MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Some of these have been hard for me to learn myself, so I wanted to put it out there for everyone. Once you listen to feedback, your work will improve the way you want it too.

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Shut up and listen: Do not try defending your work to the points that are trying to be made to help you. Just listen to what the person has to say. (Examples: that’s my style, I wanted to do that, etc).

Ask questions: So to not get confused or to get to take the criticism wrong, clarify what's being said by asking questions. Ask the person to show you what they mean.

Refer to the goals: When the conversation seems to go astray, refer back to the goals. This can work if you feel that you're not getting the criticism in the direction that you were hoping. I.E. the person looked at your work in a different way.

Question what changes would make it better: In regards to the criticism that you received, as the person what changes he feels would make the work better. "How can I improve that?"

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But please remember that not all criticism is helpful or correct. Take what you want from the advice given and learn from it, leave the stuff that you feel doesn't apply. Also remember to thank those that have offered you advise.

MWAC

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

If I can be so bold as to tag onto MWAC's comments...
If you are truly new to photography or manual mode photography or DSLRs or what have you....dont try to learn or fix everything in your next photo.... ask:
"What ONE thing can I do to fix this photo THE MOST?"
Just a note, We're never done learning this art....keep seeking constructive critique forever.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

You are correct, pick one thing to work on and nail it down.

When I started to take this hobby seriously, I stopped PPing the poop out of my stuff and narrowed my asking for CC down to one topic.

I started with "how is my focus?" and once I started getting postive feedback on focus, I moved on to exposure, skin tone, etc. Currently when posting for CC I ask for feedback on my B/W conversations as that is what I am trying to nail down.

Baby Steps.

I think I might have shared my "before" photos from when I thought I rocked the world and PP'd all my images in an effort to make it look professional. If I haven't and anyone wants a good laugh, I will gladdly post them here.

Dria Loc: Ohio

I also think there may be a tiny problem of people just looking at the photo and posting-- "I don't like that pose- color--etc."
Usually the person asking for help asked for specific help not for others likes and dislikes or what they think appropriate for a picture.

I know I was guilty of that on the "senior hottie" thread.

BBNC

Photographs are like fine cigars. There are certain things which must be there...composition, exposure, focus in order for the photograph to be acceptable. Fine cigars have to be hand made with long filler, draw easily, and burn evenly, the rest is a matter of taste.

For someone to say a photo is bad because it's not in the style they care for, is irresponsible. If the technical attributes are correct, then it's a good photo, no matter who objects.

ddfs12 Loc: saint clair shores mich

i second the motion by bbnc.

JohnE

Always start out with an objective approach and try seeing it from your customer's point of view. Even on those times when I know a customer is way off base, I have learned to watch for future miscommunication and/or a lack of understanding on their part so I can more efficiently up-front view how they perceive a project, regardless of what is written or spoken. It is important to size up your customer and make sure he/she understands fully - that part is your responsibility. Once mastered, it will eliminate 90% of the miscommunication, which is where most of my criticism came from. I also have found it best to only deal with the person(s) at the evaluation point in the project, that you dealt with when contracting it. Others getting involved in the end evaluation may influence things that were not discussed/contracted for and muddy up the waters. This has happened and I now know to watch out for someone new injecting themselves in the final reviews - I don't allow it.

joec Loc: Central Texas, USA

This week I saw a good article here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/understanding_criticism_part_1.shtml

This website also has many other good articles.
Joe

Sundog Loc: Sedona, Arizona

Like any art form it is subjective. The viewers will all have different opinions.

I agree, if technically correct then it is a good photo. Will everyone like it? Perhaps not. Can we appreciate the effort, of course.

An example was a B&W photo that a good photographer posted on another forum I read. Some wanted to crop it, others didn't like, and I liked it just as it is.

The owner simply thanks everyone for their ideas and let them know the photo was just what he wanted it to be as it was. He was happy. End of story.

He made a choice.

As will all info you can choose to accept it, store it for later or throw it away.

Personally, I'm the hardest critic of my photos. This has kept me improving and learning (and accepting critic gracefully when given)

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Two side of the coin:
1. Take constructive advice.
2. When giving advice remember to critique, not
be a subjective picky critic.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

I think we should continue this discussion over a fine cigar....it always seems to make things better.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

vodka makes everything better, I don't know about cigars, lmao

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

You bring the vodka.....I'll bring the cigars.....together we could solve the problems of the world.... :thumbup:

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

what kind of cigars rocco? the problem is I have opus xx taste and a swisher sweet budget. I would only add to the above that 10 different photographers given the same subject will shoot it 10m different ways. rember the advice given is filtered through each otherrs biases. for example, I am a close up and detail kinda photographer. my adive would be based on those biases. i vary rarely use wide angle. now a landscape style photographer may give advice opisite of mine, neither is wrong or correct it just depends on what look you are going after.

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

I like to try lots of stuff. Since I've been down with an injury for a couple of months, I've been smoking Perdomos alot (great lower priced cigars) I have had a few Opus XX in my time and some real Cubans....frankly not imporessed for the $$. Here's a tidbit for ya...did you know that if you read the embargo act, it is illegal for Americans to smoke Cuban cigars even in countries where its legal to sell them...someone oughta tell Governor Schwarzenegger and the guys who manage the stash that JFK bought before he signed the papers......