Group Events: Formal Image Critiques & Discussion

As a method of assisting members of the RMNP forum to improve their photographic vision, Anne and I have been discussing a formal critique session where you, RMNP members, supply up to three printed photographs you wish to have critiqued for a brief session that will be conducted by local photographer(s) who will have three to five-minute evaluations of your work and deliver feedback, in a manner consistent via a “broad stroke” critique. This primary critique session would occur somewhere centrally located in Denver Metropolitan area, and if desired by the RMNP community possibly have a frequency by which the critique methodologies become modified by you, the photographers. The foundation is to begin these sessions with a limited scope, to help “feel out” the potential for subsequent and repeating sessions in order to solidify the critique as a method of fulfillment for those looking to enhance their capabilities and vision. As this is a nature photography forum, it is not implicit that you comply with nature and landscape photography exclusively, in fact, it would be appealing to see a variety of subject matter represented among this group.

Accomplished photographers in the community, who do not necessarily shoot nature photography, will perform the critiques. Being that, you may wonder why, and that is understandable. Some of the best critiques you will receive are from photographers that have no inclination to shoot nature subjects, however, this does not invalidate their ability to analyze and deconstruct them. Often, it is good practice to "cross-pollinate" a wide range of photographic subject matter, as you may be "stuck in a rut", but you haven’t a clue of the reasons why. You would be astounded at the ability of one such character to work loose that annoyance you cannot see forthright.

Consider the fact that your final product should be reflected using the proper media - not framed nor matted - because the media can dictate the overall feel of the image. Think of the implicit nature of a fiber-based print and a canvas print, having that organic texture - very fitting among the most deserving photography, versus a luster or semigloss finish, that are traditionally better served for more vibrant, fresh, and "wideangle" photographs. What may appear to be a rather superfluous aspect of the overall critique, in fact, is quite relevant – remember, it only takes a second to develop that first impression.

The critique session should, at the very least, allow you to take a fair amount of criticism at face value - a straight-up, pragmatic approach (because of the limiting time factor) to help you, the photographer, understand the value of external interpretation, but also learn how your photograph might make people feel. Fine art photography's purpose, after all, is to be evocative, and create that special connection between the art and the viewer. By no means shall you accept your critique for all that it is – after all, art is all about perspective. However, it is a good lesson to listen to all feedback, no matter the value of merit, and document it. A formal critique is something most photographers do not subject themselves to, for good reason – who wants to hear rejection? Perhaps a way to build upon a personal style comes from one critique, ten critiques, or none at all. Again, the premise of the critique session is to assist you with external interpretation of your photographic vision, not be the authority on it. Only you can benefit from such a valuable experience.

The brief critique will facilitate a process by which you, the photographer, can choose the images you feel need some evaluation. Consider a new style of photography you are trying to master and collect a few photographs resulting from your efforts. As development of a particular style may dictate your next step in your personal development, you may not know how to approach it. This is a common issue surrounding artists and their desire to modify their personal style; often a solid evaluation from an external source is a fair measure of perceived achievement.

The basis of the critique session as envisioned will have these [loose] guidelines:

- Prints must be larger than 11” x 14”, or whichever dimension is equivalent given ratio,
- Printed properly – proofed, profiled for the media, as if it were going to final,
- Up to three images per member,
- Critiques would be one-on-one, evaluator will communicate criticism to you accordingly,
- Overall assessment of works, take examples from group and highlight them to everybody,
- Q&A Session.

While this is a proof-of-concept event, we are going to work hard to schedule this event in the next few months. In an effort to get people thinking more about their photography, rather than going through the motions of trying to imitate scenes of many photographers before them (we’re all guilty), this type of event may facilitate a fresh take on said scenes. I approached Anne a few weeks ago because she has taken on the role of the local event coordinator, because I wanted to assist with some of her duties, to make this a real active forum outside of just the forum itself. We all know the fate of this discussion, and we’re trying to go the extra mile and make it more valuable for those wanting to learn outside the limitations of the forum.

With all do respect and on behalf of Anne, thank you and looking forward to making this happen!

I'm a landscape photographer and really don't have a desire to get into other formats like portraits and architecture. I do want to expand in this area and feel I could benefit from the critiques. Would I be accepted into this group based on that?

Also, would the critiques give us any ideas on the post processing parts which are also important to the final image?

Jack,

Anyone is accepted into the group, just bring a few photos you have that best represent what you're working on - maybe for you, your newest Palouse images could be valuable as its new territory for you, right?

Mainly, the composition, lighting, balance, overall stylistic method will dictate the critique. Of course, post-processing is a larger part of the whole, and should be considered, but I think for this first round of evaluations, it will stand to be irrelevant. That is a great question though, and I think its important to ask these questions now.

Thanks for taking the reins on this, Chris! For those of you not in the Denver area, please know we discussed having this event a few times in various areas around the state, depending on the response.

I would be interested in participating something like this, but might have a concern about the 11x14 printed format.

- Prints must be larger than 11” x 14”, or whichever dimension is equivalent given ratio, Could we use a computerized file? JPG, TIFF etc (we can bring our laptops for viewing) 15" screen.
- Printed properly – proofed, profiled for the media, as if it were going to final, - Is the idea to evaluate the print? or critique the photo for layout, content, artistic view. I think post processing can be a totally separate discussion.
- Up to three images per member,
- Critiques would be one-on-one, evaluator will communicate criticism to you accordingly,
- Overall assessment of works, take examples from group and highlight them to everybody,
- Q&A Session.

Rest is good.

Hi Don,

A good question also. While this is a sign of the times, a good old print means you are committed to the image. Anybody can work up files all day in Photoshop or Lightroom, but only is it true piece of art unless its something you can handle, hold up to the light, and place in front of someone.

It also forces the photographer to match what is on the screen, in the print. If you're a photographer, you're going to have to print your work sooner or later, so I consider these sessions a good way to learn this very important and fundamental aspect of the process.

I hope this helps. The premise of limiting some aspects makes for a real genuine session. This is not the shindig, where its a free-for-all. It is designed to help you, not a popularity contest.

Hello Chris (and Anne - congrats on the macro image award btw),

Interesting idea and I like the broad strokes for right now. My concern would be the time - how long a review are we thinking of when the reviewer gets 3 - 5 minutes per image? What are the price points? Take a look at Brooks Jensens' new eConsultations http://www.lenswork.com/econsultations/econsultations.html for comparison.

Cheers,
Alex

Alex;

Again, super feedback. 3 to 5 minutes may be a short time, nothing in comparison the Brooks Jensen's 40-60-minute sessions. No price either - I have a few folks in mind that would be willing to share their time with us, of course, I would make sure they are accommodated properly. I think a short and sweet evaluation is a great way to wet the appetite for more, hence the need for more face-to-face events like this.

Regardless of the feedback generated here, this will happen. Right now I'm shooting for an early-March timeframe to help grease the wheels for the forthcoming summer. My thought is, many folks have been cooped up inside, going through their old photos, thinking about where they will be this summer for wildflowers, color, and on into Fall for the changing of seasons.

Chris,

I agree, best to start this manageable and move up and forward from there. I'm certainly interested for both my landscape projects and urban images.

Now, one more question. I'm a little turned 'round by your fiber-based & canvas comment. Are you suggesting a preference for one group over the other (gloss / semi-gloss) papers in regards to what we should bring to the review.

Not judging, just confused.

Alex,

No preference, just whatever you think your image works best on should be a consideration going into a consultation.

I'm no expert on any of this, so I'm glad these questions are being fielded. Just remember to keep it simple. The images most powerful to you as expressions of your vision will probably yield the best critiques.

So, I was thinking, how about having a PEER-CRITIQUE instead of the critique I outlined here? Give me some feedback!

Thanks, Alex!!
I am more interested in a peer-critique for myself. I like the idea of being able to say what I would have typed while pointing to the areas of the image. Sounds like fun!

Chris, do you think we have enough interest to kick this off?