This photo doesn't do much for me, either. However, what seems to come out of this series of posts is an interesting reflection of the forum as a whole. These are my own observations after a few years of dipping in and out of this forum.
We see many wonderful examples of finely crafted photographs - so well seen, captured and processed that even posting a photo here can be a bit intimidating. These photos are heralded and lauded appropriately.
Some photos posted cause us to reflect more deeply about what the photographer is trying to achieve with often very insightful discussions.
Others miss the mark completely and end up with few, if any comments.
Typically, no one here really wants to pounce on anyone and if they do, they typically have good reasons to, and they take the time to explain them, as did framah. But, it takes a bit of fortitude to do so because, often, the photographer takes the criticism poorly, becomes defensive, then, as in this case (and others I've seen here over the years) questions the credentials of the critic. This is unfortunate as most of us are here to learn.
If there's a criticism, we should be able to say so without retribution, provided they are not simply sniping comments. If you disagree, that's fine, too. If you are on the receiving end, take your lumps, learn from it or politely agree to disagree, and move on. But also take the time to think long and hard about the criticism and try to understand what the critics are saying.
The ones who learn best are those who can take a step back and be entirely objective about their own work and re-evaluate it in light of the criticism. That's not to say you must agree to what everyone else says and mould your work to the expectations of others. But if others think it doesn't "work", then perhaps there is a kernel of understanding that can be gained from the criticism.
