Getting Situated: Blogs, Homework Updates, Critique

The first thing I want you to do is make sure that your portfolio is up and running, and that I have the correct address.  In the list below, click to make sure I am looking at the photography blog you will be using for this specific class.

Note: If you don't have an address listed, that means I didn't get an email from you or you didn't send the address in the correct format.

3° DIGITAL PHOTO AND VIDEO PRODUCTION STUDENT PORTFOLIOS
Ashley Burnett	http://thelichqueen.blogspot.com/	[-]
Jessica Chwialkowski	http://jessicaski267.blogspot.com/	[-]
Sean Farrell	http://seansblogger96.blogspot.com/	[-]
Adriana French	http://adrianaevelyne.blogspot.com/	[-]
Nicholas Hogan	http://bogeyhogan.blogspot.com/	[-]
Jennifer Johnson	http://jenniferjohnson2.blogspot.com/	[-]
Joviane Johnson	http://jovianephotographykhs.blogspot.com/	[-]
Travis Johnson	http://travismajorjumbonews3.blogspot.com/	[-]
Shane Legere	http://shanemlegere.blogspot.com/	[-]
Kayla Maines	http://maineskr.blogspot.com/	[-]
Wyatt Mascolina	http://heywyatt.blogspot.com/	[-]
Alexa Perez	http://alexasphotographykhs.blogspot.com/	[-]
Maeve Rixen	http://maeverixen.blogspot.com/	[-]
Cameron Smith	http://thedanjerzone.blogspot.com/	[-]
Marlin Smith	http://vindictivecows.blogspot.com/	[-]
Andrew Traphagan	http://friedtiedpie.blogspot.com/	[-]
Jason Vaughn	http://jason-v-stuff.blogspot.com/	[-]

Next I would like you to make sure that you have all assignments posted on your portfolio/blog, including the "Rule of Thirds" homework I gave you over the weekend.

Finally, I would like you to view some of your classmates portfolio's and think about what sorts of constructive criticism (good and bad) you would give them on individual pictures.  You aren't actually critiquing them today, you're thinking about HOW you would critique them if asked to do so.

While looking at their work (before you begin writing), consider the following:

• Have you removed any distractions?  If we're texting, checking Facebook, talking to someone on the phone, etc., you aren't in a position to make constructive criticism.  In fact, often people who are distracted say things they don't mean, or don't see how it could be construed as rude.
• Judge the Composition:
• Is there something that distracts from the subject?  Cars in the background?  Photobomber? 
• What is the main subject -- who should I be looking at?
• Is the composition good?
• Do I see nice leading lines in the image that lead to the subject or do they lead away from the subject?
• Is the light good or flat?
• Are there any triangles I see that achieve balance and harmony in the frame?
• Is the perspective good?  Should the photographer have crouched down lower for this shot when taking a photo of a kid or shot more eye-to-eye with the subject?
• Judge the Content:
• Does the photograph immediately pique my interest?
• Is there something unusual or wacky happening in the scene?
• Have I seen a similar photograph taken before by someone else?
• Does the photograph make me feel anything?  Does it make me smile, laugh, cry, frown, or feel depressed?
• Is the image memorable?  Will I remember the image a month [or even a year] from now?

(Remember: We aren't giving any actual critique today)

Giving your constructive criticism:

Generally I prefer oral critique because you can be specific as you point pieces out in the picture.  It also allows you to be more in depth with your evaluation as most typed reviews are on the short side.  This method also allows you to see [and sometimes rescue] how your feedback is being received as you can see facial expressions and body language.

That being said, the majority of feedback/critique we will be doing will likely be online/typed: 

• Initial Impressions:
• You can begin with something like, "When I first looked at the photography, my eye immediately went to..."
• Or something like, "At first glance I thought this picture was very simple, but then..."
• The Top Bun (Positive Feedback):
• Every photo has some sort of merit.  Tell the photographer what you liked about the frame, whether it was the gesture of the subject in the photograph, an interesting background, dynamic colors, or if the subject him/herself was interesting.
• The Meat (Negative Feedback):
• This is the tricky part.  Giving [and hearing] negative feedback is tough.  You don't want to hurt peoples feelings, but honest feedback WILL help us grow as an artist.  Also, if you are giving feedback on something that people ASKED you to critique, you have more leeway because they want honest criticism.  If you're going up to a piece where they never asked for your opinion, go easy.  Some suggestions from a professional photographer (www.erickimphotography.com) include:
• The background is distracting (too many random heads, people, or cars)
• The subject is boring (the subject is standing too static, not moving their hands or making gestures, wearing ordinary clothes, or a blank facial gesture)
• The subject is too centered. Typically I prefer subjects in photographs a little more on the left side of the frame or the right side of the frame (think of the rule of thirds).
• The lighting is bad. The frame itself may be good, but the lighting may be too harsh and there are blown highlights (generally happens when people shoot mid-day or afternoon).
• The image is too busy. There may be too much happening in the frame, and it can be overwhelming to look at.
• The photo doesn’t fit in a series. If someone is asking me to critique an image in a series, I sometimes find images which are good as single images, but don’t work in a series based on a concept.
• There is too much post-processing. I see many images that are too “over-processed” by having too much highlight recovery (HDR-looking), by having too heavy a vignette, or the colors are oversaturated.
• The colors are distracting. If the shot is in color, sometimes colors can be a distraction, especially if there are bright colors such as red or yellow in the corners of the frame (and the subject is more near the center of the frame).
• The Bottom Bun (Positive Feedback):
• It's a good idea to conclude the critique by leaving on a positive note.  Remind them again what you like abou tthe image, and what you think they can improve on.  Tell them if you think the photo is either a "keeper" or something they should not show publically or remove altogether.
• Personal Suggestions:
• If you're going to give a critique, give it your full attention.  Don't throw out a little, "Cool pic!" line, give them specific feedback to make them better photographers.  I would give at least 4 or 5 sentences.
• Ask for critiques and take the criticism for valuable instruction to make your work better.
• Don't be a troll.