JPF Home Page Forums Hangin' with Harriet

Great idea starting this thread, Harriet - so appropriate.

I agree with the points you and Big Jim made about how everyone is different. That complicates the picture

I was active in competition photography for about 10 years and eventually got to know quite a few people (ranging from advanced amateur to professional) who critiqued images. Some of the pros had a monthly meeting where they would get together (only pros present) and critique each others work. It was brutal - it was pretty much understood that no one was to say anything good about the images - only what the problems were...

They were already successful in their field and had plenty of people to pat their backs. This was their reality check. And it kept them sharp.

But now take one of these guys and ask him to critique the work of amateur beginning photographers. And imagine a beginner nervously putting up her first image for public critique - where the reviewer gives his thoughts out loud to a crowded room. You can imagine the result - fairly similar to Shelly's experience .......

So in addition to knowing something about the personality of the person who submitted the work for review, I think it's also helpful to recognize the ability level they are at.

This is not to say I think false praise should be given - only that a beginner probably has different needs than an established artist or writer. I DO believe it is possible to be positive in a review without giving an unrealistic impression of ability level.

In regard to the notion that different personalities need different approaches, I strongly agree. Unfortunately, personalities can be harder to detect on a web forum than in person. This suggests to me that taking an intermediate approach, rather than an extreme one, is the way to go - at least until their personality eventually comes through...

This was all very practical for me in critiquing photos. Unfortunately, it is still theoretical for me in critiquing music. I don't have the experience or confidence level yet. But forums and threads like these are definitely helpful.

Thanks again for the reminder to keep these things in mind....

Scott