It’s tough, that first time you put yourself out there and post an image and request a critique. Generally it seems that this event happens on a photography forum, where certain abbreviations may be used in regards to critiques.
Usually “CC” is the term that’s used, which I interpret as “Constructive Criticism.” In some photography forums, I have seen “HHCC” used. Just tack on “Hard Hat” to the front of CC. It means the image maker has steeled themselves for straight up critique. It basically means you don’t have to blow smoke up their butts and they probably prefer that you don’t, anyway. At least that’s how I interpret it.
And I like that. It’s exactly like “put on your big girl panties”… sound familiar?
But, think a minute. Big girl panties…. hard hats. There is a preconceived notion that critiques are less than pleasant when these kinds of terms are used.
It really doesn’t have to be that way. And if you ask the right people for critiques, it won’t be that way.
Unfortunately, some photography forums are filled with many photographers, all at different skill levels. Sometimes asking for CC will end as a lesson in frustration, since for every 3 people that respond, you will have 4 opinions. And that’s generally all you can classify them as; opinions.
I’m going to assume, since you’re reading an article about critique that you are indeed, serious about improving your photography and your requests for critique are serious attempts to elicit comments that would help improve your images.
If this is the case, try to ask photographers who have achieved the kinds of photographic goals that you have yet to achieve. If you want to be a successful fashion photographer, ask successful fashion photographers.
And do your research, please, please, please. Don’t rely on other forum members to tell you who the successful people are. Do a google search, look through fashion industry publications, study the photography featured in advertisements and search until you find out who the photographers are who create work you admire. Find out the industry awards for that type of photography and familiarize yourself with the organizations they are given by and the recipients of awards over the last 20 years. Join those organizations and network with their members. There, you are among those who have achieved what you desire or are on the path to doing so. The perfect photographers to critique your work.
Since I’m active in the PPA, I seek out groups with PPA members. Since I also involve myself in PPA print competition, I find groups where there are other competitors. I especially desire the input of photographers who have achieved the Master’s Degree or are affiliated judges because those are indicators that they have knowledge in the type of critique I am desiring. It’s not going to do me any good to ask for a PPA competition critique in a forum that is geared towards beginning photographers, or filled with non-PPA members.
Honestly, I rarely post my work on public forums for critique, any more. I have developed a group of knowledgeable friends and colleagues that I communicate with directly and often, in person. Over the years, I’ve weeded out forums and groups and have my own set of “sounding boards” or folks I can go to for help. And after a few years, you will have the same. But for now, you’ve got to weed through all the folks that really aren’t the ones to give you proper input.
Some of the critiques I give are in a group of photographers trying to earn their CPP designation. I also critique via email, private Facebook groups and sometimes over the phone. I’ve also critiqued in-person at my studio through private mentoring, classes I conduct and at my state association’s event. The common factor through all of these, is that I give critiques mainly to photographers who have the same goals as I. PPA members, PP of Ohio peeps and CPP candidates make up the bulk of requests.
But that doesn’t mean I’m a suitable person to critique all photography. I would be a good person to ask for a critique for a portrait. I generally only critique portrait work, since that is my strong point. I would not be a good person to ask about landscapes, though. But, through my networking I just happen to know two very fine landscape photographers in my home state that I could refer you to. So, here’s where your research is going to come in handy.
Research? I’m kidding, right? Actually, no, I’m not. Do not rush about willy-nilly shoving your work up under the nose of anyone in your group. Check out who they are first and if they specialize in or are talented in the area that you require input. There are times when I’m asked to do a session with a type of client that I have never photographed before, don’t intend on photographing and I just shake my head and wonder where the client got the idea that I did that kind of photography. It’s the same way with critiques. I would expect that photographers asking for critiques, especially via email or telephone would know that I only do portraits. I understand that if you catch me roaming around a print exhibit that there’s no neon sign over my head blinking “not an architectural photographer,” – I give a lot of leeway there, though, so don’t worry about that. But if you are going to ask a specific photographer for input, do a little research first, ok? If you’re going to ask for critique, make sure you get the best critique possible.
Go for quality, not quantity. By being particular where and from whom you request critiques, you will vastly increase the value of the critique you receive.