Determination of skills

[RandySmith]

I hope that I can do justice on my explanation/question here.

I feel my photography has improved well over the last 4-5 years that I have taken it from an occasional photography level, to a much higher and serious level. However, I don't exactly know the "performance level" that I am currently at, and what direction to go from here.

Basically, I am curious what methodology would be an adequate constructive way to properly evaluate 1)my composition skills, 2)my processing skills, 3) my interpretive skills and in general to become a better photographer. I cannot remember who said this when asked the question of what was their best photo ... "My best photo has not been taken yet ..." I feel I am in a similar situation that I want to continue to improve ...

There may be more items of course for consideration. This forum and others offer wonderful interactions with other photographers. However, politeness by refraining from offering truly honest opinions may result in a slower if no development process. Praise may feed the ego, but doesn't help much if bad habits, and bad techniques are in repetitive use.

In an ideal world free of time and financial resources, I would attend every seminar, PPOA event. Unfortunately, those are difficult options at this time.

Possibly this may be too broad of a concept to easily answer, but if anyone has any suggestions on this topic I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts.

Randy

[RKEnnis]

Great question.

Come on, people... I want an answer too! :)

[ggeen]

One way may be to enter photo contests. What are some other thoughts on this subject?

[Angelo]

Randy, I think Glen has given you good advice as to how to measure your (improved) photography skills. A local photography club can also give you opportunities to exhibit and have your work critiqued by your fellow peers.

You may also post images on TPF and request the critique of the members?!

[David Whatley]

One way might be to post a half dozen photos and make it a poll on skill level. 1-10 and dont plan on getting a 10 :)

[KJ Smith]

There are other sites that have people who do harsher critic.

The best way is self critic. Look at other peoples work that you like and compare yourself to them.

You must be able to cull your own work. Only show what you belive is your best.

As a photographer you choose what you show the world.

There are far to many people who come on here and ask " wich is better." That is for the photographer to decide. Only the photographer knows what they are trying to convey.

I have told many people in the past " the only way we know you take crappy out of focus pictures of your cat is because you show them to us."


Who is it you are trying to please ?

Kevin

[MicWayWal]

Originally Posted by RandySmith

In an ideal world free of time and financial resources, I would attend every seminar, PPOA event. Unfortunately, those are difficult options at this time.

I am sure you have heard of the local PPA guilds, like Dallas, Ft. Worth & Houston. We meet on the second Tuesday each month in Richardson which is only 30 miles away from you on Hwy75. We meet for dinner, socialize, and to learn from a speaker. You do not have to come for dinner, but it does help in building relationships with usually a 100 professional photographers each month. When you have a relationship with someone it is much easier to go visit their studio, see what their work looks like and have lunch to chew their ear. I personally know of 7 photographers in Collin county that would welcome you to come for a visit. There may be more but that is what I can think of off the top of my head.

I went to school and learned the technical aspects of photography. Almost all of the creative aspects and business of photography I learned by going to the monthly meetings. They are the same speakers that teach at the State and National conventions. The big meeting are great, but I like small groups. I find it easier to ask questions. They also adjust their speaking to the crowd present.

Improving our craft is one of our main objectives. Every month we have a judging of our prints, albums and portfolios for those who want to participate. The judges are 5 Masters of Photography and they will not pull any punches. They will tell you exactly what they think of your work and what you need to do to improve it.

If you want to visit one month I would be happy to have you come as my guest and I will show you around.

[Flea77]

I would have to ask the same question Kevin asked, where are you trying to go? If you are trying to be a professional wedding photographer then that would be different than if you wanted to just be the best amateur all around photographer you can be. If the latter, then the best way I can think of is to take your best photos and write down how you could make the picture better, go out and try it, then compare the results.

Since everything I do outside of my home "studio" is for my personal enjoyment this is how I make myself improve. I find I am a much harsher critic of my own work than most other people, and I am brutally honest :-)

Allan

[KJ Smith]

Originally Posted by Flea77

I find I am a much harsher critic of my own work than most other people, and I am brutally honest :-)

Exactly.

And to make it even more fun, the more you learn, the harsher you are.

Its a never ending chase for the perfect shot.

Kevin

[Cajungaltx]

You've gotta push yourself to get critique from a higher level ....continuously.

I belong to a soft fuzzy 'mom' forum.... and for the most part... I find that I get wonderful comments, and 'aww, those are awesome'...

But it's kind of like the difference between Paula Abdul saying: you did a great job....and Simon Cowell saying: you did a great job.

Maybe it's just me... but when Cowell says it... HE knows what he's talking about...

SO put your photos up for critique by the photographers you admire most. Take what they say, and use it. Submit for local PPA events - they have print competitions monthly usually.

It's a great question!

[RandySmith]

You all have given me some great ideas.

And I do know that I need to put some prints in front of someone, I just need to figure out the best way to schedule a time to do that.

Thank you again for your inputs.
Randy

[Robin Binder]

At get-to-gethers we learn alot really fast and it's invaluable the contacts and networking you get by going.

We have free photo contests every week on OTS (onetalentsource). It's a great way to see others work. There are free photo contests every where, I'm sure.

I know some that don't want to post on here and email their photos to advanced photographers to ask private critquing. I know that I've seen people post photos on here for advice and don't always get a professional answer or what they want to hear; It's hard to take, "I would have moved the hair or changed the color", when you want to know advice on quality of improvement.

Abel should recruit a set of Moderated Critques People just to help others grow and give feed-back;

Hey did you hear that Abel.... This is a great IDEA. It should be people that are almost like mentors to those starting out.....

I hope that helps. and I hope ABEL hears me. Otherwise I'll have to remember to tell him next month at our GTG.

[janikphoto]

I judge my skill by the level of jobs that I get. Ten years ago, my biggest paying gig was $500. Now I've booked a $50k assignment. I could've never handled that level of shoot ten years ago. I am my own worst critic, always looking for things on my pics I don't like. It has helped me grow...

Now, if you want someone to be brutally honest about your work, I'll do it. Just send me a link and prepare to cry!!!

[MicWayWal]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

...Now, if you want someone to be brutally honest about your work, I'll do it. Just send me a link and prepare to cry!!!

What ever happened to the kinder gentler photographers on the TPF?

You know the members that give the virtual equivalent to the 'white participation ribbon'?
The ones that support and praise you, no matter what your images looks like or what kind of junk you post on the forum?

[carrbowl]

I would be very interested in this...sometimes I don't post, because I want someone to be critical, not just post what they like and don't like. I would also like an "overall" critique"---meaning, if you look at my photos in general, is there an area I'm good at? What area am I weakest? Those kinds of things...

And it would be nice to have some criteria so we make sure we get some people that are well qualified...and kinder and gentler...I agree..we at TPF are here to encourage, not to discourage.