Hey all!  Sorry to be a bit late on this weeks take, but Ive been busy.  This week its about learning from others, a short article but one that is very important.

There are two ways to learn from others when taking screenshots:

1.  Always listen to constructive criticism.  When people criticize your screenshots, its usually to help you.  When someone says that its a nice shot, thats no help at all.  But when someone says nice shot, but gives you suggestions, listen to them.  Most members on these forums that give advice on taking screenshots know what they are talking about.  They are the experts, so to speak, and have plenty of experience and knowlege.  

And to all you who criticize screenshots, BE CONSTRUCTIVE.  Its too often that we see people simply say "Nice Shots" or "That sucks".  I am guilty of this too, and I will change my ways.  The occasional comment on the subject is fine, but when talking about someones screenshot, especially during contests, tell them something useful, like "Use a more interesting angle" or "Its a little dark, try getting better lighting"

2.  Look at other peoples screenshots.  Sometimes I have to laugh at people who say that their shot is amazing or the best.  Its not because I am a jerk, but its because they clearly haven't looked at other screenshots.  Think of American Idol.  Thousands of people go audition even though they clearly have no singing talent.  Its obvious that they have never evaluated themselves or compared themselves to people who can sing.  In the same sense, everyone who is serious about taking good screenshots should take some time to look at other screenshots.  Look at what the talented artists like Stormtrooper or Mees or even me (not trying to brag, but why do you think I write these articles?).  Look at what they do in their screenshots, what makes their shots the best.  Don't copy anyone.  If Stormtrooper takes a cool shot dont try to recreate it, you just wont succeed.  This is art, only originals are the best.

In the same sense, look at what people who aren't very good at taking shots yet do wrong.  See what makes their screenshots less spectacular than others.  And I encourage you to do your own analysis of other screenshots.  In many courses in school you often read and evaluate writers works, and this tends to help you become a better writer yourself, and the same can be said when it comes to taking screenshots.

So remember, listen to criticisms and observe what other artists are doing.

Thats it for this weeks take, tune in next week!

Happy shooting,

Jake

I agree about learning from others, but disagree about offering criticism. I do it very rarely, because I don't consider myself anyone's teacher. Well, apart from the hundreds of people I teach English to...

One should only criticise people's work if they ask for one's honest opinion. From my point of view, my pictures are exactly as I like them, I don't post unless I think they're good enough and if other people find something wrong with them, it's usually a matter of taste - and we're all different. I don't need criticism, or to hear I could have done better... sometimes it's better, sometimes worse, depends on many factors, like use of real weather or setting things up artificially for best effect, the model used, the time taken etc. I'm not aiming to be the best on the V which would be impossible, or even the best I can be... I just post for fun, and to be honest, to hear some nice comments... in life, it isn't often that people praise you, at least not when you are an adult. I miss that about school... Well done! A+ and so on... It irritates me when almost nobody can be bothered to write at least  or Nice!

As for those people who post something that looks terrible and write 'Enjoy' underneath or something, it is probably best not to ruin their illusions. After a bit of time in the forums they can see what the standard is, and will probably ask for some tips if they care. The reason usually is that their computer is really old, or that they mainly fly seriously and are just sharing a screenshot to be social...

So, best not to criticise others....unless they ask.

My two cents... Krigl

nice text




Soryy had to do it


Very learning threads they are indeed Jake!

Yoda?

Jake, get yo a** back here....told you ...I can be relentless...