Hey PS Folks, A good friend of mine just sent this article to me- http://guytal.com/wordpress/2011/12/the-value-and-futility-of-critique/ I love it- It really has helped me to better understand the way I feel at times... Tom

Read 250 times

Reply 

From baba/David (38,576) on March 29, 2012 11:54:59 AM CDT I think there are a lot of valid observations in that article especially about how critiques are valued on one's photographic journey and about online communities like Photosig. It brings up to me the paradox or difficulty with some members on this site. These include the difficulty keeping good photographers active on this site. They are at a stage where critiques are not as helpful to them because they are happy about where they are photographically, but to only participate by writing critiques leaves some a bit unsatisfied. How does one critique a member who has hundreds of images on this site, but seem stuck in the stage of submitting photographs for their popularity, but express no individuality? Is the priority of Photosig learning first and fun second, or the other way around? If you have over a thousand photographs in your portfolio and you continue to submit the same photos with only minor variations, then what are you really here for? Reply

From tab62/Thomas (4,337) on March 29, 2012 12:19:42 PM CDT The last sentence reminds me of the micro-stock industry! There are only in it for the $$ lol! I found the stages very useful! I consider myself in the insecurity stage especially if someone like yourself makes a comment on my photo. We never stop leaning but there will come a point that I must stand to my believes or vision and stop drifting. I cannot please all on my photos - just hard at times when you think you have nailed a master piece only to have a stock editor rejected it. T Reply

From ericnla/Eric (1,496) on March 29, 2012 1:20:34 PM CDT Keep in mind that stock editors, for the most part, are not looking for a unique vision, nor are they there to affirm a photographer's hard work or creativity. It is all about commerce, what can they sell. If they can't sell something... Stock editors can't fairly be asked to judge work on its artistic merit; it's not what they are paid to do. Excellent and helpful article and folo-up here on the creative and critical process. Thanks, everyone. EL Reply

From baba/David (38,576) on March 29, 2012 1:27:21 PM CDT We all need to get past the insecurity. Whether it is stock photography, contests or juried art exhibitions, it is only one person's opinion, and the next person's opinion may be completely opposite. One can evaluate technical issues, but artistic "value" is too subjective. That said, stock photography is a different beast than contests and art exhibitions, but it is still someone's judgement of your vision. Reply

From olmosfamily/Enrique (42,776) on March 29, 2012 10:01:52 PM CDT I don't know how valid an observation, or an opinion if you may, this may be but I feel that I have reached a point where I look at a photograph and consider it good only if can be hang on a wall and admired. Could be a portrait, an abstract, a landscape, etc. etc. but it has to be deserving of a frame and pride of place on a wall. Anything else, I consider to be a "happy snap" and rate it as such. In this regard, I have not really been seeing too many such photographs which, and I may be wrong, wasn't the case when I first joined in 2006. It's either that or I'm expecting too high a standard. Reply

From baba/David (38,576) on March 29, 2012 10:35:40 PM CDT As one becomes a better photographer or looks at more photos, I agree that it is harder to be impressed. However, I don't believe in a binary choice of "happy snap" and "hang worthy" Reply

From stmv/Sebastian (59,792) on March 29, 2012 3:41:19 PM CDT interesting article, after a few years now, I just enjoy viewing/looking/and writing critiques. I think the process of critiquing is enjoyable. And, as far as posting pictures, others point / observe from a different perspective, that may pick up something that the photographer misses no matter the experience level. Style and creative direction is something one just picks up over time, and accepts when it misses from a critique input. I guess that is the insercuity phase discussed in the article where the author proposes that during this stage that critiques could prevent the photographer from progessing thru and discovering their own voice. Not sure how he proves this stage via real data, or is it an opinion. Personally, I do not think one has to remove themselves from receiving critiques during this stage of finding one's own way, but.. who knows, maybe. Reply

From loiswakeman/Lois (16,386) on March 30, 2012 3:37:39 AM CDT I thought it was very good Thomas (link) - the following text is very pertinent in relation to PSig: "Critique in group settings (especially in online forums) will always be biased based on the social dynamics of the group. Those held in higher regard will, without fail, receive more comments; and these comments will almost always be overwhelmingly positive. Friendships will yield less critical comments, as will fear of retribution." However, I wasn't so sure of his analysis of the mature artist not gaining anything from critique. I can't comment from personal experience of course - but not being able to learn anything new from comments on one's work smacks of stagnation, not just self-assurance. Thank you for introducing me to Guy's blog - I think there will be other articles that I shall enjoy too. Reply

Return to forum