Are my photo critiques too harsh?

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  • @malmedia
    @malmedia 4 місяці тому +49

    Too harsh? No. As long as you explain your opinion, it gives value. That way the creators can take your opinion and choose to act on it or not.

  • @diatarussoulbane
    @diatarussoulbane 4 місяці тому +13

    Critique with good intentions is essential to growth. It is the artists' imperative to decide whether to acknowledge some feedback or to stick to their convictions. Or perhaps something inbetween.

  • @jeffoffej
    @jeffoffej 4 місяці тому +13

    I find your critiques to be super instructive for me as well as, I assume, for the person who sent in the work. So much so, that I would love to send in a project I hope to complete in the next few weeks. I also think that people know you include your thoughts and suggestions for improvement when they send in work and so that is like a contract between you and the artist that it's ok to critique work in the way that you do. I learn so much from these.

  • @photog66
    @photog66 4 місяці тому +18

    I love honest critiques. That's how we grow.

  • @pamarks
    @pamarks 4 місяці тому +6

    My books were the last ones! Thank you so much for showing these works, and for your input on all of these. I couldn't agree more with your critiques, and I'm grateful for them. Thats exactly what I'm looking for--real input, genuine and sincere. Definitely not too harsh. It will help me grow and make a better book in the future (and I'll be reworking these a bit). Thanks again!

  • @hoagyguitarmichael
    @hoagyguitarmichael 4 місяці тому +14

    No- they are supportive, educational, inspiring and informative

  • @susanneh2207
    @susanneh2207 4 місяці тому +3

    Ted, thank you so much for reviewing our zine "1K radius" and giving us such a wonderful critique. We really appreciate your time and effort. Mail time is such an amazing series. There is so much inspiration and so much to learn from. The quality of the zines, books and photographs are really impressive. I hope you keep doing these videos, because they are not only helpful for the people who send you something, but also for the people who watch these videos.
    I also would like to mention, that I value your opinion. I don't think your critique is too harsh. You always explain why something could be improved and never leave your critique unexplained and always treat the work with respect. That is something rare and I hope you won't change the way you review these works.

  • @fbraakman
    @fbraakman 4 місяці тому +1

    Your channel is very helpful to artists. Without critiques our work can become stale, or not progress at all. It may be painful at times but beneficial in the long run.

  • @DrunkDelilahBrewery
    @DrunkDelilahBrewery 4 місяці тому +4

    You are a marvellous orator Ted, you have amazed me for over a decade how well you can talk to a camera without script or cues, it is indeed a talent. Your critiques follow this format, they have a smooth motion, they are fair, they are honest and they are afforded keenly and without prejudice. Change nothing sir. Heck, you're the only channel where I watch the Square Space adverts !!!! 🤣

  • @psychordelia
    @psychordelia 4 місяці тому +1

    Before I even watch the video..... Uh NO. Ive always felt you're fair and honest & I appreciate that so much! It's like being back at school.

  • @rtdphoto
    @rtdphoto 4 місяці тому +1

    I think you are very respectful in your critiques. You always tell people how to improve their work instead of just saying that you didn’t like this or that.

  • @BetaFax
    @BetaFax 4 місяці тому +5

    Really love the “one k radius” idea, would love to pick it up. As always, really appreciate you putting the links in the description.
    On being too harsh, I don’t think so. I’d say that any criticisms come from the viewpoint of someone who has consumed a lot of books, and helped built books. So, things like flow and book handling really matter. A lot of people, I think, are happy to put out a collection of great photos and the other things don’t quite matter. Outside of that, people are also free to pick and choose on the critique. So, as long as the advice is sound and in a good direction (which it is), it’s not too harsh.
    Finally, I don’t think I’m the only one that would like to see a return of photo assignments. This could probably come in any form. That series was the one that compelled me to start being comfortable with posting online. Partly due to the excellent advice and content here on the channel and partly because of the community here.

  • @blazerbarrel2
    @blazerbarrel2 4 місяці тому +4

    No , honest , direct , experienced , observations , are always the goal of every teacher .

  • @jasongold6751
    @jasongold6751 4 місяці тому +1

    I sadly don't crtique! It becomes a confrontation! I keep my opinion to self! I was asked in past, I am old! You do a lovely chat and show so many good photographers! Do I agree? I said I won't say! Bravo!

  • @andychandler3992
    @andychandler3992 4 місяці тому +1

    Your composition videos have me realizing you're good. That being said, I'm reminded of the joke:
    How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb?
    10. 1 to change the bulb and 9 to tell the first person how they'd have done it better.

  • @whafrog
    @whafrog 4 місяці тому +2

    The reason I keep coming back to your channel, and the main reason I signed up for your zine course, is that your critiques are extremely fair, honest, to the point, constructive, and creative. I've never seen you be harsh. If you're getting that kind of feedback, then people are simply too sensitive for the real world.

  • @Amphibax
    @Amphibax 4 місяці тому +1

    A good and fair critique is never to harsh if your work sucks someone needs tell that it sucks and how you can do it better.

  • @_NoDrinkTheBleach
    @_NoDrinkTheBleach 4 місяці тому +1

    I've been watching your videos for over a decade. Your critique is always constructive, never destructive. Ultimately, it is up to the creator of the art to take that critique the way you intend. I think that if someone takes the way you break things down personally, they aren't looking for critique, they're looking for cheerleaders.

  • @Richard-HiFiMan
    @Richard-HiFiMan 4 місяці тому +1

    I think your comments were right on point, with some great thoughts on what change might be needed.
    Probably the harshest comments I’ve ever had was from Keith Carter when I was student in one of his photography classes 30 years ago.

  • @Itsaknightslife
    @Itsaknightslife 4 місяці тому +9

    Remove emotion from him critiquing your work. He’s helping you become a better artist. He’s helping everyone become a better artist.

  • @bobbyfloundervevo9206
    @bobbyfloundervevo9206 4 місяці тому +1

    The more feedback the better! You always keep it positive and constructive!

  • @izzwizamahjah275
    @izzwizamahjah275 4 місяці тому +22

    No don’t take away mail time it’s so inspiring and it’s like a mentor looking at his students work

    • @dennisjones5579
      @dennisjones5579 4 місяці тому +3

      I agree. Everyone benefits from listening to your feedback.

  • @hramakrishnaiah413
    @hramakrishnaiah413 4 місяці тому

    Not at all. You are very kind and your appreciation for the work is evident. A critique naturally needs to consider both positives and negatives, as that is its fundamental purpose. I have been following your work for many years and have learned a great deal. Your critiques are always very pragmatic. Thank you for doing this.

  • @dereklluisma
    @dereklluisma 4 місяці тому +1

    As someone who submitted a book, I'd prefer honest and critical opinions. I like it that way. That being said, I believe the only way to judge a photographer is to look at "what is their goal" and make your opinion about how well they have achieved that goal. In my opinion, that's a mistake most professional critics make in judging art based on their own goals rather than the artist's goals. But like I said, I believe people should express their honest and critical opinions. It's your channel and you're generously taking the time to put these books out there. I'd just be grateful and say: do what feels best for you.

  • @dennisjones5579
    @dennisjones5579 4 місяці тому +4

    I detected no harshness at all. What I heard was very valuable constructive feedback. As a lifelong educator, I choose not to use the word criticism even if it's preceded by the word "constructive". In my experience the word criticism has a negative connotation and so substituting the word feedback seems to be received more favorably. I really value what you have to offer in your reviews, so please keep up the great work.

  • @AndrewBassonZA
    @AndrewBassonZA 4 місяці тому +1

    funny point about critique, I teach underprivileged students and photographers here in south africa, my critique has always been on the friendly side though a hard harsh hand is often needed to bring a point across, as example a student that was thought incorrectly deliberately by someone else that I was trying to help they simply refused to believe how aperture works , had to sadly be a bit more stern with the critique and feedback to try force them to see the problems, never feels good though mind you

  • @michaeljzaneski8746
    @michaeljzaneski8746 4 місяці тому

    Folks are free to accept/reject anything you say. You aren't a soccer mom, showering with fake praise, which I appreciate cuz I feel it's always genuine. Keep doing what you do. I enjoy your presentation.

  • @dianeschuller
    @dianeschuller 4 місяці тому

    No, your critiques definitely are not too harsh. They are very helpful both to the photographer at hand but also to those of us watching. Your critiques are honest, with good intention, and educational.
    Also, I loved the 'one k radius' zine sent in by collaborators Angela Larson and Susanne Helmet. Not only were the images of interest, but more importantly, they were paired so incredibly well. I could easily see how the images on facing pages spoke to one another. Very well done.

  • @coach_yo
    @coach_yo 4 місяці тому

    No! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching this series and love that you continue to give great feedback not in a harsh (season photographer) sense that can some times boarder uppity that it would discourage beginners, you’re very thoughtful and descriptive in your tips and it’s even guided me to start some work on a book of my own. I’d love to get your feedback. How can one send in some work for consideration?
    Please don’t stop this series and thank you for creating this space for us beginners!

  • @Poverello2001
    @Poverello2001 4 місяці тому

    I find your critiques to be spot on. You have a right to express your opinion and always do so in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

  • @michaelhall2709
    @michaelhall2709 4 місяці тому +1

    Really glad to hear your opinions regarding the mixing of color and black and white images within a single project, as that is pretty much what I’ve been contemplating of late. Not so sure when (or even if) it’ll ever come to pass, but it’s nice to know that will be an option.

  • @jaydigshistory36
    @jaydigshistory36 4 місяці тому

    I’m not sure where the title comes from. I know others on UA-cam who are very harsh, on things you have said are ok(tack sharp eyes for one).
    I love watching and trying to learn more since my submission, and yes I have a new zine in the works.

  • @christianhellman4453
    @christianhellman4453 4 місяці тому

    No!
    I find it balanced, constructive and polite!
    Concerning the title of the video
    Keep up the good work

  • @miguelsuarez1511
    @miguelsuarez1511 4 місяці тому

    Not at all! they are respectful, educational and sharp. Keep them up.👌

  • @boredgrass
    @boredgrass 4 місяці тому

    Since you didn't talk about it. My response in a resounding No! To the contrary, I perceived it always (and I watched all of them!) encouraging and instructive! Were I to live in your area and seek a teacher, I would knock on your door in a heartbeat! which leads me to my appeal: Please, please, please keep the viewer mail ! I photograph for four decades. I have read many photography books, and magazines and, since available, videos. Only recently I bought a Canon R, and I soon complete that with a good pc and a Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-300, for me serious investments. The reason I trust my photography to justice such a commitment, is the confidence I developed into my photography by watching your viewer mail videos! I think it has to do with the fact that most viewers who send you mail are not professionals and often face challenges, often similar to my own. Seeing these photos reviewed by you, often provides me me an invaluable new perspective my own work!

  • @DalsPhotography
    @DalsPhotography 4 місяці тому

    I have been your follower for a very long time, you are great! Informative, to the point, giving a lot of details in a short video. By the way, just looking to Enos book, I suddenly felt the rush to smell those new pages hahaha, best from Uruguay!

  • @clairerobinson2006
    @clairerobinson2006 4 місяці тому

    No they are not. No doubt you bring your own perspective and experience but you always give your reasoning behind your critiques. This is all we can ask of anyone offering a critique. It’s up to the receiver to process the points given, and accept or reject them as they evaluate their own work. This is part of the learning process which is pretty sterile without outside expertise or opinions.

  • @ThePurpleHarpoon
    @ThePurpleHarpoon 4 місяці тому

    At 12:00 , you mention turning the zine 45° to view a particular image.
    I believe you mean 90°.

  • @michaellee2652
    @michaellee2652 4 місяці тому

    Hell no!! Your feedback has always been great!!! You know how to explain, and that's a good thing! Keep it up bro!

  • @kevinmiller7184
    @kevinmiller7184 4 місяці тому

    I don't believe your critiques are "too harsh." Your tone is always positive and I would file your reviews under "constructive criticism." You are also generous with suggestions on how to improve a photo/zine.

  • @jimmcd1101
    @jimmcd1101 4 місяці тому

    Well, since you asked...your critiques are your opinions. I sometimes agree with your opinions and sometimes don't. If I look at your IG feed, there really isn't a lot there in terms of work that leaps off the page to act as a validation of your opinions on the work of others. You've got a huge audience here, you're a very successful "influencer". Personally I take the opinions of a demonstrably superb photographer very seriously; the work is the great and true validator, not how large one's platform is. Not trying to be snarky here, apologies if it comes off that way. Love your channel.

  • @eriksellstrom2679
    @eriksellstrom2679 4 місяці тому

    You're not too harsh. You are giving Honest feedback. How can one get better without honest and constructive criticism? Your feedback is a huge favor tbh. I'd welcome it if it were me.

  • @JohnDrummondPhoto
    @JohnDrummondPhoto 4 місяці тому

    I'm a little confused by this video's title. I thought you would discuss the "art" of art criticism or critique. Maybe you could do that in the future. Your comments in this video, and really every video, were on-point and very detailed. I think any shooter would derive great value from them.

  • @searam1
    @searam1 4 місяці тому

    Cheers Ted, this is Sean in Atlanta! I have been following you for years and really enjoy these critiques. But no, I don’t think you are too harsh! If someone has the courage and desire to submit work to you because they admire you and look forward to your suggestions, then why would you think your critique is harsh? There are so many talented people that put these books and zines together and a little help should be appreciated and not make the reviewer feel badly. Good show, as always!
    Sean

  • @Austinite333
    @Austinite333 4 місяці тому

    Harsh but not mean spirited critique could only help make us all better if we listen. Now the one offering critique should understand their final analysis is personal and the photo may sometimes be seen in a different light by the eyes of another.

  • @aciek
    @aciek 4 місяці тому +1

    No way. It's only people's ego that might be too fragile. :)

  • @bngr_bngr
    @bngr_bngr 4 місяці тому +1

    Many people that provide critiques are not artist themselves.

  • @emmanuelharbor2350
    @emmanuelharbor2350 4 місяці тому

    Love your critiques Ted .

  • @CalumetVideo
    @CalumetVideo 4 місяці тому

    If anywhere there needs to be constructive criticism, it’s with photography. Without criticism, how does one know what to do or not to do? Even in training, one is critiqued by their instruction or mentor! No! You are not too harsh!!!!!

  • @deejayiwan7
    @deejayiwan7 4 місяці тому

    Yes. Yes they are.

  • @GertSterner
    @GertSterner 4 місяці тому

    No, not at all. I think you give good critique.

  • @MauriceSchurink
    @MauriceSchurink 4 місяці тому +3

    no, it's not to harsh, maybe it's not harsh enough

    • @scotttate1400
      @scotttate1400 4 місяці тому

      This is exactly what I thought.

  • @johnglowacki5515
    @johnglowacki5515 4 місяці тому

    A bit persnickety perhaps, but isn't that the point? Keep doing this. Your points are always interesting, even when they are not right.

  • @duncandavies1966
    @duncandavies1966 4 місяці тому

    Nope. Constructive and respectful.

  • @costafilh0
    @costafilh0 4 місяці тому +3

    If you can't be harsh when necessary because people are so sensitive to criticism these days, what's the point in doing it at all? Just to massage weak egos?

  • @vzshadow1
    @vzshadow1 4 місяці тому

    The first video of yours that I watched. Interesting.

  • @TheStockwell
    @TheStockwell 4 місяці тому

    No. You, Ted Forbes? Never!
    Too often, people want approval and a pat on the back for their work. Thumbs up and a happy emoji. (👍, 😊)
    If they don't get gushing praise and "validation," they get huffy, angry, and wounded - and you're a big ol' meanie.
    When you submit your work to someone whose opinion you honestly respect, you need to be clear about what you're after. You're either seeking an honest, objective, useful appraisal - or you're hoping for a chocolate chip cookie and a puppy.
    Best wishes from Vermont 🍁

  • @ramonadato
    @ramonadato 4 місяці тому

    Not at all. You critique in a constructive way for the creator and the rest of us to learn. Although I haven't gotten off my rear to make my first photo book or zeen, your videos inspire me to explore that area of my photography art and see how my images would look as prints or in a photobook.

  • @romiemiller7876
    @romiemiller7876 4 місяці тому +2

    I have a zine coming.

  • @df98156
    @df98156 4 місяці тому

    Hello Ted! I'm anti-Adobe, can I help you put together Presets for Affinity Photo users? I don't believe they're compatible preset files.

  • @robertgrenader858
    @robertgrenader858 4 місяці тому +1

    No. You are a consumate Professional and your critique will make us better at our craft.

  • @miraadi97
    @miraadi97 4 місяці тому

    Brilliant Works of Old Towns and Busy Tourist Spots But The Most Unique The 1 Km Radius Project It's Like A Movie Running Through Your Mind Just Instantly Makes the Whole Movie By Small Premise of The Book Brilliant Work.
    4:06 Indeed Every Street is Same.
    9:17 Why is nothing written on footnote I think it delegitimise the ethical nature of human interaction with just snapping pics randomly.
    12:48 Very annoying to read long fonts on the page.

  • @Peterogen
    @Peterogen 4 місяці тому

    ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @mcsheshe
    @mcsheshe 4 місяці тому

    Ted - please don’t stop mail time! I love your critiques and always learn from them. I also love seeing everyone’s work, layout and style. My goal for this year is to make one for my own photography. I always find these episodes of your show inspiring. 🫶🫶

  • @ChrisConner1
    @ChrisConner1 4 місяці тому

    I'll comment without watching. No. But I'll watch it now.

  • @TheBigBlueMarble
    @TheBigBlueMarble 4 місяці тому

    Critiques, in todays "everyone is a winner" society are a tricky business. Social media etiquette calls for only two responses to any photo. Either you love it and say so, or you say nothing. I have stopped offering critiques unless specifically asked to do so.
    Critiques are further made difficult by the fact that it is almost impossible to evaluate the "goodness" of a photo without some extensive context and understanding the photographers intended purpose of the photo. I have seen plenty of technically lousy photos in newspapers that were perfect for their intended use...supporting a news article.

  • @MrzRoblox
    @MrzRoblox 4 місяці тому

    Phenomenal!

  • @leroyjones769
    @leroyjones769 4 місяці тому

    Nope. That’s honestly how you feel. Maybe some suggestions to help.

  • @danigomb
    @danigomb 4 місяці тому

    just- do not apologise!

  • @sword-and-shield
    @sword-and-shield 4 місяці тому

    Not when it comes to art. Not being true to your own instinctive judgements is far worse, for you and them. Can some possibly be more harsh then others with critiques? Sure, but that better be there concerning art. Some artist's want it, some don't. Some giving the critiques sell out their veracity to try and make as many happy as possible, because its about some money or ratings goal. Always about them choices concerning art, choose wisely.

  • @thekeywitness
    @thekeywitness 4 місяці тому

    Not harsh at all. Pretty fair across the board.

  • @eingilddeclaro6171
    @eingilddeclaro6171 4 місяці тому +3

    No😊

  • @ChristineWilsonPhotography
    @ChristineWilsonPhotography 4 місяці тому

    Absolutely not , you are not to harsh at all , ive learnt and so many others who watch your chanel have too im sure , from your critics. I think your critics are very balanced. What good is a critic to anyone if its not honest , keep going with it 😊

  • @DanielM1224
    @DanielM1224 4 місяці тому

    They are fair.

  • @Old-School-Liberal
    @Old-School-Liberal 4 місяці тому

    No people are too used to mediocre photos. Too many boring and uninteresting photos people put in there UA-cam videos. People need to stop believing their bad photos are good. I’m very selective on what I show on Instagram and UA-cam I don’t share everything.

  • @mirrorlessthesis3599
    @mirrorlessthesis3599 4 місяці тому

    It's your opinion, I'm sure your critiques are harsh to someone.

  • @kirillkrylov6674
    @kirillkrylov6674 4 місяці тому +1

    I think you just don't shoot well enough, if not to say unoriginal, uninteresting. And your choice of books and photographers is often the same. Street photography is completely uninteresting, urban minimalism is horribly boring. The pictures lack volume and history, the compositions are too simple and not multidimensional, you flip through them once and forget.

  • @c141charlie
    @c141charlie 4 місяці тому

    No.

  • @garyisaacs6526
    @garyisaacs6526 4 місяці тому

    looks like you got some bites . . . .

  • @elwirastadnik
    @elwirastadnik 4 місяці тому

    Please, please, do not turn into a woke. Ever. Please.

  • @peacetaro8007
    @peacetaro8007 4 місяці тому

    You're too nice. Rip a new one once in a while.

  • @zanesaddiction1945
    @zanesaddiction1945 4 місяці тому

    Nope

  • @spencersanderson4590
    @spencersanderson4590 4 місяці тому

    Almost done with my first book. Hoping Mail time will stick around for a little longer 🙏🏽🫡