New monthly photo critique sessions - Get involved!

Good morning! 

Have you ever wished that you could be part of a mentor-style group where you have the opportunity to share some of your work for constructive feedback?  Patreons on the £5+(Patreon Pro or higher) tiers enjoy two 1-hour Zoom calls a month.  

One session is a new photo critique session where you share 5-6 images and the rest of the group give their opinions, advise and praise (see full details below).  We all mark your images and at the end tell you which we liked the best and why.  It's a great way for all of us to learn, even if just in the audience.  

*I know i'm terrible at chopping hands off for example (see photo above!)

The second new monthly session is taking turns to talk about our photography to the group.  What you enjoying shooting, what gear you use etc etc and that in turn helps inspire others to try different cameras, techniques or subject matter.

If you are stuck in a rut with your photography or keen to advance your skills I think both these sessions will be of interest.  It's a really friendly group and it amazes me in that most people seem to be like how you see me on YouTube (in terms of personality).  Passionate about photography, a bit quiet..(and then i'd like to think for myself; friendly, polite, patient, supportive and helpful).

I will send log-in invites close to the dates.  The next 2 calls will be:

Wednesday, September 7th 2022, 20:00 GMT (Talking Photography)

Wednesday, September 21st 2022, 20:00 GMT (Photo Critique)

Hope to see you there!

Matt

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Photo Critique Info:

1) Presenter - select 5-6 photos to share (I will give you presenting rights on Zoom)

2) Presenter - assigns a title to each photo to give some meaning and focus

3) Presenter - be ready to explain why you took the photo and how you took it

4) Audience - we need to grade the photo with a technical score + artistic score

5) Audience - be sensitive to others.  We all have different experience levels

(Hard stop after 1 hour so please consider the time and others when giving feedback.  Have a pen and paper handy to track your scores!)

>> I found the below info that you might find interesting with regards to critiquing

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1. Critique With the Intention to Help

There  is no better way to critique than with good intentions. This allows you  to be objective at the same time be able to point out what can be improved in a given photo.  It is true that the truth can hurt and that negative feedback is necessary  at times, but everyone is in the position to receive feedback that will  help them get better.

2. Give a “Why” When Commenting on Technique

While  it’s alright to comment on technique, be careful how to do it. Since  some are more experienced than others, those on lower level skills can  get lost in translation. If possible, try explaining why one should  follow a certain technique because not knowing the how isn't too useful.

Some other technical information that you can provide critique on are:

• Camera settings relating to exposure (this involves changing aperture, shutter speed for creative photography)
• Sharp focus – look for placement of focus at the right place or subject for powerful images
• Depth of field (DoF) – look at what DoF would work (shallow or deeper) for the scene captured or the story they are trying to tell
• Mood – is the mood right to relate to the story, to go with emotion in the photograph
• White balance – does it portray the correct mood, colours and the time of day or light under which the image was photographed
• Metering – look at and provide feedback on what metering could have been used depending on the light in the scene
• Lighting – is the light dull, flat and boring, is there contrast, is it soft,  does it work for the story or scene that has been photographed, has or  can the photographer creatively use light for example dappled light,  light and shadows, etc.
• Composition – look at what compositional guidelines are followed or what can be applied to make compelling images.
• Contrast and colours – check the colours or contrast in the images to see if anything can be done to improve the quality of the image

3. Avoid Personal Bias

Your personal need may come in  the way of effective photo critique. Remember, when critiquing photos,  it is not about you, but helping the person who requested for feedback.

4. Avoid Short Statements That Offer No Direction

Let’s be honest, we've done this, or at least, most of us have. Statements like “It’s nice”, “It’s beautiful”, “It works for me” are nice to hear, but may be too lacking.  What if someone told you, “I don’t like this photo”, “It’s confusing”, or “It’s awful“?  Give the shooter a direction he can take by giving insight to why a photo works or why it doesn't.

Some More Tips When Critiquing on Photographs:

• Look at the  photograph and give feedback based on the scenario and not in general.  If the image was shot in difficult lighting conditions, tell them how  well they have worked to get the shot while at the same time providing  suggestions for what could have been done for a better output.
• If  you are critiquing in particular forums or you know the photographer  and their pst works, do not forget to mention how much they have  improved.
• Always be sensitive of the words and language you use when critiquing photographs.
• Honest  critiques require a few minutes to look, understand and analyse a photo  before providing feedback. If you do not understand something, always  ask questions to the photographer of their intentions and reasons to  shoot a particular image that way.
• Do not just tell what is wrong with a photograph, instead tell them how it can be improved.
• Rather  than providing generalised advise, always be specific and to the point.  Tell what is working and what is not. If you know of groups,  communities and other resources that will help the photographer, direct  them that way.
• Provide critique on both the technical and artistic aspects of the photograph.
• Keep  your feedback constructive and not destructive as you are providing  critiques for the photographer to grow in that field. This will also  help the requestor to develop their own skills for critiquing  photographs.