E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Critiques, if presented properly, explicitly, without prejudice and constructively are one of the most important and effective aspects of teaching and learning photography and improving one's quality of work. There are, however, many cavities that must be observed and unfortunately enough, many of these are not observed and practiced on forums and social media. As a result of this lack of methodology and form, many online critiques are ineffective, counterproductive and discouraging.
There are responsibilities that should be considered both by the submitter and the critic. The first step in the process may seem too basic but oftentimes the obvious escapes us, that is, for the submitter to seek out critics that know what they are talking about and looking at, whose work and opinions they respect, and is capable of offering sound advice. This takes work, research, and resourcefulness on your part but it pays off in the long run.
Sometimes, when I read requests for critiques I begin to believe that some photographers are masochists. They oftentimes preface there request explaining that they have "thick skins" and request that their images should be "ripped apart" rather than asking a specific question or simply asking for a professional or professional-like opinion. When you do that, especially on open forums or social media, you are going to attract the photography "sadists" that will only be too pleased to accommodate you "ripping apart" requirement and will deliver a nasty, and usually inane review of your images, sometimes accompanied by personal attacks! You may also find well-meaning responses that are patiently technically and aesthetically incorrect. You may fie the odd helpful and decent constructive critique. This, of course, creates more confusion in that you have to try to discern t which critiques are valid and which ones are not and you are likely to go for the kindest ones as opposed to the technically correct ones that may seem too harsh.
The is an old expression that says that "if you can't take a punch, you shouldn't enter the ring"! So...pleas remember that even the most sincere and kindest critique may contain negative information which you must learn to take in stride and use to your advantage.
The critic has important responsibilities as well. When I wrote "without prejudice" I meant that as a critic, you should be able to technically and aesthetically analyze an image without injecting your personal taste in subject matter or style. You may not like to display a photograh of an elephant in your living room but you should be able to adjudicate on such an image on its technical and aesthetical merits. You may not like to do baby pictures, birds, street photograhy, abstracts, special effects, or landscapes but you can still be able to analyze them and if you can not fairly judge any particular subject or style, or if it not within your area of expertise, you should graciously decline the request.
Rules and tools: Many photographers still insist that there are no "rules" that should be applied to art and tend to disparage such rules and guidelines that are utilized by professional photographers associations and some photo/camera clubs criteria for scoring and critique images. Granted, it is difficult to "judge" creativity, artistry and the maker's philosophical messages, however, there needs to be some standardization, guidelines, and certain definable criteria in that, especially online, we are not individually mentoring each submitter. We need to be able to assess each image thoroughly and reasonably quickly and supply the submitter with useful information, remedial action for what we consider elements that require improvement, and most importantly encouragement to improve or keeping up the good work. A critique needn't be NEGATIVE, in part or entirely. Good points and praise for an outstanding image is certainly in order. A harsh, mean spirited, critique is unnecessary and discouraging and a dishonestly positive critique on a mediocre or poorly crafted image is just as much as a disservice to the submitter. A badly crafted image of a cute child, a majestic animal or an impressive sunset does not make for a superior photograh.
Some of the criteria to consider is as follows: Viewer impact and storytelling content, composition, lighting or use of existing light, technical excellence in exposure, range, key, rendition of detail, sharp and selective focus, perspective, color harmony, and balance, craftsmanship, workmanship, and presentation in finishing, and more. Each headings many sub-heading which can be analyzed if time, space and formation accommodate these extensions.
There is no doubt that participating in seeking and offering critiques online, on this forum, can be beneficial to all concerned bit again there are caveats. You have to understand that this is not a personal consulting organization or school, service by bonafide teachers and experts. There is the excellent, the good, the bad and the ugly. The submitter needs to be resourceful, discerning, proactive. consistent and persistent. My advice is not to become too preoccupied with forum rules as to where to post images- you will find out soon enough if you don't waste your time with this obsessing and just hit your keyboard and mouse and search out all the specialized sections, start posting images and find your niche. If you are up for it, why not try your hand at offer critiques, at lease, according to the criteria I have outlined as a start. You too may find your niche.
I have been teaching and training photographers for a long time- mostly for my own studio business and some during the period where I was earning my credentials and was required to offer classes and seminars. Encouragement is one of the best teaching tools. I avoid the terms like "photography boot camp" and "crash course"! I experienced real "boot camp" and it has its purpose but it involves breaking down and building up the potential solder's ego and confidence in a certain way in short order. We ain't going off to war, YET, around here, although there are times when you might think so! Learning photography is a process that comes in increments and layers- it takes time and patience. A crash course will result in a CRASH!
Critique with care, honesty and kindness. It works but y'all have to put in the work!
Critiques, if presented properly, explicitly, with... (
show quote)