Critiques (Page 4): If the suggestions for improvements are offered appropriately they would be given and hopefully received as positives.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

frankraney wrote:

The way I've heard it said is "always finish with a positive".

If the suggestions for improvements are offered appropriately they would be given and hopefully received as positives.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

47greyfox wrote:

The advice contained in that story can be applied to anything we solicit post advice on. Nothing turns me off more and/or annoys me more than when I ask for feedback (or don’t) and all I hear is negativity.

Fine, assuming there is something nice that can be said about your upload…….

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

frankraney wrote:

The way I've heard it said is "always finish with a positive".

My personal opinion on this: a person may be so upset by the negatives that they close themselves off and would not precess the positives. If the positive is given first then they will be more receptive to following comments. It certainly wouldn't hurt to reiterate the positives after the negatives for reinforcement.

Dodie

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

Bob your anecdote reminds me of a one time supervisor of mine who always did a great job when needing to correct an employee's bahavior. Basically, he said, start off with the employees good points, great rapport with other employees, dressed neatly to be presentable to the public, excelled at written reports and so on. But then he went for the throat in a professional manner, telling the employee he simply MUST report to work on time. He was being paid to be there for a certain amount of time; this was not a hobby, and his presence was needed at that specific time due to other things going on. He finished up by once again praising the employees good points so that the negative counseling did not leave the employee berating himself. I began using that approach when I became a supervisor and it worked well.

Thanks much for the post.

Dennis

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

luvmypets wrote:

My personal opinion on this: a person may be so upset by the negatives that they close themselves off and would not precess the positives. If the positive is given first then they will be more receptive to following comments. It certainly wouldn't hurt to reiterate the positives after the negatives for reinforcement.

Dodie

True. That's why I say to try to end with a positive. Save one to close with.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

One of the first things “Mr. Adams” said to us, during my week with him in the darkroom was “If you can’t make it bigger or more important, don’t push the button! Just remember it as it was and move on!”

khildy Loc: Brownsburg, IN

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

👏👏

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I hear you. Thanks.

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

Awesome Bob....thank you.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

John O.

As I was taught, by the Photographic Society of America, you emphasize the good points first and tell them why, where and how their image is good. Then, tell them your opinion as to what adjustments could be considered to improve the image with constructive comments why and how. It is important to use phrases such as: " In my opinion", "To my eye", etc. so that they know that is your personal opinion.

Nickaroo

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

This Story of Facts is simply Amazing. That Gentleman really experienced something that we could ever dream of. Thank You So Much From the Bottom Of My Heart for Sharing. May GOD Bless You Forever. #I'am Moved While Sitting at My Desk.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

rmalarz wrote:

There was a recent post that garnered a number of responses. The post was in regard to posting critical comments in the Photo Gallery section of this site. You can find that article here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-726989-1.html

First off, there is an art to offering critiques. One can simply do a website search for ' how to critique art '. There are many articles explaining this skill. I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine told me regarding critiques. It's a great lesson.

A friend of mine's father worked for Ansel Adams. As such, both my friend and his father attended a number of Ansel Adams receptions. On one such occasion, my friend was there and accompanied Ansel Adams as he walked down the hallway to the reception room. He was, of course, in a group of people who worked for the museum and were in charge of organizing the exhibit and reception.

As they walked down the hallway, this gentleman, carrying a portfolio, approached AA and, after greeting him, asked him if he'd mind looking at some photographs. Ansel stopped, looked around, and saw an empty bench nearby. He took the portfolio from the gentleman and indicated that they should sit on that bench together. Of course, this was to the dismay of the accompanying group. They both walked to the bench and sat down.

At this point, AA opened the portfolio and looked at each of the photographs in a rather studious manner. He then asked the gentleman if he just wanted him to appreciate them or critique them. The gentleman indicated that he's like him to tell him what was wrong with them. AA looked at the gentleman and stated, "Why don't we see what's right with them and where they could be improved."

While the assembled museum personnel kept tapping their watches indicating they needed to hurry, AA took time discussing the merits of each photograph and then where minor things could be done to improve each of them. He also included why each of those minor things would improve the photograph.

That's the kind of critique that gives one incentive to improve. It's a far better approach than expressing something along the lines of 'you wasted good photons and materials to produce that?' or 'I would have done it this way or that way.'

Anyway, it was quite interesting to see how an artist of some stature provided a critique.
--Bob

There was a recent post that garnered a number of ... (show quote)

I once met a photo editor of a major sports publication. During our association she told me she "first had to look through the mistakes and errors." Then she could see the photograph in the manner she could use. She translated this for me and I realized every photograph has its drawbacks and every photograph has its eye catchers. A true critique will analyze the difference and state it as such. It is a word made of surgical steel.