(possible pretentious waffle alert)
My thoughts on Critique.
I HATE GIVING CRITIQUE!
There I have said it, unless I can say something nice about a photograph I run away from it. This is not helpful to anyone since "we learn from our mistakes" is in my opinion a truism. So for about the last year I have been trying to improve my ability to give critique by critiquing my own pictures.I have read, watched and listened to all the articles I could find on critique and now I follow my own little acronym. CIFTE.
Composition. Is the composition consistent with or does it improve the subject of the photograph. Such as use of leading lines, the rule of thirds, etc.
Interest. What is the point of interest in the photograph and is that point of interest clear.
Focus.. Has the photographer used focus technically well and does that help us focus on the interest in the picture.
Theme. Especially in the 52 has the photographer produced a picture that conveys the theme or in other words does the picture show a clear intent for the picture. Does it convey a story?
Exposure. I personally do not believe there is a correct exposure, just an exact one. But the exact one might not be the right one for the picture. Photography may be all about light, and its much easier to see that when you think about extremes of exposure such as high key or low key.
So the above is how I intend to try and give critique in the future, I have made it as simple as I could for myself but hopefully included everything about what makes a good picture. If it turns out that I am offending anyone with this attempt then I will work on other ways.
Maybe others would like to give their thoughts how they intend to tackle the thorny issue of critique!
ON EMOTION IN PHOTOGRAPHS.
Nearly every article I have read about creative photography talks about "the emotional content". Well I have Asperger's (I wont say I suffer from it from it because that is not how I see it) so emotions can be a minefield for me. Unless the subject is clearly intended to provoke an emotion such as the little girl on the bike or the pigs on the farm I am staying well away from it. I do not want it blowing up in my face!
Waffle over!