This is something I think about a lot. When I'm shooting, when I'm working on post processing, when I'm surfing my favorite photo sites, when I have idle moments of silence (I told you I was taking this photography thing a little too seriously). Critiquing, accepting criticism, and self critique need to be as much a part of our work as understanding exposure and how it can controlled by shutter and aperture. Since I have only a little formal photography and no art training, this is all based on my personal experience. Maybe this has no meaning and I'm off base. If so, just ignore me.

Part 1 - Critiquing the work of others
I have often heard from novice photographers "I'm new at this so how can I judge the work of others?". Poppycock. Of course I used to feel the same way so I do understand the reluctance. The fact of the matter is even though you may know nothing of photography, you do know what strikes a chord in you. And you can certainly comment on that! You just need to find a way to put into words why you like it. As we get to know a few things, such as understanding how the rule of 3rds can be used in composition, we can begin to offer more knowledgeable opinions. I firmly believe, as Freeman Patterson has stated in his writings, that studying the work others is one of our best teachers. When we do this, we start to figure out what "works" and what doesn't. We then are able to make more technical critiques. At some point, and this is a very important one, we come to an understanding not just of the technical aspects, but of how those technical aspects can best be used to make art, something that touches the soul, not just a photograph. Is any of this making sense?

So a few questions arise: "How do I give an effective critique", "Where do I even begin?". Spend a few minutes just looking at the shot. Don't worry about technical aspects at this point. Just ask yourself what the impact of the shot is. What does it do for you? Or not? Does it have any emotional impact? Is it simply visually striking? Does just look like a piece of crap? Then pick it apart. I do this first becuase that's actually the easier part. Examine what is wrong, why it doesn't appeal to you, what is annoying about the photo. How could the photographer have made this better? Now look at what's good. If the photo is appealing, why is it appealing? Does it have pleasing patterns, leading lines, or simple, effective composition? Try to find something positive about the shot.

Here's comes the scary part, telling others what you think. It should never be in a harsh or condescending manner. Always point out the good things about the photo, even if it's only one small thing. That takes the edge off the parts that might be hard to swallow. Then go into what could be improved. Don't just say something like "crop out the top". Explain why you think the top should be cropped out. Perhaps it improves the composition by removing a distracting element, or maybe the crop will move the subject into a third and make it more dynamic. That will help the photographer learn, and you might learn something as well because you are forcing yourself to think about what you are looking at.

Most photographers really want to hear what others think when they post shots. Don't disapoint them and don't be afraid to help them.

Watch for Part 2 - Accepting Criticism