I've just been mooching around the internet - like you do - and come across the "Landscape Photographer of the Year" awards site. And I was breathtaken by what I saw. Stunning views, great angles, vibrant colours etc etc. Basically great works by people who had a lot of time and patience to wait for those "just right" shots to show off to the rest of us.

And those who took away awards for them were truly deserving of them.

So, from the article showcasing these works, were the comments those of hearty congratulations? HA, you wish!

These images look more like Hollywood computer graphics than anything you would see on this planet. A+ for using photoshop, but F for actually making and inspiring image of the natural world.

and

HDR or not, they're all (with the possible exception of the fell runners) a bit rubbish. There should be more to landscape photography than a pretty hill and a sunrise.

For those who don't know (and are maybe curious) this is HDR.

To be fair, there were complimentary comments, some direct, some gloved but in general I was appalled at the attitudes of these Armchair Experts who had plenty to say and very little to back it up with.

I'm now heading fast into dangerous territory as I'm not exactly known for holding my tongue, but my approach to matters is:

  1. Could I do it better?
  2. Have I properly researched it?
  3. Is there a point, or is it a plain rant?
  4. Would I actually say it face to face with those who I'm upsetting?

If the answer is "no" to any of the above, then I'm keeping schtum, ESPECIALLY point 4!

On occasion I'm wrong, or should have thought harder before I started typing (and always acknowledge when pulled up for it) but in general work by the principle that unless you can back up what you're saying, or at very least be constructive then what the hell have you put your boot in for?

Many (not all) of these comments following articles are the work of a bitter, ignorant, self-righteous band of cowards hiding behind their keyboards using anonymity as their shield. They spread their poison then move on to the next article like a virus.

So, a quick shout out to the sub-species determined to bring down another person's achievement. Unless you actually know something about the comments you are making and would have the guts to stand up in front of the rest of the world, identity stripped bare wiiling to be humiliated if incorrect, then keep the bile and vitriol to yourself.

You're just drowning out the comments that really mean something. Y'know, like "Well Done."