Critical Thinking (American Idol style)
When someone asks me for an opinion on an image (seems the term photograph has been replaced due to the prolific use of post capture software but that is an altogether different subject) I am faced with a quick decision. Should I succumb to the notion that they have a nice image and they are in search of reinforcing praise, or do I take a few moments and run through a series of question that I have developed over the years and provide some critical analysis that may improve their body of work, or just piss them off?
Its a matter of playing one of two roles: Paula Abdul or Simon Cowell (American Idol is a guilty pleasure, there I admit it).
Most of the time I am safe when I smile and give an encouraging comment. But, (this is not what you were reading this for anyway) when I take the other decision I have a few questions that I ask myself - as a viewer- about the image. This can be compounded by any history you have with the subject, the image, and or the creator.
Is there magic in the image?
How long would I look at this image to understand and experience it fully?
Would I place this in a "keeper" file on my PC?
Has this image touched any emotion?
Would I send this image to a friend?
Would I take the time to print this image?
Does the image portray a complete thought?
Does the image ask a question?
Would I use this image in a project, production, exhibition?
Would I purchase the rights to this image?
Is it evocative?
Is the image/ subject iconic?
Is there a unity of thought between the subject and the image?
Of course this list is not complete nor do I ask every question of every image, but the point is to listen with our eyes to the presented image and allow ourselves to see the image. There is no question that we, as visual creatures, compare each image to previous images we have encountered. Especially if we are somehow connected to a career that exposes us to images. That bias is there, we can accept it and use it as one of many tools to form opinions about what we see. I can be harsh, and at times cruel, but when I tap into the raw honesty - that voice in my head that I so often filter - I come to the critical thinking that I am describing.
My list of questions is more focused on the artistic components of the image, the technical aspects are more empirical and less subjective. The answers serve to guide your comments and provide a frame work to articulate your opinion. Its too dark, I don't get it, its not in focus are superficial observations. Those thoughts may be accurate but the technical and artistic components of an image should get somewhat equal billing.
Consider these questions and supplement the list with your own when looking at the work of friends, colleagues, and your own work. Many philosophers have commented on the value in looking deeply into a mirror at oneself. This is a similar exercise, if not a bit less strenuous.
Its a matter of playing one of two roles: Paula Abdul or Simon Cowell (American Idol is a guilty pleasure, there I admit it).
Most of the time I am safe when I smile and give an encouraging comment. But, (this is not what you were reading this for anyway) when I take the other decision I have a few questions that I ask myself - as a viewer- about the image. This can be compounded by any history you have with the subject, the image, and or the creator.
Is there magic in the image?
How long would I look at this image to understand and experience it fully?
Would I place this in a "keeper" file on my PC?
Has this image touched any emotion?
Would I send this image to a friend?
Would I take the time to print this image?
Does the image portray a complete thought?
Does the image ask a question?
Would I use this image in a project, production, exhibition?
Would I purchase the rights to this image?
Is it evocative?
Is the image/ subject iconic?
Is there a unity of thought between the subject and the image?
Of course this list is not complete nor do I ask every question of every image, but the point is to listen with our eyes to the presented image and allow ourselves to see the image. There is no question that we, as visual creatures, compare each image to previous images we have encountered. Especially if we are somehow connected to a career that exposes us to images. That bias is there, we can accept it and use it as one of many tools to form opinions about what we see. I can be harsh, and at times cruel, but when I tap into the raw honesty - that voice in my head that I so often filter - I come to the critical thinking that I am describing.
My list of questions is more focused on the artistic components of the image, the technical aspects are more empirical and less subjective. The answers serve to guide your comments and provide a frame work to articulate your opinion. Its too dark, I don't get it, its not in focus are superficial observations. Those thoughts may be accurate but the technical and artistic components of an image should get somewhat equal billing.
Consider these questions and supplement the list with your own when looking at the work of friends, colleagues, and your own work. Many philosophers have commented on the value in looking deeply into a mirror at oneself. This is a similar exercise, if not a bit less strenuous.
Tags: analysis, criticism, photography
9 Comments
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Comment by Richard S. on March 12, 2008 at 10:17am - Great blog post!
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Comment by Trisha on March 12, 2008 at 12:08pm - hahahah yesss! american idol! everyone loves positive feedback but if you have something to say that helps then critique away!
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Comment by Kris on March 12, 2008 at 12:33pm - Everyone loves to hear positive feedback about their work -- hopefully though, on this site, when people ask for a critique or for your thoughts, they are expecting some good solid feedback -- not just "great composition", but rather something with some substance about lighting, composition or DOF. As people that comment on other people's work, we should also push our selves to do more than give a quick one or two word answer offer some pros and cons of each photo.
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Comment by Frodo13 on March 12, 2008 at 1:22pm - Do you think verbal commentary with the ability to see, react and to sense emotions allows for more sensitivity when delivering criticism? I certainly do, how often have we read or written something that didn't match what we had in our heads? Written criticism is much more delicate an issue than face to face. Creative types, and I consider myself one have egos. While I try not to be personal with commentary, its hard not to take it that way when its something you have created. I agree with Kris and others. I think that we make our community better by taking the time to go beyond the 1st impression and help advance everyone's technique.
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Comment by Trish on March 14, 2008 at 9:02am -
Criticism that isn’t constructive can be devastating to an artist, simply because as an artist we put so much of ourselves into our 'art'. but as the saying goes.........
“Don't mind criticism. If it is untrue, disregard it. If it is unfair, keep it from irritation. It if is ignorant, smile. If it is justified, learn from it.”
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Comment by Elmer on March 14, 2008 at 12:23pm - My first comment on this subject was DUH! I don't know what I was thinking. As most of you feel, I agree that if critique or criticism is asked we have an obligation to the person asking, to study the photo, look at those points and then we should answer honestly with constructive criticism not destructive criticism.
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Comment by Frodo13 on March 14, 2008 at 1:47pm
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I am imagining this type of forum is the modern equivalent of an apprentice program. Those with experience and the inclination to help offer commentary on work presented for review. I think we all may agree that there are various levels to the art of photography and we each are seeking our own development. I try and offer the same value in my thoughts on someone just starting out as in a review of a veteran's images. The comments are clearly different and that goes to my thought from the original post in knowing some of the history on how image came to be. I think critical thinking or critical analysis has value and therefore is positive. Commentary on the topic (such as and editorial picture of a crime being committed, or other tragedy) is different than commentary on the quality (technical and artistic) of the image. A basket of puppies well lit, with sharp focus and all of the other aesthetics addressed is quite different from a street essay on the capture of feral dogs being relocated for a new shopping center. Both have the ability to evoke emotion and both would score well on my ever changing list of attributes, but clearly they are worlds apart, or are they? I am talking about the process and not the product. When we look at photographs can we separate the aesthetic from the technical? Can one dominate the other? Does the subject play a part how about the shooter? All of this is to say the critical thinking about photography is an ongoing process that is unique to each viewer of an image. The value of every comment is equal to another, as they are personal opinions. We have certain criteria as a community and society as to what is acceptable and what is not, but even those standards are ever changing.
I appreciate the time you have taken to read and comment on this subject, and as this is a process I am sure it will not ever be finished.
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Comment by mazimo on March 15, 2008 at 8:00pm -
IMHO, Frodo makes a lot of sense, though I had to read the article a few times and let in really sink in. His advice to others to think about their pictures is a very valuable piece of knowledge/information. I also agree that cyber criticism makes it harder to read between the lines and body language. That said, I think most people here are looking for a honest and straight forward comment about their work, I know I do. I want to go pro and I need to know where I am making mistakes. I also would like suggestions which Elmer, Kris and Lori have also pointed to in their comments.
I hope I will hear from all of you about my work. Don't get me wrong I love hearing positive comments, but i am also open to constructive criticism. I know it will help me improve :)
Thanks for reading and happy shooting.
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central theme, cropping before taking the photo. Limit off camera processing. When it comes to macro I may look at the subject from different angles and actually take several shots. I'm an amateur but these work for me.