How do you balance....

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Originally Posted by Asylum Steve

In the world of professional (commercial), art (gallery), and (to a certain degree) even amateur photography, you have to figure out whose opinions and approval is the most important and valuable to you, and concentrate on listening to them...

As for me, I'm always interested in what anyone thinks about my work, and am happy to discuss it, but unless it's someone whose work I admire, or whose opinion I value, it's just small talk... :cool:

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Very well put Steve. I think the most important thing to remember is that a critique is just an opinion from someone else. You are free to except it or reject it. I have always had those that I was eager to hear their opinion and those that I would politely say thanks to and ignore. As far as this forum goes I try never to take offense at someones opinion and hope that they don't take a negative comment of mine about an image as an attack on them, but merely an observation based on my opinion about a piece of work.

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Originally Posted by adina

If your paying bills, you need to shoot what sells, regardless of how you feel about it...

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That being said, the real excitement of commercial photography comes when you can convince clients and publications to allow you to solve their visual "challenges" shooting in the style and manner you prefer.

That's as good as it gets...

Sometimes it is not the review, it is the lack of feed back. The critique forum is meant to help, if no one leaves any feedback. The they aren't much help. Sometimes I feel some people post pictures and are not serious about wanting critique. I am not trying to complain but thats just the way I feel.

Wow, this turned into quite the discussion! :eek: Thanks everyone for your input :thumbsup:

Tyson personally I would like critiques on all of my images as I want to learn and get better. Unfortunately I have a tendency not to leave comments very often for other people's shots. I still feel I have a lot to learn so often do not feel "qualified" to critique another's shot. I generally will only leave a comment if I feel real strongly about an image or a change I think would strengthen a shot.

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Originally Posted by Xia_Ke

I still feel I have a lot to learn so often do not feel "qualified" to critique another's shot.
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And that's what keeps posts getting little or no response. If you have an opinion, you are quailified to tell someone what that is.

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Originally Posted by adina

And that's what keeps posts getting little or no response. If you have an opinion, you are quailified to tell someone what that is.

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You are right adina :) I will make more of an effort.

I'm not picking on you specific. Every board has a lot of that. I think people feel that if they are not as good as "insert name here" then they have nothing to offer critique wise.

I know you weren't picking on me specifically ;) but, I know I am "guilty as charged" :o

BTW- what's wrong with hiring a Nikon shooter?!?!? :p ...LOL

Personaly I want help from all skill level photogs, You don't need to be a pro to say what you like or dislike. Most people buying pictures are certainly not pros. Besides that, define PRO.

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Originally Posted by Greg McCary

...Besides that, define PRO.

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I'm not touching that topic with a 10 foot pole :p

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Originally Posted by Xia_Ke

I'm not touching that topic with a 10 foot pole :p

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Nice PBase galley, I like it.:thumbsup:

Pro- you get paid for your work.

Unfortunately, that's as basic as it gets. Doesn't cover ethics or skill or just plain butt-headedness.

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Originally Posted by Xia_Ke

BTW- what's wrong with hiring a Nikon shooter?!?!? :p ...LOL

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If you have to ask....:D

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Originally Posted by Tyson L. Sparks

Nice PBase galley, I like it.:thumbsup:

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Thanks Tyson :blush2:

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Originally Posted by adina

If you have to ask....:D

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DOH!:hand:

WOOOWOOWOO I took a book in exchange for my services yesterday!! I am a pro!!

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Originally Posted by Tyson L. Sparks

WOOOWOOWOO I took a book in exchange for my services yesterday!! I am a pro!!

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Congratulations on making the big time :thumbsup:

This pretty much sums up my thoughts on the matter:

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Originally Posted by Asylum Steve

Well, obviously a great topic, and one that could be debated forever. Because there is no perfectly right answer...

When it comes to critiques, especially on this site, you must consider the source.

While most everyone has an opinion, and a lot of them can certainly talk the talk, not everyone knows what they are talking ABOUT.

Not only that, but many people have their own set of rules and/or limitations which they feel must apply to everyone, and they're quick to let you know when you step outside of their "self-proclaimed" boundaries.

So, as Michael says, you have to know what to listen to, and what to ignore. Otherwise you will be pulled in an endless amount of directions and will end up being clueless as to what your "vision" actually is.

In the world of professional (commercial), art (gallery), and (to a certain degree) even amateur photography, you have to figure out whose opinions and approval is the most important and valuable to you, and concentrate on paying attention to them...

As you shoot more and more, you will (hopefully) develop a natural style or "vision" in your work. As you continually edit your photos, you should gravitate towards a consistent sort of image that you like the best.

As you get better at the technical end of shooting, you will think less and less about it as you work, and concentrate more on the "message", "emotion", or "impact" or your images.

As for me, I'm always interested in what anyone thinks about my work, and am happy to discuss it, but unless it's someone whose opinion I value, it's just small talk... :cool:

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Thanks Steve! ;)

Thanks Sebastian and thanks again to everyone else for your input in this thread :)