"I don't have an expensive cameras and software to manipulate my images," says one photography enthusiast in reply to a critique of their image. The faults I spotted were basic exposure and framing. Things you could get right on the most simple of cameras with a bit of care and attention.
But many amateurs snap away, upload their pictures to the net and then expect to have plaudits heaped on them for their fantastic images. And they do get lots of awards and praise for the most appalling rubbish. Social networking can do that for you. Praise enough people and they will come back and praise you. It would seem that many have a desperate need for applause no matter how hollow and empty.
Either that or a good deal of the online photo community is on happy pills or delusional. So what happens when a photographer with a bit of experience, who has suffered the stinging critiques of editors, curators and other far better photographers writes a simple honest critique on a photo enthusiast's picture? The response is defensive. The enthusiast blames his equipment, lack of time, experience, knowledge...any excuse will do.
The truth is that we all make crap pictures from time to time. But if you choose to show your picture to the world and ask for an honest opinion, write that you want to learn and that you are passionate about photography; then when somebody does take the time to offer a positive critique have the grace to take it on the chin. It's not always pleasant but most of those who dare to offer an honest opinion are actually trying to help. A far better endeavor I would think than someone patting your back in the hope you will pat theirs.
My conclusion is that there are photo enthusiasts who genuinely want to learn and there are those that do not seek knowledge, who do not really want to improve. If you're reading this you probably belong to that minority that does want to learn and I'm preaching to the converted again. Never mind. I feel better for getting this off my chest and so should you. The competition to be a really good photographer is far less than you thought.
Cheers,
Paul
But many amateurs snap away, upload their pictures to the net and then expect to have plaudits heaped on them for their fantastic images. And they do get lots of awards and praise for the most appalling rubbish. Social networking can do that for you. Praise enough people and they will come back and praise you. It would seem that many have a desperate need for applause no matter how hollow and empty.
Either that or a good deal of the online photo community is on happy pills or delusional. So what happens when a photographer with a bit of experience, who has suffered the stinging critiques of editors, curators and other far better photographers writes a simple honest critique on a photo enthusiast's picture? The response is defensive. The enthusiast blames his equipment, lack of time, experience, knowledge...any excuse will do.
The truth is that we all make crap pictures from time to time. But if you choose to show your picture to the world and ask for an honest opinion, write that you want to learn and that you are passionate about photography; then when somebody does take the time to offer a positive critique have the grace to take it on the chin. It's not always pleasant but most of those who dare to offer an honest opinion are actually trying to help. A far better endeavor I would think than someone patting your back in the hope you will pat theirs.
My conclusion is that there are photo enthusiasts who genuinely want to learn and there are those that do not seek knowledge, who do not really want to improve. If you're reading this you probably belong to that minority that does want to learn and I'm preaching to the converted again. Never mind. I feel better for getting this off my chest and so should you. The competition to be a really good photographer is far less than you thought.
Cheers,
Paul
Comments
There are a buncha reasons people post their stuff. Me, I am one of those ediors you talk about who sends out rejection slips and refuses pictures. Of course I have been on the other side of the table, so I do my job with tact. My work in is high pressure... my hobby is not a substitute for work. It is my escape from it.
Long ago I gave up the profession of photography. It was too damned hard. But I never gave up the art of photography. When I went into my darkroom, or now my pixel space, it was in search of an intellectual Xanax.
I recognize that interest in so many people who post their work. They are not looking for critiques so much as communication. They want people to look through their photos to their feelings and ideas. And instead of feeling a need to teach them, I feel an invitation to thank them.
Does everyone do an equally good job at turning data into information and information into communication? Hey that's a tough challenge particularly when we are only allowed a visual channel.
So I look for the joy, frustration, facts, and statements of the artists. And when I find it, I try to relate to it in my response.
What I do during the day is probably hard on dreams. But unless you peddle matresses, business ain't about dreams. Dreams belong somewhere else... That's the place I hunt for when I visit my pixel space.
But wudda I know?
Ted
I like to sit back and discover images and people, and what's important to them, their house, their garden, pet or whatever.
Somehow even if a picture is technically poor you can usually tell whether it was made with care and attention, whether the creator wanted to share something that was important to them. After all if it doesn't mean anything to you, why bother to take a picture and upload it?
On the other hand there are images out there that seem to be dropped into the world with as much care and attention as a litterbug throwing away an empty wrapper. And when they then claim in their profile to want to learn and "please critique my image..." ie ask for it...well I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from in my article now.
Cheers,
Paul
I try really hard to practice my photographic skills when I'm using my camera - I have a dSLR and I use the creative modes only (mostly shutter priority but sometimes P mode or aperture priority also). I take mostly candid shots of my kids, and many times I capture great moments without getting all the settings right (my kids don't seem to wait for mom to get her camera set up right and each photo opportunity requires different settings). I learn from each photo I take...and I still post my favorites, knowing full well that they could use some serious editing (unfortunately).
The thing is, I know how to crop, and I usually do that to my photos at least. But I am dreadfully intimidated by Photoshop. I have tried adjusting the contrast and color and all, and I do it until it looks right to me, but I have read too many (even though I avoid them) critiques about contrast and color and so forth that maybe I just lack the confidence to tweak the photos enough to take them from an 8 closer to a 10.
So I guess I hear myself using that same lame excuse for why my photos are bad technically but I still post them anyway. Someday I'll figure out how to fix them in Photoshop...when I have a moment of peace and quiet so I can actually think about something.
Tana
http://flickr.com/photos/pageta/
A lot of people just looking for praise I think. Eother that or they fancy themselves as "artists" ;)
Insitefull as ever.
Those who don't want to be critiqued should state that then when they post the images on a forum. That is perfectly fine too, just let the viewers know your intentions first rather than waste their time critiquing the images. I think the nature of critique forums is to build a relationship with those you are critiquing. Once you find out those are willing to accept critique then you spend more time on them, those who only want praise then that's all they'll get if they haven't already turned you off by then.
Among them were two gentlemen (who shall remain nameless), that my father jokingly referred to as the "mutual admiration society" because they would applaud one another at any occasion regardless of the work in question.
The Internet has only made the formation of new, larger mutual admiration societies much easier.
http://www.fisheyegallery.com
Great post on a topic close to my heart at the moment. I'd begin saying I have no problem with people who want to post poor pics online just to share or to make friends. I like the democratising of photography on that level. In fact I think its healthy and keeps the price of camera stuff down for me ;o).
That said I can empathise most strongly with your feelings on those people asking for critique but really wanting back slapping and self congratulation.
I do have sympathy for people I think as after many years I feel I have only just had the penny drop about my photography and what I need to do to progress. How to go 'beyond the technical' and 'beyond the obvious' (If I can be so bold as to purloin your site title for a moment there!). I do feel certain types of people in all walks of life sometimes delude themselves as to their ability (myself included from time to time) and some think immitation (the more accurate the better!) is improvement.
I don't really have any answers to any questions in this comment but I do know for sure that is you make your peers a bunch of yes men, you'll never make anything of note happen with your photography. I know you know that already though.
Take Care,
David
I am a photography enthusiast (whatever that means). I love to take pictures, though I am very certain i could do better in pretty much every aspect of my photo taking.
Can you suggest some good photo critiquing sites where I can upload photos and get helpful, constructive suggestions for improvements?
Though I would apprecaite not being outright insulted, I don't need my ego stroked. I know enough Yes-Men at my current employer that are more than happy to do that... putzes...
Thanks!
dunphyk@gmail.com
We've got a group on Flickr where there several helpful people http://www.flickr.com/groups/tlc-photography
I would be happy to do a proper critique on 3 of your images if you email low res versions to me.
paul (dot.) indigo a-t gmail (dot.) com
Cheers,
Paul
I've been Googling around trying to find others who share the opinion I have that Flickr is mostly a cheesy, mutual admiration society with a LOT of horrible pictures with amateur "photographers" handing each other meaningless "Gold Photography Awards" and various accolades.
Don't get me wrong -- there are many gifted, nay, brilliant photographers who post there, too; but it's so irritating to view the 10,000th picture of somebody's pet goldfish and see comments like "brilliant capture" and "wonderful" for stuff that doesn't even rank as worthy of posting.
Thank you for speaking the truth!
Feel free to send your contact details via my www.indigo2photography.co.uk contact form. Rest assured your anonymity will be preserved.
Cheers,
Paul
Thanks for sharing this great post.
Having said that I honestly don't think that Flickr users offer worth while critiques, or very, very rarely.
Best sources of critique are face to face with established photographers, curators, art directors etc. However you have to bare in mind that each individual will have her own preferences so it is best to get as broad a spectrum of opinion as you can.
Good luck and remember everyone is learning all the time, whether you're just starting out or at the top of your game.
Paul
I'm so glad that a colleague sent this blog post via email. Will definitely follow you from now on. :)