include information about the camera and lens used, if a speedlight (flash) and/or tripod was used or any filters.
Camera settings, including shutter speed, aperture setting and exposure compensation can also be useful to those offering their comments. ...
As moderator on Man & Nature, I prefer to have a simple list of equipment posted. I sometimes ask for folks to post that. There are some shots I can't figure out by simply looking at it!
On the other hand I think it serves no purpose at all. If you need to know how an equipment works then there are lots of review-sites available online, NPN also has a forum. As a beginner I was interested in the equipment used, was in awe of those LF/MF images. Having used all those cameras I have realized that each has its use and a good image will always be the one irrespective of the equipment used. I prefer to read the adventure, story behind it. May be it is just me.
I think there's value in posting camera and lens information to help people make their own gear decision. It's impossible to judge sharpness and other characteristics from a tiny web image but things like angle of coverage may be interesting.
Either way - more information is better than less - those who don't need it can skip over, so I would also encourage posting anything you think is relevant to anyone (fully realizing I haven't been very good about doing so myself).
I feel like listing it is a courtesy to your reviewers, as well as to beginning photographers trying to make their own gear selections. It doesn't take much time out of your life to do it, so why not try to "help" your good neighbors with a little extra info?
I like seeing it in certain cases. If I really like the SS that a creek was captured, to me, the SS is a very important thing to mention; especially for those trying to learn from viewing the photos. If a DOF has worked especailly well, it is nice to see the aperture. For the macro and close up gallery, the apreture and SS are helpful there too.
Because of my background as both a photographer and research scientist, I prefer to over-document
rather than not. I have begun to go to the extreme of not only describing the equipment and exposure
settings, but also including a link to a second "shot-setup" image. I use my old Kodak DC-5000 to
document my stoots. Just a snap shot to show the setup. That way, I can review the effectiveness
of various techniques as I continue on my journey. Also, it really can be helpfull to new photographers
by making the shot setup much more clear. for example, take a look at:
I also find it easier to provide a meaningful critique if I have some idea of the equipment and
setup. Sometimes I get the feeling that some are almost secretive about their technique; Too bad!
I'll add something I'd like to see more too beyond equipment, settings, and film. That is when a picture was taken. I'll always provide that information and would encourage others to do so too. For the most part I only ever plan to post current images or ones I'm just now processing into marketable prints. ...David
Interesting and worthwhile point David. I'm pretty careful to indicate time of year, sometimes even specific date, when images were taken. I do that as a nod to anyone making their own travels plans. Call it a thanks to those who have provided such valuable info for my own travels.
Discussion
10 repliesI'm new to these forums. One thing I notice is many posted photos do not include any information about what camera equipment or if appropriate film was used. Thus I have no idea on such images whether they are from a 1mp $50 digital camera or an 8x10 view camera. Whether the film is one of the saturated films, neutral, or digital SLR. So here in my first topic post on the forum I'd like to state that I'd bet most of we photographer would prefer more of you to include information at a minimum about equipment and film used.
...David
========================================
The process of photo critique is a two-way street. It all starts with you, the person posting the photo.
In order to get the most out of this process, providing information about your photo is crucial. For every photo you post, consider including the following information;...
Equipment information. By telling us what kind of equipment was used we will have a better feel for what we can suggest. Try to include information about the camera and lens used, if a speedlight (flash) and/or tripod was used or any filters.
Camera settings, including shutter speed, aperture setting and exposure compensation can also be useful to those offering their comments. ...
Kent in SD
Either way - more information is better than less - those who don't need it can skip over, so I would also encourage posting anything you think is relevant to anyone (fully realizing I haven't been very good about doing so myself).
Guy
I feel like listing it is a courtesy to your reviewers, as well as to beginning photographers trying to make their own gear selections. It doesn't take much time out of your life to do it, so why not try to "help" your good neighbors with a little extra info?
Nathan
rather than not. I have begun to go to the extreme of not only describing the equipment and exposure
settings, but also including a link to a second "shot-setup" image. I use my old Kodak DC-5000 to
document my stoots. Just a snap shot to show the setup. That way, I can review the effectiveness
of various techniques as I continue on my journey. Also, it really can be helpfull to new photographers
by making the shot setup much more clear. for example, take a look at:
Boring Example Setup This is the setup for Related Image
I also find it easier to provide a meaningful critique if I have some idea of the equipment and
setup. Sometimes I get the feeling that some are almost secretive about their technique; Too bad!
Gary
Gary W. Sherwin