Too technical for your own good

[Sonny]

Even though this person is talking about video, I believe this goes for all forms of art including photography.

I suggest while you read this short blog post, keep this in the back of your mind when asking for critiques about your photography.

E. HARTFORD| Too technical for your own good

[PEC]

absolutely agree. often i fall into this trap. is the exposure perfect? (whatever that means). Embrassing the ART of photography is the area i need to practice on the most, I believe this is one of the areas that seperate photographers from picture takers. This holds true for both people photogs and nature photogs.

[carrbowl]

we fall into this category on TPF alot ...when parents see photos of their children especially. They are looking for true expressions of their children, not back lighting, bokeh, etc.

I will never forget when I was shooting a dance team. I am chimping to make sure eyes are open, etc. as I had to change lighting between groups and individuals (whole nother story!!!) and I was like ok that's good...show it to the mother and she said, can we get one with her smiling? DUH?? I looked at all the technical stuff and forgot to look at the most important thing, the childs expression. Big lesson learned

[PEC]

Some good tips on this topic:

Fine Art Nature Photography

[kenw]

Nice link, Sonny, thanx.

Along a similar line, one thing we used to stress here was that when you ask for a critique that you also state the areas in particular that you are seeking input upon. Exposure? Framing? Mood? Giving the potential reviewer some clue as to what you are looking for will go a long way towards not only getting you the feedback you want, but also keep emotions and such bothersome distractions out of the conversation.

[groovyone]

While I agree, improving the technical side is important to give you better tools to capture the art.