How to Criticize in Photography?

We had a discussion in our photo club recently about critique in photography and in general. We agreed that most of us want to talk about their work and learn something in this discussion. Some don't, and that is perfectly okay. On the hobbyist level, I believe that your photography is entirely yours. We do not have to satisfy someone else's wishes or ideas. And if someone doesn't want to hear any form of critique, it has to be accepted.

The image above was criticized very mildly with the words: "There are so many photos of that kind!". And that is true. The saying goes that some things have been said very often - but not by everybody. Do we need another photo like this? Actually, I don't care! This is my photo. I remember having stood there. It was a cold autumn day. There was a fisherman throwing his rod. And there was the warming sun. It is my photo, as unexciting it might be to someone else.

This is the second version of this article. I had to revise it. The story is that I put the main point onto a forum, asking for an opinion. What happened? The users replied with their own ideas on critique. Not one replied to mine. Some had not even read it. This is typical, and often enough my own behavior. We like to talk and hate to listen. So, I am now proposing an additional step.

Step 1

Learn more about the picture! When was it taken? Why was it taken? How was it taken? Why was it taken? What attracted the photographer? What is he proud of? What steps were taken in post-processing? Was it for an exhibition, selling or private? I don't mean to hammer out all these questions. Just don't ignore the photographer and his intentions.

To omit this step may be due to the idea that a picture should speak for itself. It rarely does. It is a moment in time, a view seen through a small pinhole into reality. A photography can be completely incomprehensible without context. 

Moreover, photographers have usually feelings about the work they present for critique. It is better to learn about these before you start to express your thinking. Any photographer is allowed to have his or her own style and intentions.

Step 2

Say what you would have done in his place. Don't just say the picture is good or bad, and what you like or dislike. Instead, think about how you would have approached the scene, what camera settings you would have used, or how you would have processed the image. Then express that as an alternative, not as a correction.

As an example, you might say that you'd have waited for something interesting to happen on the lake in the picture above, or waited until the sun is lower in the sky. Me, as the photographer, would have known that this is not my cup of tea. I was out there to enjoy the walk, accidentally meeting a beautiful scene. Each is entitled to his own way.