Critiquing Philosophies 2

Hi All! What with some of the somewhat negative issues going on here lately, I think is is important that the critiquing process be rewarding, beneficial, enjoyable and productive to everyone concerned- the photographers putting their work up for for critique, the critics and everyone who observes what is going in here.

Theses are not rules- the are logical suggestion on how to maximize the usefulness of this board and to minimize bad feelings and disappointment.

Ed  Please read on:

PRESENTING YOUR WORK FOR CRITIQUING

The first thing you should know about submitting you work for judging (print competitions) and critiquing, live or on line, is that this practice is one of the most valuable learning tools there is in photographic education, especially if the person or persons giving the critiques are seasoned and experienced professional photographers.

For many folks the words “critique, criticize, or criticism” have negative connotations and meanings such as ostracize, disapprove and even condemn. True enough, if you check out the dictionary theses are some of the some of the more foreboding synonyms. There are, however, many other synonyms that are better descriptions of constructive criticism such as analyze, assess, appraise and evaluate. The latter definitions are the ones we are interested and of course the operative word here is “constructive”.

Problem is, some photographers are very sensitive to criticism in general or what's worse have the attitude that as long as THEY made the photograph, they are good or even great. Theses postures can significantly stymie one’s growth as a photographer in that it negates a major part of the learning process.

If one is studying under a mentor, taking technical/artistic courses at a college or a private photography school, they will have the benefit of constant evaluation by their teachers. If you are being self taught, you will have to depend on literature, occasional seminars and trial and error. This can make things very difficult because you have no real indication of your progress, can develop “bad” habits and not have a specific goal or measuring stick for your work. Self assessment can be difficult as well- some people tend to flounder around to the point of frustration.

In reality, critique can be painful but it is like body building with iron weights-" no pain no gain". Actually, the should be no pain when the right attitude is taken.

To start on a level playing field, there has got to be responsibilities or duties for both the submitters and the jury or individual giving the critique. Theses are not only rules, regulations and policies of the competition, forum or open critiquing session, but more importantly a philosophical understanding by all parties concerned and perhaps a hefty dose of ethics.

The submitters should bring fourth the very best work conforming to the regulations- issues such as print size, file size, and mounting procedures depending on the type of “venue” is involved. This refers to mail in, bring in or on line procedures. On this forum, problematic images should be submitted to other technical and artistic departments and threads along with questions and requests for advice. If you submit problematic images to a critique you can expected to “get wasted” buy a moderator or possibly not having your image judged at all. Serious submissions will receive advice, along with criticisms, as to what improvements are recommended. Great entries will receive kudos.

Judges or Moderators have important obligations as well. There is no reason for making harsh comments- that only discourages people from posting their work and kills the interactivity of the entire forum. On the other end of the spectrum, giving everyone a whitewashed or feel-good critique is bad as well. In both cases you would not be giving a fair and honest assessment of the maker’s work- both are a great disservice. A fair and objective critique is what is called for. There is nothing wrong with challenging another judge’s or moderator’s opinion. This is not infighting but rather good repartee and differential view points being expressed. In my experience theses challenges yield a plethora of learning it is just a matter of people keeping their ears and eyes open and not getting into personality contents.

Images should be judged on the following criteria:
• Impact
• Originality
• Treatment
• Composition
• Lighting
• Technical Elements
• Posing (if applicable)
• Craftsmanship
• Presentation
• Color management and harmony.
• Black and white range and tonality.

Simply saying “I like or I don’t like an image is totally insufficient. All good and bad elements should be carefully pointed out and suggestions for improvement should be stated.

PLEASE REMEMBER! All of this is not forum rules that are carved in stone. These are simply strong suggestions which will make the critiquing process far more productive and enjoyable for everyone.

I am looking forward to the this forum becoming one of the most outstanding on line learning sites on the WWW. If we all start off on the right foot and act with honesty, courtesy, kindness, integrity and professionalism from the outset we will all benefit and prosper from what we contribute.

Ed S.

PS- theses are some of my articles which I have written on this forum in the past and may not be here anymore.  There may be some overlaping but between the 2 articles there may be some helpful material.  I was asked to re-post this information and the other moderators may place this information where it will best serve its purpose.  If there are more requests for critique on this forum or more questions for me, I will be pleased to participate more often.  Thanks folks!   Ed