This is a subject I think about everytime I view someone’s work; should I critique it or not?
I’ve discovered the hard way that some artists are very sensitive and don’t like any criticism of their work even when it is obvious that the picture in question needs it.
Sometimes I’ve critiqued works and then discovered later that my critique was simply deleted without any rebuttal. That irritates me because I feel that if an artist does not want their work constructively and objectively critiqued then they should state that in the picture description so that I save myself the time and effort of writing one.
I’m not in the habit of boosting egos or echoing the ego stroking comments of other viewers. When an artist says that “Comments are Welcome” in their bio they should be prepared to accept a less than raving review of their work.
For me the only reasons I would not accept a critique is if the work was a paid commission. In a case like that the only criticism that matters is the customer that paid me.
I do accept critiques of my non-commissioned work, and I have received them from other artists. I may not be able to change the picture that was critiqued but I always keep the critique in mind for the next photo or digital work I do. It is the only way a true artist can grow and improve their techniques.
An artist that does not accept constructive and objective criticism will eventually become stagnant.
Even the professional artists and photographers need a little critique once in a while so that they stay sharp at their craft.
jesika, 5 months ago
Steven, all I can say is that the GENTLE persuasion of a few RBlers, yourself included, has helped me enormously. I welcome any and all constructive advice, help and assistance. Just don’t tell me it’s rubbish without saying why and how it can be improved. I might not understand the methodology of improvement, but want to learn and only can if I know there is a problem.
On the other hand, I feel I am totally unqualified to offer a critique.
BM allows quiet criticism and discussion, an ideal situation.
I thank you for the help and advice you have so freely given
j
Tom Godfrey, 5 months ago
Well said Steven
Phyllis N McClure, 5 months ago
You’re so right.
Kalena Hill, 5 months ago
Here’s my view on it. This is a site where people are trying to sell their photos, so criticism in the form of comments might reflect poorly on them and may persuade a future buyer. I personally welcome tips, because it’s going to make me a better photographer in the end. I know this is going to sound like a contradiction but I also don’t like comments that point at the negetive things on my pictures, because I feel that everyone after that is only going to see whats wrong about it, and might miss the good things. I agree with jesika. I think the solution to giving someone criticism without getting on their bad side would be sending it in the form of a bubblemail. Bubblemails are private, so you’re able to let the person know how they can improve without letting everyone else know too. It shows tact and that you really do care about their work, so most will probably appreciate your time & concern. This is a sensitive subject but if a person is reasonable & wants to improve their work then they will welcome the criticism and not get angry. I agree with you that artists do need critique in order to keep growing & if they don’t want it then they’ll never get better.
Kalena Hill, 5 months ago
And I’ve personally benefited greatly from the tips others have given me to help me improve and I’m very thankful for the wedding tips you gave me – it’s going to help a lot. I think the people that don’t except the criticism are probably very prideful & stubborn, so you shouldn’t worry about it as you were just trying to help!
jamiewinter, 5 months ago
I think some artists cant take critiques and look at it as attacks . feel free to say anything that would be of help to me.
Steven Love, 5 months ago
Thank you all for the support.
When I do critique it is aways objective. I never judge the artist’s style or choice of subject. I only critique the technical aspects such as brightness, contrast, color saturation, focus, composition and other related qualities.
Kalena; I understand how some may see the critique as a threat to their possible sales. But if their work is popular and has already sold more than once then my one critique probably won’t adversly affect it. Kind of like the way movie critics may give a particular movie a bad review but it still does well at the box office in spite of their review. Another thing is that not all RB members have their BubbleMail turned on. So critiquing publically would be the only option in those instances. Which is also why I believe that if they don’t want critiques they should state that desire in their main bio or the picture in question.
The reason I posted this is because during my time at AW I encounted a lot of artists that took offense at my critiques there. Some actually sent me hate mail.
Since there are a lot of AW members coming here I figured that I should post how I feel on the matter because I don’t want any more hate mail, especially since some AW members are using different names here and I may not recognize them at first.
Thanks again.