Tuning In
Hi everyone! Thanks so much for listening to our first podcast, Episode 1 – Introductions. Like Mac had mentioned, it’s a little rough around the edges, but we strive to improve with every show and we hope you keep tuning in for more.
Are your images on the internet for all to see? How do you feel about someone critiquing your images? Do you prefer a drive by, “lovely shot!”, or are you more part of the ever fading constructive criticism crowd? We discuss just this and more in episode #2!
What Is Critique?
Critique is a method of disciplined, systematic analysis of a written or oral discourse. Critique is commonly understood as fault finding and negative judgment, but it can also involve merit recognition, and in the philosophical tradition it also means a methodical practice of doubt.
What are some of the most helpful critiques you have received on a photo? Have you received negative feedback? How did you handle it? Feel free to tell us in comments below. Be sure to link us your sites / blog / Flickr streams and if possible, the image itself! You know we want to take a peek! If you have anything else to say, here is the place to do it as well!
Cheers, y’all!
Links from the show:
How to handle unwanted critique?
Top 10 Most Annoying photo critique comments.
You ranted about how people shouldn’t be sissies and wear big boy pants, but one thing I would of liked to have heard would be advice as to where people could go if they want to critique. I believe there are places on the net that provide for critiquing. It’s one thing to complain and rant, but as a podcast I would like to think you offer a listener something. I listened for 35 minutes and in the end your conclusion was don’t be a sissy?
True, but for me critique can be and should be given on the photographers blog, facebook, flickr, etc. Also the end of the discussion was to take the critiques, both positive and negative, learn from them and thank the person that took the time to comment. So I thought we left the listeners with something constructive to do.
What I don’t understand is why most photographers will gladly accept the positive feedback, and delete the negative. Look at the web like a huge photo gallery. There will be people who will love certain images, and those that will not. Why can’t I say something negative? Maybe the photographer will notice that they made a mistake, and try to correct it, or be mindful of it in the next images they take, or just call me crazy and ignore me. Both things are absolutely fine. Limiting the comments only to positive, you are limiting growth of your skills. You’re locking yourself in the fantasy world where you think that everyone loves your images, and you keep making the same mistakes again and again. At least that’s what I believe.
So here’s another point of view. Why does a comment have to be labelled either positive or negative? The comment is just one person’s opinion and how we react to it makes it either positive or negative. Like you said we can choose to ignore it or look and see if we agree and can use it to improve. One thing the PS guys were talking about the other day though were unsolicited critiques. They believe that you shouldn’t give one unless the posted has asked for one. Then, let ‘er rip!
Just another idea.
I agree to a point…. to me images posted on the internet are like a huge gallery, and I treat it as such. If I do not like the pictures in the gallery I have every right to voice my opinion or leave. Knowing me I would probable leave. People should not be surprised or hurt if someone comes along and says what a crappy picture. Everyone has an opinion and has the right to voice it. If some one says “please no unsolicited creatiques”, then they are being silly. Of course in all this personal tact plays a big role.
What really sparked this was the fact that people seem to accept pats on the back, and scream and yell when someone points out a mistake, or something that they do not like or agree with.
Wow. Randy Pond from Randy Pond Photography, just wrote an interesting post disagreeing with our view http://randypondphotography.blogspot.com/2011/10/critique-of-photos-my-rant.html
I would like answer this here.
First off, constructive critique or criticism is very important. I think it’s important to point out flaws in someone’s work. If all you get is positive feedback, you will think that all your work is perfect, leading you in the wrong direction. I’m sorry if the truth hurts. That’s how you learn. Why we have so many bad “pro” photographers? Because no one has the guts to say the truth.
I’m not saying the comment has to be personal in nature. Those are ignorable, because critiques should be about the image not the person who created it. Facebook, Google+, Flickr, are places for critiques, because they allow for comments and discussion. Also lots of photographers have their portfolios on Facebook and Google+ .
All in all critiques will only make the photographer stronger, and will make them grow. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
Just moments ago I commented on an image on Google+ that I thought it might have been shot in studio and combined with the background. The maker wasn’t offended and ensured me it wasn’t and where his lights were hiding in the shot. But it started a good discussion which I’m sure he is grateful for because more people will see his image. Sometimes any publicity is good publicity.
My point exactly. I think people are afraid of commenting and speaking up. We look at art with our whole baggage of life experiences. Which will makes us look and feel something different than everyone else. If a piece of art evokes an emotional response, positive or negative, the artist has accomplished the task. If this emotional response creates a discussion even better.
Hi Darlene. Thanks for the comment. I’m afraid I’m late to the game here, but I wanted to chime in. I’m glad you were able to garner discussion on Google+. It’s nice to hear the photographer wasn’t offended and actually gave out some behind the scenes info. This was our point from the beginning. I miss the good ol’ days of photography based discussion, so it’s refreshing to hear others are still willing to jump in and fire it up.
Mac ~ I couldn’t agree with you more here.
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[...] appreciate y’all listening to our first two podcasts and most definitely enjoy the feedback (critique?). Please keep it coming. We’re always going to keep on chatting about photography, but we [...]
[...] Episode 2 ~ Critiquing Your Images [...]