Josie Nutter wrote:
The way I see it, most undeserved tags come from people who are trying to ingratiate themselves with the recipient in some way, be it either business-related or sexual in nature.

Examples:

Photographer X can't get anyone to shoot with him because his work sucks.  Using the browse search feature, he finds an inexperienced, unattractive model in his area.  He leaves her a positive tag, gushing about her beauty.  She agrees to do some TFP with him.

Dude X can't get women to pay attention to him.  Using the browse search feature, he finds an inexperienced, unattractive model in his area.  He leaves her a positive tag, gushing about her beauty.  They start a steamy online correspondence.

Inexperienced Model X is not even sure what a "good" photo looks like yet.  Using the browse search feature, she finds a photographer in her area whose text doesn't say "exceptional models only".  Too shy to risk direct rejection by asking to shoot via email, she instead leaves him a positive tag, gushing about the quality of his work.  He asks her to shoot with him.

Etc etc etc...

Me?  I don't leave tags I don't mean.  If I don't like something, I walk away from it quietly.

As usual, you are dead on with this observation!  I do check out those that leave me tags (and yes, I know I am still learning!) and often find I can't say anything other than "thanks for the tag"

As for the cell phone pics, I just saw a whole port of them and the tags said things like great work/ nice port, etc...  The catch is the individual was very attractive and intriguing so I sent a message saying let's get some real pics in your port...  Couldn't leave a tag that said that...

my 3 cents

Michael Kirst wrote:
Are you F'n kidding me here?....

actually, i am dead serious.....

Doug Swinskey wrote:

actually, i am dead serious.....

Hey Doug

Glad to see your still Alive..

(:-----

Hj

Lens N Light wrote:
Real criticism is easy to handle. If someone says, "If you backlit the model, it would show more seperatation from the background". I can use that to learn.
If the comment just reads, "Your pictures suck." I learn nothing from it except that someone doesn't like my pictures.

Good point.  Criticism and compliments are two very different animals.  One you can build on, the other just makes you feel good.  Both are great when administered with care and class.

Hugh  Jorgen wrote:
Hey Doug Glad to see your still Alive..
(:----- Hj

geeze..was that in question?

Sita Mae Edwards wrote:

No.  Unless I'm in the critique forum, I only leave positive feedback.  I think it's tacky to leave unsolicited critiques on someone's tags or image comments.

I think that you a very polite person! I agree that it is completely tacky to leav unsolicited critiques in the tag and picture comment sections. I had a photographere do this to me recently...I politely wrote him to tell him that while I appreciate the critique and would welcome more, I would appreciate if he could send me a private message as a public critique may deter an interested client. Its all about business here, and critique in private...

Lens N Light wrote:
Real criticism is easy to handle. If someone says, "If you backlit the model, it would show more seperatation from the background". I can use that to learn.
If the comment just reads, "Your pictures suck." I learn nothing from it except that someone doesn't like my pictures.

You just summed up my feelings perfectly. I said it yesterday I'll say it again today, if someone says "you suck" don't listen. When they tell you why "you suck" then listen, that's how you get better. Unfortunately, too many people leave out the explanation of "why" so the receiver of the "you suck" is only left with the belief that they can't do anything right.

Claire Elizabeth wrote:
It is tough though when you get a tag from someone whose portfolio you really can't say much about lol. Other than "thanks for the tag" or "uhhhh right back at ya" there isnt anything to be said!!

Guess thats why I never get tagged back when I tag someone!!! LOL  Nah, actually I normally don't comment or tag someone to get them to even look at my profile. When I want critiques, I ask for them...I am still learning, so I usually don't want any critiques!!

DolceV wrote:
Put that you don't do TFCD/TFP and watch how quickly all comments and tags stop on your page.

Not true, there is a model here who shall remain nameless whose portfolio is absolute shit.
She only accepts paid work because she doesn't want to work. Her words not mine.  Photographers leave the girl tags gushing about how amazing she is. I don't know if it's pity or because they do it in hopes of getting laid.

Claire Elizabeth wrote:
It is tough though when you get a tag from someone whose portfolio you really can't say much about lol. Other than "thanks for the tag" or "uhhhh right back at ya" there isnt anything to be said!!

You need to learn the fine art of changing the subject. When you tag them back ask them if they have any grilled chicken recipes they care to share. They will be too busy wondering WTF your tag was about, they will forget you didn't compliment their work.

Envy wrote:

Not true, there a model here who shall remain nameless whose portfolio is absolute shit.
She only accepts paid work because she doesn't want to work. Her words not mine.  Photographers leave the girl tags gushing about how amazing she is. I don't know if it's pity or because they do it in hopes of getting laid.

I am still learning model work as well, and I appreciate actual comments, be they good or bad. 
I didn't realize I could get "laid" doing this . . .  Wow!  The things you learn in the forums here.

Michael Kirst wrote:
I just looked at a port that had a model with an average body and the face ONLY a mother could love. I have seen some of my fellow photographers with ports that have pics that look as if they handed the camera to a 5 year old to get the shot........and when I read the tags on their MM page they have nothing but PRAISES!!?! What gives?

Now I know what you're thinking..... some of you are probably thinking that 'art' is a very subjective thing and beauty comes in many forms, but seriously folks.. a lot of these people ask for critiques and we blow smoke right up there butts!!

Now I am not a mean person by nature and when I come across someones work (or face) that I find seriously damaging to my psyche I just don't say anything. I certainly don't hop on the 'ol tag line and start singing a bunch of bullsh*t praises!

Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here? I am interested to get my fellow MM'rs views on this one....
bring on the hate mail!!!

Michael, your photos are nothing special either, so what's your point?
There is room for everyone, including you.

Click Hamilton
www.pbase.com/click_hamilton

de gustibus non disputatum est

Michael Kirst wrote:
I just looked at a port that had a model with an average body and the face ONLY a mother could love.

Today, anybody can be a model. What you're seeing is just a portfolio that hasn't been properly Photoshopped.  Chins and nosed can be reshaped, extra pounds shaved off, moonscape complexions magically smoothed, eyes enlarged, moles, scars, and birthmarks deleted, lips made fuller, tattoos removed, and stretch marks erased.   Hail, Photoshop!

So when you see a really great port, you should remember to ask for unedited snap shots or you may be shocked by the lack of resemblance between the babe in the port and what shows up at your door when you hire her.

Michael Kirst wrote:
I have seen some of my fellow photographers with ports that have pics that look as if they handed the camera to a 5 year old to get the shot........and when I read the tags on their MM page they have nothing but PRAISES!!?! What gives?

Hey, goddammit, I'm doin' the best I can!  I'll be six next week.

Michael Kirst wrote:
I just looked at a port that had a model with an average body and the face ONLY a mother could love. I have seen some of my fellow photographers with ports that have pics that look as if they handed the camera to a 5 year old to get the shot........and when I read the tags on their MM page they have nothing but PRAISES!!?! What gives?

Now I know what you're thinking..... some of you are probably thinking that 'art' is a very subjective thing and beauty comes in many forms, but seriously folks.. a lot of these people ask for critiques and we blow smoke right up there butts!!

Now I am not a mean person by nature and when I come across someones work (or face) that I find seriously damaging to my psyche I just don't say anything. I certainly don't hop on the 'ol tag line and start singing a bunch of bullsh*t praises!

Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here? I am interested to get my fellow MM'rs views on this one....
bring on the hate mail!!!

I get where you're coming from but, at the same time, I really enjoy the ambiance that MM has created here. It's refreshing to have a place to go where things are taken lightly.

Michael Kirst wrote:
Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here? I am interested to get my fellow MM'rs views on this one....
bring on the hate mail!!!

Since you asked so nicely...


No, I don't think this goes on too much here.  Only Sunday thru Friday and for 25 hours on Saturday.  Not like it's 8 days a week or anything.  That would be too much.


Yes, this is the land of ass-kissing and smoke blowing.  Just make a little noise in the shout box for some royalty free compliments, courtesy of your new best friends.  If you haven't had your ego stroked over your shitty little pictures today, just wait there's at least one person with worse taste than you just waiting to make you feel fantastic.  Tired of MySpace?  Just go to that MySpace-looking place and you can call yourself a model!  All of your fake friends will be pseudo impressed!



Really, nothing to get upset about.  These are people who would never compete with you for a gig or anything.  I ignore it and move on...

Adrienne Aurora wrote:
I am mean by nature.
But my momma taught me if I don't have anything nice to say I don't say anything at all.

I'm mean by nature, too.  But my Mom never taught me shit.  The bitch.

Lens N Light wrote:
Real criticism is easy to handle. If someone says, "If you backlit the model, it would show more seperatation from the background". I can use that to learn.
If the comment just reads, "Your pictures suck." I learn nothing from it except that someone doesn't like my pictures.

Ding ding ding.  You hit the nail on the head right there.  Some of us KNOW we have a lot to learn, being rude in telling us doesn't help us learn and there's really no reason for it.  If you hate my work, just bypass it.  It doesn't hurt anyone, especially not you.  If you feel the burning desire to tell me my work sucks, then tell me WHY it sucks.  Any idiot can say "that sucks" and move on.

I can understand why the OP would be baffled by what he saw.  I don't understand it either.  I just don't indulge in it.  If I don't like someone's portfolio, I don't try to find something nice to say, I just move on.

Adrienne Aurora wrote:
I am mean by nature.
But my momma taught me if I don't have anything nice to say I don't say anything at all.

This is true- and its why she only said 3 words to me during our shoot.  :-)

KatieK wrote:

I agree.  Real, brutal critiques are best left in either the critique forum (they asked for it!) or personal mail.  It's just rude to leave them on a comment or as a tag.  If someone who is far less than stellar leaves a comment or something for me, I just say "thanks" in return and move on.

I don't think anybody can get better without honest reviews.

Personally, I welcome real honest, constructive critiques.

Michael Kirst wrote:
Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here? I am interested to get

Its about 50/50, I think. There isnt much anyone can do about it, though. *Shrugs* When they honestly ask your opinion give it to them straight up, doesnt matter how brutal they think you are. They asked for your honest opinion and you gave it.

Michael Kirst wrote:
Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here?

Its about 50/50, I think. There isnt much anyone can do about it, though. *Shrugs* When they honestly ask your opinion give it to them straight up, doesnt matter how brutal they think you are. They asked for your honest opinion and you gave it.

Jay Bowman wrote:
Yes, this is the land of ass-kissing and smoke blowing.

Bullshit!  If that were true, I'd be getting a lot more of it.  Especially considering my sweet upbeat non-confrontational demeanor.

Dave Krueger wrote:
Bullshit!  If that were true, I'd be getting a lot more of it.  Especially considering my sweet upbeat non-confrontational demeanor.

Tough break, pal.  There has to be some fucker at the bottom of the totem pole, though.  Just a law of nature.  Be patient; eventually you'll find someone with images shittier than yours willing to blow smoke up your keister...

Nerlande wrote:
You must be new.

LMAO! Girl, you are just too cute  .... and to the point!

Ashley Spicer wrote:
I definitely agree that there are a lot of people on here with hopes and dreams in modeling that will never come true. I'm far from the prettiest girl in the world and I am by no means stating that I think that I have a chance at "making it", but some people here I've noticed aren't even average looking and their bodies are average or below. What astonishes me is the "beautiful, keep it up" and "great shots!" that I see for these people.

I posted up in the Critique section and would expect to be critiqued with full honesty - not sugar coated opinions that won't help. For instance, if you think I need to lose weight, tell me. If you think that I'm going in the wrong direction or shouldn't be modeling at all, tell me. No use in me wasting time if everyone thinks I'm horrible, right?

Let's just BE HONEST!!! :-)

"Honest" yes, "mean spirited" there's no reason for it.

Michael Kirst wrote:
I just looked at a port that had a model with an average body and the face ONLY a mother could love. I have seen some of my fellow photographers with ports that have pics that look as if they handed the camera to a 5 year old to get the shot........and when I read the tags on their MM page they have nothing but PRAISES!!?! What gives?

Now I know what you're thinking..... some of you are probably thinking that 'art' is a very subjective thing and beauty comes in many forms, but seriously folks.. a lot of these people ask for critiques and we blow smoke right up there butts!!

Now I am not a mean person by nature and when I come across someones work (or face) that I find seriously damaging to my psyche I just don't say anything. I certainly don't hop on the 'ol tag line and start singing a bunch of bullsh*t praises!

Do you think this sort of thing goes on a little much here? I am interested to get my fellow MM'rs views on this one....
bring on the hate mail!!!

I agree with you!...%100 .

Please allow me to try a bit of honesty here.

The models in your MM port are way above the quality of your work. Long legs with beautiful faces, while the shots are below average shots, flat lightings and boring/typical poses. No creativity in camera angles nor in compositions. Your best shots are of the little boy...



and




I think you should stop doing (trying to do, actually) fashion photography and give life style photography a shot. ...unless of course your cousin or a friend of yours is the art director of couple of publications. (take with many grains of salt! ) 

Best of luck.

Cheers

Wolf

Wolf189 wrote:
I agree with you!...%100 .

Please allow me to try a bit of honesty here.

The models in your MM port are way above the quality of your work. Long legs with beautiful faces, while the shots are below average shots, flat lightings and boring/typical poses. No creativity in camera angles nor in compositions. Your best shots are of the little boy...



and




I think you should stop doing (trying to do, actually) fashion photography and give life style photography a shot. ...unless of course your cousin or a friend of yours is the art director of couple of publications. (take with many grains of salt! ) 

Best of luck.

Cheers

Wolf

LOL!!! Hey what the client wants the client gets....

You said: "The models in your MM port are way above the quality of your work...blah blah blah....average shots, flat lightings and boring/typical poses...blah blah blah" pretty much.

Well when you're shooting for a lookbook and the client wants it a certain way then I guess...yes you are stuck with all that shit you just said. But the client being very happy along with the 'long legged' models and getting paid $2,650.00 at the end of an 8 hour day.....well I guess I just don't mind that kind of critique!

You said: "Unless of course your cousin or a friend of yours is the art director...."

Hey I wish I had a cousin who owned 2 national clothing companies....that would be sweet except that I probably wouldn't get paid the same amount.

But hey thanks for the kind word on the little boy!!
MK

Click Hamilton wrote:
Michael, your photos are nothing special either, so what's your point?
There is room for everyone, including you.

Click Hamilton
www.pbase.com/click_hamilton

de gustibus non disputatum est

To the guy who takes pictures of the homeless guy.......and nothing else apparently...I don't remember stating in my original post that MY pics WERE something special ..or did I just miss that? Also I think due to the overwhelming response from intelligent ppl on here that I made my point just fine....
MK