Art Of Photography Section Guidelines

Art of Photography (AOP) - what is it?

Our AOP sections are where people post photographs that they have taken with good photography principles in mind

This is simply to separate photos that we have taken the time and effort to 'get right', so they don't get lost in the tonnes and tonnes of images we post 'just to share' (that may not necessarily be photos where we've paid attention to composition, exposure, etc, eg, 'snaps' - hence those go in the 'General Photos' section).

We believe this pushes people to work on their skills and pay more attention to what and how they're taking photos (especially if they're beginners) whilst also preventing them from inadvertently 'spam' the boards (or rather AOP sections) with shot after shot whilst they are learning (We can all remember how excited we were when we got out first camera can't we? ). We're all for people learning, hence why we have sections, such as the Advice & Comments section, dedicated for that. So this is all to ensure that the site is enjoyable for all who use it.

Please don't get us wrong, we are still 'newbie friendly'. In fact we are known for being one of the most helpful, friendly photography communities around! We think this set-up not only encourages people to do 'better' but makes the site enjoyable for people of all skill levels, as we try to keep the focus on good photography, and the AOP sections act a good reminder for that

So what's the min requirement?

Simply that you have made a conscious effort to consider the kind of photography aspects covered in our photography basics guides (see top right for more). Essentially, a photo posted in the AOP sections should demonstrate that adequate thought has gone into:

• Composition
• Exposure
• Backgrounds
• Subject

What if I need advice on a particular photo, or want comments on a photo that doesn't quite fit into the AOP sections?

You can post in the Advice & Comments (A&C) section This section is not just for beginners, it is for everyone to post when they need advice (or want comments) about a specific photo or type of shot. For example, "I took this photo but how can I make it better? Does this look better in B&W or colour? How do I best go about taking sports photographs?" etc. Keep posting in this section with resulting threads if still looking for advice or comments on the topic.

Everything else

If a photo doesn't quite fit into the AOP or A&C sections, then it goes in the General Photos section.

Can 'beginners' post in the AOP sections?

Of course, if they pull of an exceptional shot that meets the min requirement for the AOP section, they can post it there too. That's what we like about this system, anyone can post there so long as they have pulled off a good un! Generally though, while beginners are getting to grips with photography we expect them to use the General Photos section.

Commenting on photos

We think the descriptions for each section set the tone of what and how to comment, just remember to be amicable.

Commenting in the AOP sections

If you like a shot posted in one of the AOP sections, please say why you like it. (Good composition? Well exposed? Great subject and setting?)

If you think something doesn't quite work, please feel free to say so, but please say why you don't think it works, and if possbile offer suggestions on how it could be improved upon, as amicably as possible.

Please try to avoid telling people 'it's a great shot' if you secretly think it's not. We want to help our members to genuinely improve their skills, and honesty is the best way to achieve that.

When receiving comments, take them with as much a pinch of salt as necessary. However comments (if at all 'negative') in the AOP sections should be constructive, and if you believe a comment is not, please use the 'report post' icon to let a mod know - we'll then look into it.

In a nutshell

In a nutshell, a photo that you have taken as a photography enthusiast - in other words, someone studying or trying to improve their photographic skills (by paying attention to good photography principles and demonstrating that in their photos) - can go in the AOP section.

Everything else will more than likely go in the General Photos, or Advice & Comments sections.

It's important we separate photos that we have spent a lot of time and effort trying to get right, hence why they go in the AOP sections.

Moderators

From time-to-time our moderators may move threads depending on where they think they fit best (by following guidelines that Admin have set). If your thread is moved, please do not take offence - we are just doing what we feel is best for the site and its members overall. If you strongly object to a thread being moved, use the 'report post' icon and tell us why you feel it should not have been moved. We will then review the situation.

Thank you for your co-operation!

Thank you to all of our members for feedback and co-operation - we hope YoP will be one of the best, most helpful photography sites out there