St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Hey everyone,

I’ve been thinking about a way to improve my photography skills and at the same time have fun with it. In this, I realize that my problem may not be my technique, but rather ‘How I See.’ With that, I’d like to explore ‘The Art of Seeing’ and thought I’d ask for everyone’s help.

I’d like to hold a ‘Monthly Masters Critique.’ Basically, I’ll post the work of a master artist and we’ll critique it. It could be anything from a photograph, to a painting, a drawing, sculpture, etc.

The underlying ideas of the 'Monthly' are; to learn how to see, learn what makes other art great and especially to learn how to critique. You don’t have to be a professional, or know how to formally critique, but rather just say what you feel. I like, or don’t like, this because. It’s the ‘because’ that really matters and will help everyone ‘see.’

I think it would be fun to look at the work of a master and figure out what makes it great, which in turn will help us to learn how to improve our photographs and be better at our craft. Join in if you want and let’s have fun with it! S-

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For those with concerns of copyright infringement -

From Copyright Infringement And Photo Sharing: A New Lawsuit Tests The Limits Of Fair Use
http://www.forbes.com/sites/johnvillasenor/2013/06/22/copyright-infringement-and-photo-sh...

Under U.S. law, it is generally unlawful to distribute (or reproduce, publicly display, publicly perform, etc.) a copyrighted work without authorization from the copyright owner. However, there is a fair use exception “for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, . . . scholarship, or research.” Courts examining whether a use is fair consider a set of four factors:

-- “... for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching ,..."

Also, from Copyright - Legal Information Institute - Cornell University
http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/copyright

-- "Fair use of a copyrighted work for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research is not copyright infringement."

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

I am all for this - no hype, no pretentious nonsense - just down to earth feelings from the heart, eyes and mind.

Go for it Steve.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Excellent and thank you!!! S-

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Steve, I have no problems with it.
I would suggest you keep it to photography, there's plenty of it around.
I personally don't know anything about painting or sculpture. Is painting just like photography? I really don't know. It's easy to say yes, but we'd have to ask those with the MFA's. ;-)
SS

tsilva Loc: Arizona

Just about every photography "rule" there is was learned from studying the paintings of the "Masters". Jfyi.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Hey SS, I was thinking the same, but the last time I was at The Getty I was drawn to the master painters and thought "How Does That Apply To Photography?"

It was the lighting, depth of field, perspective, and color that really drew me in. I think too, that photography is related to painting so it would help to look at it too.

I'm unsure about sculpture, but then again there's shape and composition so I'll wait to see what everyone else thinks too.

I've always valued your advice and thank you for it! S-

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'd love to see discussion of a photograph!

Searcher Loc: Kent, England

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-320355-1.html

Steve has actually started with this one.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Great idea! I am open to discussing other art pieces as well as photography though I know less about them. I have surely learned a lot from studying the history of landscape painting. Those guys knew a lot about light!

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

It will be wonderful to see what you have to say! S-

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank ya, Sir! S-

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I think learning from the past will help us to grow forward and it will be exciting to see what everyone has to say! Thanks for joining in, S-

jgordon Loc: Boulder CO

I very much like this idea. If it proceeds forward, I will play.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Check the post with the same name for July and thanks for joining un!!! S-

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good idea, and it was smart of you to offer a defense before someone mentioned copyrights.