In my opinion the problem with online critique is that the majority of self taught photographers have no idea how to critique an image. I was taught to only listen to critique from photographers that I admired and respected.
This is an interesting one. Over the years I found my brief time in a camera club the worst. 5 or 6 gate keepers at the top telling everyone to do better while they bring the guest judges out for dinner and drinks. 😂 I went to college in Ireland and England and when a group from my class went to England we found it incredibly frustrating the reluctance to critique each others work from our class mates. We struggled to give positive criticism without being called mean or harsh. The class preferred to just say how great everyone was. Especially the lecturers. It was an odd culture the opposite of what we experienced in our previous course. But we were stronger for it and more self critical. Good criticism is absolute gold. Some criticism can completely break you and have you questioning everything
These talks are so different from the usual 'photography' videos and _so_ much more inspiring. A guy on a sofa that makes me want to get out and create.
I've been doing photography since the late 1980s and have been told for at least a couple of decades how wrong or bad my photography is. Sometimes they give specific reasons (too soft, too dark, too busy) and I consider their opinion. I've also been told my photography is bad with the only explanation being that I didn't take the picture they would. I wear that as a badge of honor.
This is why I take pictures for myself. I never really considered what others think of my photos because they never see them. With the rare exception of close friends and family. When I pass, they can say whatever they want about them, I won’t be around to listen. Then again, I do enjoy the process more than the art of it.
Kind constructive comments are always welcome. Negative harsh criticism from strangers sucks out your energy. The greatest critic is you. If you have the integrity. When you are your hardest critic you can grow without the nasty, negative sniping of strangers. To thine on self be true...If you feel you are perfect, then you're probably not, but when every day is a learning day behind a camera, that should be enough. No need for validation from others. To thine own self be true....live or die by that sword.
The way that I offer feedback is to think about how the image could be strengthened and then formulate a question to ask to try to guide the person rather than tell them what they need to do. For instance, if there is something in the image that is distracting, ask, “Is there anything in the scene that is competing with the subject for your attention?” From there, ask, “If you were going to image this scene again, what could you do to minimize or eliminate that competing element?” This promotes critical thinking and self discovery. The answers are also their own and not someone else’s. They are more likely to be receptive and experiment with that information. (People naturally get defensive when someone tells them what to do. When people have autonomy, they have more control over the whole process.)
I remember my job interview to be an assistant, I was 19 and I took my best slides to show. I was severely but honestly criticized and although my ego was hurt a little, I quickly realized I did know nothing about the professional aspect of it. I learned so much from that guy and his main assistant... we're still friends, 25 years later
I have been critiqued harshly several times but I cannot show any consideration towards the people who spoke out. A guy with a big name smashed a portrait because in his eyes some bg cityscape elements (bridge and skyscrapers) wouldn't add to the image. But I intended to include some city elements to connect to the persons home city. The photo was a CD cover and local elements were important content. Why should I care for a critique that kind ? It's just silly.
Jared Polin made a related comment. If you're on location in Paris and you blur the background so that the Eiffel tower is unrecognizable, the atmosphere of the location and even the trip to the location is wasted. I think it's always good to listen to criticism. There may be an opportunity to grow and learn. But sometimes the criticism is way off base. Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) was told by his college professor that he had no talent whatsoever as a writer or an artist and should consider another line of work. So criticism, even by an expert, can be opinionated, misguided, and just plain wrong.
@@danncorbit3623 Ok, so please let me see a great photo J.P. made himself! I am very curious if he would be successful showing them on his channel, maybe having courage would help...
@@KarloFio Go to his channel and take a look. He has lots of photographs and videos all the way to 600mm. Keep in mind that a few of his videos were taken through the passenger side window of his car, so those do not show the quality of the lens.
I took a vocational aptitude test in junior high that said I wasn't suited to much besides being a maid somewhere or a janitor. I now have a law degree and practiced law for ten years. I've been an international diplomat. I retired in my early forties and now I'm a photographic artist whose work has been published and exhibited on three continents. I'd say high school guidance people got us both wrong. :-)
I tend to look at criticism in the manner of how would I, myself, like to be critiqued? What kind of kind, insightful analysis would I enjoy to hear? And then reflect that towards others to help us all grow.
Photography is an art and you are the artist that you must impress. If a person compliments or complains you accomplished something..They looked. I've never worried about what others think, no one should.
Professional creativity is tough, you have to have thick skin and determination to continue no matter what. As a hobbyist photographer I've received a lot of encouragement and help from professional photographers. My images might be average to poor, but they still find things to like about what I'm doing and (more importantly) plenty of advice on what I can do better. So I think photographers shouldn't ignore advice on what they could do better. I wouldn't put my pictures on RUclips for critique as there are a lot of bitter people (just in general) looking for victims to bully on social media.
Most people have been kind when critiquing my photos - not that my photos were great, people have just kind giving criticism. However, in the past I have been brutally teased and criticized for always having a camera and always taking photos. To the point where I am now having to force myself to take my camera with me.
Excellent, thought provoking video. I've only been sharing my work online for less than a year but have found it a largely positive experience. As an ex photojournalist who has largely shifted to wildlife and landscape photography it's enjoyable to be able to display what I think is my best work without having to "market" that work to often unreceptive editors glued to a certain style of image and uninterested in all others. There's an old saying here in Maine, "If you don't have something positive to say, don't say it." I try to keep that rule in mind when I comment on other's photos. While there are certain basic constituent parts that add up to making a photo worthwhile, and while photos shot without purpose or vision often fall flat, the one thing online galleries have taught me is that there is a wide variety of images that might not feel "worthwhile" to me but are nonetheless of interest to others with a different experience of life. So when I see someone who is quite obviously attempting something of value I try to offer positive, encouraging comments. In a very real sense as much joy can be found from providing encouragement as from producing an image. Try it you may find you agree.
Just my thoughts; Critiques are often based on the "biases" of the critic. They need to think in the shoes and look at the photo through the eyes of the photographer who took the photo. When I'm asked to "critique" a photo, I always ask the input from the photographer for me to give my objective (as objective as I can be) view. And my feedback is always in the line of something for that photographer to consider on improving or continue practicing to further his/her craft. Never in the intention to put that photgrapher down.
The sad thing about critiques is that the ones doing it too often fall into the trap of turning it into a full fledged destroy session. If they just used the "sandwich" method (say a good thing about the photos, point out the bad things, finis on a positive note with some good points), things would go so much easier.
Hi Alex, another great positive story, that's what us viewer's like to watch and it benifits our Photography. I have some homework to do on the weekend to listen to other photographers stories and look out for someone to support my photography. Thanks Alex. 😊
I told a FB critic that I thought it would be better if they considered me as teacher and them as the student. They thought they were good photography and I though they were average. I felt my opinion of my own work was better
@@ThePrairieChronicles Agreed, If you want to teach me something post picture is what I tell them. If they are good to me I will learn from it. It is stinks I will learn what not to do.
If you want criticism, join a photo club. Your images will be judged to a formula: promoting technical quality and artistic sterility. I left this stifling environment, not just because I found much of the criticism stifling, in spite of some being constructive and helpful. Artistic development requires freedom of expression. Go for it and do it. Enjoy the process. That works best for me.
If you cannot take criticism, then you are in the wrong profession. There are far too many in this game who cannot take photos. but they are also here and they stay because they have never had the opportunity to be grilled in public, or humiliated in an interview for a job over the quality of their work. I got grilled by The Observer after a very successful interview with the Independent, and just because the guy at the Observer wanted to. But I also stood my ground and in the end he admitted that I could take photographs (well I knew I could because I had just won a major award). But he laid into me because he had the power to do so. The morale of this story,.if you can't stand your ground, now is the best time to take up flower arranging.
When I first started photography back in 1989, I had a rather bad critique, which caused me not to do any photography for another 12 years. In 2008, when I was looking for work, I contacted a photographer and he just ripped my work to shreds, but unlike the first time I took what he said as a challenge, and basically just dedicated myself to learning lighting and working on my photography. One of the things, I will be forever great full of, was joining the MPA in 2017 and Ray Lowes, critiques. Now, anyone who knows Ray will know he is a bit divisive but at that time the Ray would do a critique each month, and I have to say I learnt a huge amount, and I have spoken to so many people who have said the same. Now, this is not a plug for the MPA, as I think they are about to merge with the RPS. But I will say that joining a photographic organisation like the BIPP, SWPP, Guild of Photographers etc, can make a difference, if you put the time and effort in to get to know people. In many ways Covid was amazing for me, because I got to know so many photographer in the MPA via zoom meeting, and many have become close friends, who I am able to send my work to and ask what they think of it, and they will give me an honest answer and they can do the same back to me.
I once was a bit harsh commenting on someone's photo, later apologized. Photographers should be welcoming. Even if someone proudly posts bad photos, this is not the time to get snarky. Photography is both an honest and also un-unhonest, fake artform. But photography should always admit that there is room for all of us. A bad photo of a frog is still better than no photo of that frog.
One reason I've never joined a camera club or attended any formal training. I taught myself and then worked as an assistant for a photograper at Carlton Photographic (The Carlton group / ITV).
I’m lucky I have a friend who’s an Art Teacher, and he will critique my work, and vice versa, we’re never nasty and highly analytical, stating specific reasoning. Even shooting for 40 years, I’m always open to honest review and improvement.
On your Facebook page, the only time I added a criticism on someone's picture beside "nice shot", it was erased and I was blocked for comments for few days! That's the days I left your group. And it wasn't even something bad just saying the person did a wrong photoshop manipulation.
That is the other side. Some [people are so convinced of them self they think that all feedback id harsh, evven a comment like why did you...... I left a lot of group because of this. They don;t want to learn, just bake in the they own cinvictions. I did 7 years of art school and yes, I know how it is to get harsh criticism in public (very hash, no holding back). You can deal in two ways. First get drunk (we did) or think : why did we get this Criticism, is there something I can learn from it (we also did). Or is it just a big ego who want to show how good he is (not). I learned a lot from honest, but brutal criticism. You can never learn from : "nice pictures" (even if it is shit)
Reminds me of a certain aspiring art student, who was rejected from entering art college because his work was not thought to be good enough. Instead he was pointed in the direction of the School of Architecture. I wonder whatever became of him?
A recent video by Rick Beato touches on this subject in context of the current situation of RUclips. He sums up the feedback that he gets quite well, people are only talking about themselves when they leave comments good or bad. I think that this translates into any criticism which is destructive, if criticism doesn't offer constructive advice then it has zero value.
Constructive and just harsh are two different things. I am not trying to advance a career in photography. I shoot for myself and very few ever see a picture I have made. There is no sharing on facebook, instagram, or anywhere else. If I am pleased with it... OK.
The greats are examples. To be critiqued in schools constantly and demoralizing ones photos is not what school is for. I had a subject on the left side of the photo with the open space on the right. Apparently a no-no. My teacher ripped my photo apart. I didn't care. I LIKED my photo. I saw a fancy SI swimsuit photog have a tree coming out os a models head. THIS WAS STILL PUBLISHED! So I came to realized I'll do me.... you do you.
I'd love to find one or more people who could offer constructive criticism, but they don't just magically appear. Part of the problem is that I prefer to work alone, generally in settings where there are few, if any, other people. In fact, people rarely find their way into my photos, and I've no great desire to change that. Nothing against people per se (other than their unfortunate tendencies to destroy the environment, act violently toward one another, etc.), but there are simply so many other compelling subjects. Another thing is that, although I'm open to thoughtful comments, I believe in my artistic vision and in general don't care that much about what other people think of my work. It's for me, and if you like it (or better yet, want to buy it) great, but I'm not changing my process in search of sales (or worse, likes). Not to sound cocky, but I do get compliments on my work (including from gallery owners), but I'd rather hear comments like those you describe, just to get another perspective, as "wow, that's such a great shot" or "this is really strong work" doesn't help me evolve (a life-long process for any artist). I've been told I should teach a class--maybe I should take one (or maybe get a portfolio review). Meantime, I guess the autodidactism will continue...
I like the shot of the blond(Monrow?)looking at the back cover of a James Joyce book. The implicit irony is funny. But. Monrow wasn't a dummy. Validation is useful regardless of the form it comes in.
Friends aren't, always friends! One always said I should place yellow border on my prints! Another said my single use of 50mm lens, and 1 camera Leica M3, was boring! My thought! Take a number buddy! I've been often printed!
Well, Eve Arnold, in your narration, also showed a very necessary quality. She came back. Professional photography is not for wimps. National Geography got rid of Bill Allard, for flap's sake.
Opinions, we all share them from time to time. Really that's all that critique is. However, there are kind ways to express critique and arrogant ways. Unfortunately some seem to think arrogant is OK. When I hear arrogant, I struggle to find worthwhile perspectives on what is being said because the know it all attitude says to me "this person regards themselves as the fount of wisdom". Guess I'm rambling a bit, but for me all critique is good as long as it is presented in a kind, sensitive manner and offered as just one person's perspective/opinion.
I recently told a RUclips star. That his images were shocking! By shocking i meant he shot outside the technical abilities of the camera. Shots full of noise. I was shocked at the images because as he described them i know they would be bad. He said they were good! Plenty comments of they were nice but my comment stood out. Even though i suggested that he use a noise reduction program. Now im an asshole for doing that. He said he had never been so upset over a comment. If thats the harshest thing hes heard then hes lucky. Ive been called an idiot and useless, untalented and fake! But then ive been told to put an exhibition on. I should teach. Become a professional photographer. Its all just opinions. Im not that good. Non of us are. Only a handful make it to the big league. Just have fun and shoot for yourself. For over 40 years now and still happy despite being called out every now and then. Alex i love you car oark work. I shot some recently. Its so much fun and different. Thanks for your videos.
As you noted, most feedback is opinion, what that person likes/dislikes. That doesn't make it right or wrong. Photography is more subjective. However, you may get idea(s) out of it that is something you would like. Now, your photo isn't sharp enough. Maybe you intended that per artistic license. Now why isn't it sharp is a whole different type of feedback. Maybe explain what you were going for. Then pay particular attention to feedback on that.
Online has made it much easier to obtain cc (and not-so-c c ;-) ). Could not agree more with your remark on communities: the best ones for the purpose are not necessarily the ones containing the best photos. For a reason.
In my opinion the problem with online critique is that the majority of self taught photographers have no idea how to critique an image. I was taught to only listen to critique from photographers that I admired and respected.
This is an interesting one. Over the years I found my brief time in a camera club the worst. 5 or 6 gate keepers at the top telling everyone to do better while they bring the guest judges out for dinner and drinks. 😂
I went to college in Ireland and England and when a group from my class went to England we found it incredibly frustrating the reluctance to critique each others work from our class mates. We struggled to give positive criticism without being called mean or harsh. The class preferred to just say how great everyone was. Especially the lecturers. It was an odd culture the opposite of what we experienced in our previous course. But we were stronger for it and more self critical. Good criticism is absolute gold. Some criticism can completely break you and have you questioning everything
These talks are so different from the usual 'photography' videos and _so_ much more inspiring. A guy on a sofa that makes me want to get out and create.
I've been doing photography since the late 1980s and have been told for at least a couple of decades how wrong or bad my photography is. Sometimes they give specific reasons (too soft, too dark, too busy) and I consider their opinion. I've also been told my photography is bad with the only explanation being that I didn't take the picture they would. I wear that as a badge of honor.
This is why I take pictures for myself. I never really considered what others think of my photos because they never see them. With the rare exception of close friends and family. When I pass, they can say whatever they want about them, I won’t be around to listen.
Then again, I do enjoy the process more than the art of it.
Kind constructive comments are always welcome. Negative harsh criticism from strangers sucks out your energy.
The greatest critic is you. If you have the integrity.
When you are your hardest critic you can grow without the nasty, negative sniping of strangers.
To thine on self be true...If you feel you are perfect, then you're probably not, but when every day is a learning day behind a camera, that should be enough. No need for validation from others.
To thine own self be true....live or die by that sword.
The way that I offer feedback is to think about how the image could be strengthened and then formulate a question to ask to try to guide the person rather than tell them what they need to do. For instance, if there is something in the image that is distracting, ask, “Is there anything in the scene that is competing with the subject for your attention?” From there, ask, “If you were going to image this scene again, what could you do to minimize or eliminate that competing element?” This promotes critical thinking and self discovery. The answers are also their own and not someone else’s. They are more likely to be receptive and experiment with that information. (People naturally get defensive when someone tells them what to do. When people have autonomy, they have more control over the whole process.)
People are ignorant so I don't bother wasting my time listening to their ignorance
Sometimes imperfection is perfection.
Perfection is sterile
Wabi Sabi !
I remember my job interview to be an assistant, I was 19 and I took my best slides to show. I was severely but honestly criticized and although my ego was hurt a little, I quickly realized I did know nothing about the professional aspect of it. I learned so much from that guy and his main assistant... we're still friends, 25 years later
I have been critiqued harshly several times but I cannot show any consideration towards the people who spoke out. A guy with a big name smashed a portrait because in his eyes some bg cityscape elements (bridge and skyscrapers) wouldn't add to the image. But I intended to include some city elements to connect to the persons home city. The photo was a CD cover and local elements were important content. Why should I care for a critique that kind ? It's just silly.
Jared Polin made a related comment. If you're on location in Paris and you blur the background so that the Eiffel tower is unrecognizable, the atmosphere of the location and even the trip to the location is wasted. I think it's always good to listen to criticism. There may be an opportunity to grow and learn. But sometimes the criticism is way off base. Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) was told by his college professor that he had no talent whatsoever as a writer or an artist and should consider another line of work. So criticism, even by an expert, can be opinionated, misguided, and just plain wrong.
@@danncorbit3623 Ok, so please let me see a great photo J.P. made himself! I am very curious if he would be successful showing them on his channel, maybe having courage would help...
@@KarloFio Go to his channel and take a look. He has lots of photographs and videos all the way to 600mm. Keep in mind that a few of his videos were taken through the passenger side window of his car, so those do not show the quality of the lens.
I was told by my high school counselor that I would never get into college. I have 3 degrees.
I took a vocational aptitude test in junior high that said I wasn't suited to much besides being a maid somewhere or a janitor. I now have a law degree and practiced law for ten years. I've been an international diplomat. I retired in my early forties and now I'm a photographic artist whose work has been published and exhibited on three continents.
I'd say high school guidance people got us both wrong. :-)
TedBrown: I had some of their records too. 😂
I tend to look at criticism in the manner of how would I, myself, like to be critiqued? What kind of kind, insightful analysis would I enjoy to hear? And then reflect that towards others to help us all grow.
Same here. I would give the “Have you considered” or “Have you tried” approach.
Photography is an art and you are the artist that you must impress. If a person compliments or complains you accomplished something..They looked. I've never worried about what others think, no one should.
Professional creativity is tough, you have to have thick skin and determination to continue no matter what. As a hobbyist photographer I've received a lot of encouragement and help from professional photographers. My images might be average to poor, but they still find things to like about what I'm doing and (more importantly) plenty of advice on what I can do better. So I think photographers shouldn't ignore advice on what they could do better.
I wouldn't put my pictures on RUclips for critique as there are a lot of bitter people (just in general) looking for victims to bully on social media.
Most people have been kind when critiquing my photos - not that my photos were great, people have just kind giving criticism. However, in the past I have been brutally teased and criticized for always having a camera and always taking photos. To the point where I am now having to force myself to take my camera with me.
No books ordered. I love Eve Arnold's work.
Excellent, thought provoking video. I've only been sharing my work online for less than a year but have found it a largely positive experience. As an ex photojournalist who has largely shifted to wildlife and landscape photography it's enjoyable to be able to display what I think is my best work without having to "market" that work to often unreceptive editors glued to a certain style of image and uninterested in all others. There's an old saying here in Maine, "If you don't have something positive to say, don't say it." I try to keep that rule in mind when I comment on other's photos. While there are certain basic constituent parts that add up to making a photo worthwhile, and while photos shot without purpose or vision often fall flat, the one thing online galleries have taught me is that there is a wide variety of images that might not feel "worthwhile" to me but are nonetheless of interest to others with a different experience of life. So when I see someone who is quite obviously attempting something of value I try to offer positive, encouraging comments. In a very real sense as much joy can be found from providing encouragement as from producing an image. Try it you may find you agree.
Just my thoughts; Critiques are often based on the "biases" of the critic. They need to think in the shoes and look at the photo through the eyes of the photographer who took the photo. When I'm asked to "critique" a photo, I always ask the input from the photographer for me to give my objective (as objective as I can be) view. And my feedback is always in the line of something for that photographer to consider on improving or continue practicing to further his/her craft. Never in the intention to put that photgrapher down.
The sad thing about critiques is that the ones doing it too often fall into the trap of turning it into a full fledged destroy session. If they just used the "sandwich" method (say a good thing about the photos, point out the bad things, finis on a positive note with some good points), things would go so much easier.
Hi Alex, another great positive story, that's what us viewer's like to watch and it benifits our Photography. I have some homework to do on the weekend to listen to other photographers stories and look out for someone to support my photography. Thanks Alex. 😊
Thanks again for your work and suportive action, as well for your long term comitment for photographic education !!! Thanks a lot !
I told a FB critic that I thought it would be better if they considered me as teacher and them as the student. They thought they were good photography and I though they were average. I felt my opinion of my own work was better
@@ThePrairieChronicles Agreed, If you want to teach me something post picture is what I tell them. If they are good to me I will learn from it. It is stinks I will learn what not to do.
If you want criticism, join a photo club. Your images will be judged to a formula: promoting technical quality and artistic sterility. I left this stifling environment, not just because I found much of the criticism stifling, in spite of some being constructive and helpful. Artistic development requires freedom of expression. Go for it and do it. Enjoy the process. That works best for me.
Very thoughtful discussion, Alex! Makes me want to find people who can provide helpful comments beyond just liking my Instagram posts.
Alex - I'm really enjoying the videos you're posting and the direction you've taken in 2024!
If you cannot take criticism, then you are in the wrong profession. There are far too many in this game who cannot take photos. but they are also here and they stay because they have never had the opportunity to be grilled in public, or humiliated in an interview for a job over the quality of their work. I got grilled by The Observer after a very successful interview with the Independent, and just because the guy at the Observer wanted to. But I also stood my ground and in the end he admitted that I could take photographs (well I knew I could because I had just won a major award). But he laid into me because he had the power to do so. The morale of this story,.if you can't stand your ground, now is the best time to take up flower arranging.
When I first started photography back in 1989, I had a rather bad critique, which caused me not to do any photography for another 12 years. In 2008, when I was looking for work, I contacted a photographer and he just ripped my work to shreds, but unlike the first time I took what he said as a challenge, and basically just dedicated myself to learning lighting and working on my photography.
One of the things, I will be forever great full of, was joining the MPA in 2017 and Ray Lowes, critiques. Now, anyone who knows Ray will know he is a bit divisive but at that time the Ray would do a critique each month, and I have to say I learnt a huge amount, and I have spoken to so many people who have said the same.
Now, this is not a plug for the MPA, as I think they are about to merge with the RPS. But I will say that joining a photographic organisation like the BIPP, SWPP, Guild of Photographers etc, can make a difference, if you put the time and effort in to get to know people.
In many ways Covid was amazing for me, because I got to know so many photographer in the MPA via zoom meeting, and many have become close friends, who I am able to send my work to and ask what they think of it, and they will give me an honest answer and they can do the same back to me.
I once was a bit harsh commenting on someone's photo, later apologized. Photographers should be welcoming. Even if someone proudly posts bad photos, this is not the time to get snarky.
Photography is both an honest and also un-unhonest, fake artform. But photography should always admit that there is room for all of us. A bad photo of a frog is still better than no photo of that frog.
Your wedding photography is fabulous... so much great energy!!!
One reason I've never joined a camera club or attended any formal training. I taught myself and then worked as an assistant for a photograper at Carlton Photographic (The Carlton group / ITV).
I’m lucky I have a friend who’s an Art Teacher, and he will critique my work, and vice versa, we’re never nasty and highly analytical, stating specific reasoning. Even shooting for 40 years, I’m always open to honest review and improvement.
On your Facebook page, the only time I added a criticism on someone's picture beside "nice shot", it was erased and I was blocked for comments for few days!
That's the days I left your group. And it wasn't even something bad just saying the person did a wrong photoshop manipulation.
That is the other side. Some [people are so convinced of them self they think that all feedback id harsh, evven a comment like why did you......
I left a lot of group because of this. They don;t want to learn, just bake in the they own cinvictions.
I did 7 years of art school and yes, I know how it is to get harsh criticism in public (very hash, no holding back). You can deal in two ways. First get drunk (we did) or think : why did we get this Criticism, is there something I can learn from it (we also did). Or is it just a big ego who want to show how good he is (not).
I learned a lot from honest, but brutal criticism. You can never learn from : "nice pictures" (even if it is shit)
Reminds me of a certain aspiring art student, who was rejected from entering art college because his work was not thought to be good enough.
Instead he was pointed in the direction of the School of Architecture.
I wonder whatever became of him?
Thank you ...
A recent video by Rick Beato touches on this subject in context of the current situation of RUclips.
He sums up the feedback that he gets quite well, people are only talking about themselves when they leave comments good or bad.
I think that this translates into any criticism which is destructive, if criticism doesn't offer constructive advice then it has zero value.
Constructive and just harsh are two different things. I am not trying to advance a career in photography. I shoot for myself and very few ever see a picture I have made. There is no sharing on facebook, instagram, or anywhere else. If I am pleased with it... OK.
I love this video, Alex. Nailed it! 👏
I simply love this channel. Thanks.
The greats are examples. To be critiqued in schools constantly and demoralizing ones photos is not what school is for. I had a subject on the left side of the photo with the open space on the right. Apparently a no-no. My teacher ripped my photo apart. I didn't care. I LIKED my photo. I saw a fancy SI swimsuit photog have a tree coming out os a models head. THIS WAS STILL PUBLISHED! So I came to realized I'll do me.... you do you.
I'd love to find one or more people who could offer constructive criticism, but they don't just magically appear. Part of the problem is that I prefer to work alone, generally in settings where there are few, if any, other people. In fact, people rarely find their way into my photos, and I've no great desire to change that. Nothing against people per se (other than their unfortunate tendencies to destroy the environment, act violently toward one another, etc.), but there are simply so many other compelling subjects. Another thing is that, although I'm open to thoughtful comments, I believe in my artistic vision and in general don't care that much about what other people think of my work. It's for me, and if you like it (or better yet, want to buy it) great, but I'm not changing my process in search of sales (or worse, likes). Not to sound cocky, but I do get compliments on my work (including from gallery owners), but I'd rather hear comments like those you describe, just to get another perspective, as "wow, that's such a great shot" or "this is really strong work" doesn't help me evolve (a life-long process for any artist). I've been told I should teach a class--maybe I should take one (or maybe get a portfolio review). Meantime, I guess the autodidactism will continue...
informative content
I like the shot of the blond(Monrow?)looking at the back cover of a James Joyce book.
The implicit irony is funny.
But.
Monrow wasn't a dummy.
Validation is useful regardless of the form it comes in.
Friends aren't, always friends! One always said I should place yellow border on my prints! Another said my single use of 50mm lens, and 1 camera Leica M3, was boring! My thought! Take a number buddy! I've been often printed!
Well, Eve Arnold, in your narration, also showed a very necessary quality. She came back. Professional photography is not for wimps. National Geography got rid of Bill Allard, for flap's sake.
Opinions, we all share them from time to time. Really that's all that critique is. However, there are kind ways to express critique and arrogant ways. Unfortunately some seem to think arrogant is OK. When I hear arrogant, I struggle to find worthwhile perspectives on what is being said because the know it all attitude says to me "this person regards themselves as the fount of wisdom". Guess I'm rambling a bit, but for me all critique is good as long as it is presented in a kind, sensitive manner and offered as just one person's perspective/opinion.
I recently told a RUclips star. That his images were shocking! By shocking i meant he shot outside the technical abilities of the camera. Shots full of noise. I was shocked at the images because as he described them i know they would be bad. He said they were good! Plenty comments of they were nice but my comment stood out. Even though i suggested that he use a noise reduction program. Now im an asshole for doing that. He said he had never been so upset over a comment. If thats the harshest thing hes heard then hes lucky. Ive been called an idiot and useless, untalented and fake! But then ive been told to put an exhibition on. I should teach. Become a professional photographer. Its all just opinions. Im not that good. Non of us are. Only a handful make it to the big league. Just have fun and shoot for yourself. For over 40 years now and still happy despite being called out every now and then. Alex i love you car oark work. I shot some recently. Its so much fun and different. Thanks for your videos.
What video was that
As you noted, most feedback is opinion, what that person likes/dislikes. That doesn't make it right or wrong. Photography is more subjective. However, you may get idea(s) out of it that is something you would like. Now, your photo isn't sharp enough. Maybe you intended that per artistic license. Now why isn't it sharp is a whole different type of feedback. Maybe explain what you were going for. Then pay particular attention to feedback on that.
I thought this was going to be about Francesca Woodman.
This must be important to you. It is the second video about Eve. That's OK.
Online has made it much easier to obtain cc (and not-so-c c ;-) ). Could not agree more with your remark on communities: the best ones for the purpose are not necessarily the ones containing the best photos. For a reason.
Provia 400X came out around 2007, so pretty close to 20 years ago.
Tea?? Earl Grey?
Nice video! Are you willing to provide frank feedback? How to share samples of my work with you?
fledging ? isn't it fledgling ?
Ahh... more critique?
@@willscott4004 😀
I am one of them I think. My pictures are good, and I see it ! But.... something is missing, don't know what and my peers treat it with contempt