Why You Should Always or Never Listen to Your CriticsPosted by drfl on September 3rd, 2009
For several years I actively participated in a couple of different photography forums in which I would comment on others photographs and post some of mine. For the most part, I would try to offer some constructive criticism and in return I hoped that my images would receive the same type of feedback as well. Along the way I met some great people and looked at some inspirational photography and interacted in a fairly supportive community – fairly being the key word.
About 2 years ago I posted the above image to a forum. This was a group that in the majority would be generally best be described as unconsciously (or maybe consciously) “cliquey”. The first commenter was one of the more respected photographers on this site and his comment was curt – he didn’t like it, it wasn’t original, and therefore it had no beauty. Those remarks tainted the rest – instead of receiving constructive feedback I received negative comments exclusively. Of course my ego was bruised, but more than that I couldn’t believe that instead of people telling me what would improve the image, they simply chose to file in line, unwilling to express their own opinion.
This instance was only a repeat of previous experiences. In the past, I had received positive comments on other photos and like lemmings everyone agreed with the occasional lone dissenter among them. It was these unique insights and views that I found the most relevant information and the tips that would improve my photography. Unfortunately, these individuals were usually not members of the clique, so they usually departed after a short time.
A couple of months later, I posted another photograph, one which yielded very positive reviews. The poster stated that my photograph reminded him of the work of the photographer that had previously left that negative comment. This “positive comment” made me realize that I had been falling into the clique, that my vision was being tainted too much by what others were saying and doing. The event spurred me to take a hiatus from photo critiquing sites for a while. Cole Thompson mentions in his blog post “Your Images Remind me of Ansel Adams” that he would like to see something as though he had been blind and immediately given vision, that way external photographic influences would not direct how he captures the image. This would make certainly make everything new and ensure that I would know that my perspective is uniquely my own.
Perhaps I have been too hard on the critics. After all, without critics how would I know if an image appeals to others? With each photo we take comes memories and a history that impacts our mood and opinion. It often takes impartial critiques to give us a nudge in one direction or another and that ultimately helps us to see more creatively. At the same time, we must maintain our goals and our vision and not let ourselves be led too far off. In the end we should always listen to our critics, but at the same time be sure to never listen as well.
Technical Details:
Canon 20d, 10-22 ef-s lens @ 19mm, f/4.5, 1/15 sec.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington
This photograph is available on my website at: Wandering Traveler – Photograph of the Sunset at Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:05 am
I enjoyed your thoughts on the topic, it’s something that’s always on my mind; the influence of what others think on the creative process.
And thanks for the mention of my blog.
Cole
P.S. I like your image, but it would have been better if…(smile)
September 4th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
As always I appreciate your expressions. This topic makes me think about my own comments, as well as how I let myself be affected by comments I recieve…hmmm
September 5th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I have heard these same sentiments being said over and over again. I’ve never been a big participant in forums; and the few times I’ve tried I’ve just gotten annoyed. I’m pigheaded and don’t generally care whether other people (especially other aspiring photographers) like my work or not.
It would be great to have a forum of photography or art buyers. Their opinion I would listen to and be interested in.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Cole, it’s difficult to determine what influences. Sometimes we look at a photograph and then consciously try to capture it. Many times I have gone and captured an image and realized it was very close to something I had probably seen before. Like you mention, it can be difficult to be original, but I think that is the goal for which we must strive.
September 8th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Amber and Roberta,
There are many individuals out there that are truly motivated by their artistic development and those around them. They believe that their input and insight is valuable – and it often is. For me it wasn’t so much the negative comments, but the lack of originality on the part of some of the posters. I take the good with the bad – as long as its constructive.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:46 am
[...] #5 Why You Should Always Or Never Listen to Your Critics [...]
November 10th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I just ran across your blog from a link on Darwin Wiggetts blog and read this post, glad I found it. I completely agree with your premise and conclusion of the opinion of others when it comes to critique and the photography forums. I have had an almost exact experience and have been curiously paying attention to this phenomenon on Nature Photographers Network. I have intentionally slacked off of my participation for the fact of refusing to fall into this click mentality. Wise for all to pay attention to this. Very well put post glad I found it.
November 12th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Brad,
NPN was really the impetus for what I wrote. At first I was excited with the community and over time felt let down by most (not all, mind you) of the interaction. I have occasionally thought of returning, but have not yet chosen to do so. I feel I need to grow as a photographer outside of their direct influence for a while. I’m glad that I haven’t been alone in recognizing this. Thank you for the comment.