One of the things I participate in is a monthly FB group photography challenge, the same group has been active for a long time, now we are on going strong in the 6th year.. The amount of participants slightly differ yearly, but there has been small group of photographers, mostly women, from the beginning.
Sometimes it is a challenge, when new arrivals come to figure out what you can say about the photos they post. The idea is to give feedback on the photos other than; Nice, lovely etc. As all photos are not that, they need constructive feedback. I include myself in the group that, we all can benefit from other peoples views on our photos. Well, the ones who have been together, you know that you can give feedback, suggestions without offending them – they know it is one opinion, you might agree or or not, learn from it. Or just ignore it. Some are so opposed to criticism that you either say nothing or give some platitudes, so you have commented on the photo. It takes time to figure out what someone is willing to hear.
As I said, I have been in this group since the beginning. It is run by a friend of mine. This same friend is who got me into blogging in the first place back in 2011, then I posted photos mainly to challenges either photography or art challenges.
One thing that came from it, is my digital art interest and desire to create it and learn more of it, to create my own style. My contemporary art and this blog has kept me on a learning curve. The photos I took way back and was happy about make me slightly gringe and that is certainly the case with my digital art, at the beginning they were just double exposures 🙂
So to sum up this long post, constant learning and opinions have certainly been helpful to me. Thanks Irma for your encouragement and our willingness to keep the challenge going. For me, most of the challenges have been a learning experience, that I would not have tried if not for that challenge.
This month the theme is Lemon, yellow…Here is my take on it. The first image is the one i submitted, other are different takes on it. I always have difficulty when trying to pick one image.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Yes, everyone is different, and so we tread carefully with comments! My blog will soon be 10 years old and I’m like you, I cringe at some of my early photos >>> but, we are developing, we are learning, which must be good. 🙂
I don’t here in the blog give suggestions to others how one could improve ones photos. This is not the place for it and I have no need to do it. I look at other photos and get ideas and inspiration. try to learn.
I agree, tread carefully, but in that group, the idea is to learn from other so when you have really ponder what you can say is not a learning process to either one. Not to the one giving it, not being able to word your thought of the photo. Or the receiver, if the giver is afraid to voice the opinion in the fear that the person is offended. the as the opinion is on the photo not taker. One of the rules is to give feedback in a positive way.
A very interesting collection around the theme. As a nonphotographer who takes pictures, let’s see if I can say some semi-coherent. When I arrived (before reading), I caught myself staring at the image – actually being drawn into it. I think it was the yellow-golden hues and the setting that captured and held my attention. It’s a very classy image … and I like limoncello.
Thanks for commenting, much appreciated. And yes Limoncello is delicious 🙂
… and I make my own …. As well as variations of orange, basil, ginger, cranberry-orange, and maybe others.
We have for many years made red currant liqueur. It is so tasty, over the years we have refined its flavor by adding spices
Wonderful … and now I want to try. On my way over.
Welcome, if you can get a flight 🙂
May have to drive.
This is what it was like in a public speaking group I was in. Some took offense at any suggestions for improvement, so we had to tread lightly. Why did they even bother to join the group? You photos are so pretty, Ritva. That last one–sharp and clear and, I think, that yellow flower is the perfect touch. Limoncello–oh, how wonderful is that?!
that is what I wonder too, some leave the group because they do not like the opinions on their photos. We are different. Thanks for the compliment. And Limoncello – so wonderful, a taste of summer.
Without saying nice or lovely, these are beautiful. In the top one I first noticed the yellow/gold but I also noticed a beautiful feeling from the books on the table, and in the background. It’s a feeling of a library, perhaps a den that is very cozy. In the second one a noticed a soft blue color in the background, but I also noticed the wonderful finish on the table. It also in itself gave a warm feeling. In the rest the bottle and the flower become more prominent and are beautiful as well.
My wife and I often go to galleries. We had few open during the pandemic though.
Thanks so much for taking time to look at these shots and commenting. It is always great to hear how others see them, or like them.
I like the two on the right, top and bottom. To me they showcase the color the best and have attractive additions such as the flower and the books. I also like their crispness because the yellow contrasts sharply with the dark background.
janet
Thanks Janet, I appreciate your comment. It is always nice how others see the shots.