From reading several posts, I realize that many of us photographers are just like musicians. I'm sorry, but it is perfectly fine to say what you like or don't like, but that doesn't make YOU correct.

I'll change the old musician joke a little. How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb? A: All of them, one do change it, and the rest to stand around telling how they would have done it better.

Seriously, it is subjective. We all strive to take that 1 photo that moves "us". We hope others appreciate it too, but art truely is what is inside of us. I absolutely hate (stong word, but true) Picasso and other impressionists that get huge dollars for their work, when I honestly just can't see any talent, but does that mean it isn't art? Obviously not. It is art.

I've seen some posts from people that have been in the business for years, get completely ripped apart, because someone else doesn't like their style, or says it's dated, or whatever. Obviously SOMEONE likes those photos or they wouldn't be in business.

OK, I'm off my soapbox now.

If you understand music you can recognize good music or a talented musician even though you may not care for the particular piece or style of music. If you don’t understand music all you can do is offer an opinion as to whether or not you like it. I can appreciate the talent of musicians and yet really not care much at all for the music they create. The same is true in photography I can appreciate a good photo and yet not care much for it personally. Yes photography is a subjective art form but at the same time there are standards that are used to judge the photo beyond yes I like it or no I don’t like it…As always JMHO.