Constructive Criticism

When providing an image for constructive criticism, it can often be a bit unnerving. When given properly however, in conjunction to receiving it in good stride, it can certainly help with growth. 

Let's start with the word "constructive" and its definition:

1. Serving to improve or advance; helpful,

2. Of or relating to construction; structural,

3. Based on an interpretation; not directly expressed.

When combining this with the word "criticism," we can conclude that the criticism is not intended to be ill-spirited. The purpose is to build the person up and to be helpful.

One popular way of providing constructive criticism is using the "sandwich technique." I drew this lovely sandwich here as a visual because my selfies of eating a sandwich looked nothing like that of Kim Kardashian eating hers. You'll have to excuse my drawing skills, but they're much better than the latter idea I had.

The sandwich critique involves building a critique much like you would a sandwich.

The Bread: 

Start out with a compliment. What is liked about the image? Is the emotion thought provoking? Is the image's composition drawing the eye right into the subject? Perhaps a friendly introduction could even be made. 

The Meat:

The meat is the hefty part of the critique. What can be changed? What improvements can be made? What can be learned from the image to improve from next time? Add in the lettuce, the tomato, the cheese, the sauce and think of those as the factors of how to reach the ultimate goal of improving the image. If it's suggested that the skin tone is off, it may be helpful to include some tips on how that can be improved. Is it yellow? Is it red? How can that be corrected? 

The Bread:

Finish off with something positive. This could be something about the image or it could be well wishes. 

Some poor examples of providing constructive criticism include:

* This is dumb.

*I don't like it.

*Out of focus. Bad Vignetting.

An example of a sandwiched critique could look something like this:

Photog Person, It's really nice to meet you. This image really won me over with that laughter from the bride. She appears deliriously happy and you captured a special moment for your client that I'm sure they will treasure. The image appears to be a bit flat, so I would suggest increasing some contrast in the image. The background is also confusing, as the grandpa shaking his booty in the background, while entertaining, is also a distraction from the main focus. I think I would have preferred this image to have had a bit more depth of field so that the happy bride could have even more focus on her. The composition is spot on and I appreciate the lines in this image as well. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Here's another very important factor to consider. While the importance of being conscientious in the delivery of a constructive critique has been discussed, it is also imperative that that the receiver return that respect. While it takes guts to put one's art out there for some criticism, it also takes some guts and time for one to help and offer advice. Sometimes it may sting a little to hear that an image that had resulted in an hour's worth of work is perceived as being underexposed or improperly cropped. It's important to remember that these pieces of advice are not personal attacks, but rather pieces of valuable information and also simply opinion. When received and applied, it can improve growth tremendously.

When is giving constructive criticism appropriate?

Offering constructive criticism on one's business page is not appropriate, no matter how kind-hearted the intent may be. Business pages are for client purposes and fans. Perhaps the image is blurry and out of focus and the sky is completely blown out. Simply scroll past it. If it is a safety issue and there's a baby wrapped in christmas lights in a glass bowl sitting in the middle of the road with a semi appearing in the background, then by all means privately message the poster and report it if necessary. 

In photography groups and forums, rules should be clearly stated as to whether or not constructive criticism is accepted. Often groups have guidelines in place that every image shared is subject to criticism, while others state that criticism must be clearly asked for in order to provide it. When giving criticism in a group and showing how to correct an image with post processing, please remember to ask before downloading one's image to demonstrate. Despite the intent being helpful, it's best to keep respect maintained.

Images submitted for contests and challenges, such as at the wonderfully, fantastic page Everything for Photography, (wink, wink) should not be given constructive criticism as well. Some pages may have guidelines that allow that, but most do not. It's always important to check first.

Lastly, when in doubt, ask first.

~Robin