> -----Original Message----- > From: PDML [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of > [email protected] > > > This was written with regard to writing, but much of it applies to > > photographers and their photography, as well. > > Agreed and it also applies to giving a critique of a photograph. > > A respected outdoor pro I'm friends with will always offer a > way to improve an image when he's asked to critique it. > > Kenneth Waller > http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/kennethwaller > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Darren Addy" <[email protected]> > Subject: OT: On Getting Criticism > > > > This was written with regard to writing, but much of it applies to > > photographers and their photography, as well. > > > > http://www.raphkoster.com/2013/10/14/on-getting-criticism/ > > > > Have a think. >
I think the wisest advice that I've seen about giving a critique comes from the incomparable David Hurn in the book "On Looking At Photographs". If you can find a copy, buy it - right after you've bought the even better "On Being a Photographer". The other side of this is probably a useful guide on how to seek advice or criticism in such a way that you can make use of it, and not just have your ego destroyed unnecessarily. There's too much for me to type out as a quote, but here is some of what he says. [...] you will be asked to comment on a photographer's work. So what do you say? [...] the honest answer is [...] "I will happily look at your photographs [...] do not expect me to comment because I do not know you or your concerns". When finished, say "thankyou", with a smile. If you are expected to give more [...] ask a lot of questions "When/where was this taken?" "what do you intend to do with the photographs now that you have made them" and so on. [...] Understand that whether or not you like the pictures is unhelpful and irrelevant. Gauge the photographer's intent in making them [...] it might require a question or two. There will be a discrepancy between the photographs and the ideal images for the stated purpose. Offer guidance and advice on how to get from _here_ to _there_. The advice might be technical or concern issues of presentation or suggestions regarding publication / exhibition. In this way your remarks will be practical, useful and relevant. [...] helping a photographer to achieve his / her goals is not a therapy session between the ignorant. [...] avoid giving opinions based on _your_ prejudices, emotions or past history. These are not germane to the pictures or relevant to anyone but yourself. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
