Judging Photographs

Last evening I attended a camera competition where the judge( Rick E. Martin, San Jose Mecury Times, pulitzer prize winner......rickemartinphoto.com) was reviewing photographs. He began by saying " there is no real standard for photography, it is a matter of opinion and taste. So, just because I say something does not make it true and someone else may say something different". This is an important point for photographers who are competing  "it is a matter of taste". He was an excellent judge not because he picked the correct photos as "winners" but because of how he discussed his view of each individual photograph. Too often from my experience, judges are cliche in their comments, providing no insight into a different way of treating the subject of the photograph other than cropping. Rick was exceptional and is one example of why aspiring professionals and amateurs should attend and participate in contests. A good judge will improve your photography, just like any critique by someone who has experience will help. It is difficult to say "bad things" about someone's photograph, sort of like telling a new mother her baby is ugly(maybe not that severe) but that is the way you learn. Art Morris, of best bird photographer around fame has a technique that works terrifically. In his classes, he goes out with you and shoots with you. When he returns, he reviews his images with the entire class, and he is brutal on himself. Guess what, you learn a tremendous amount from his critique and you don't feel intimidated because they are not your images, perfect technique. By the end of the week/weekend you have developed some skills from watching him shoot, listening to his critique, and adjusting your own shooting habits. He concludes his class with an individual session with each class member with images they have selected, it is private. The point here is not to sell Art Morris or Rick Martin, but to say it is difficult to get good feedback on your photography. Compliments reinforce your efforts but don't improve your skills, bad comments discourage you but if you can step back and evaluate the substance of what is being said, you will learn. Attending competitions, looking at stock photography sites, magazines, and applying what you see and hear to your own artistic eye will help you. It is not easy to get good feedback and it takes work. So the next time someone tells you your work is ugly, smile and say thank you.