Structured Flow And The Value Of Critique
My photo, Structured Flow is a result of mining the recent archives for photos where I didn’t initially see their potential and came across this photo from Prague. It’s an architectural abstract of a modern building in Wenceslas Square. I really like hos the architectural accents create a beautiful flow to the design.
I had processed it, but something just didn’t seem right with it so I decided to walk away from it. As a result, I started over from scratch and liked the new processing but something was still “off”. So, I showed this at a critique group meeting at my local photo club. The one suggestion that stuck out was to rotate the image 90° counter-clockwise which is okay as it is an abstract.
To be perfectly honest, when I heard this suggestion I was more than a bit skeptical. Picturing it my mind’s eye I just didn’t think it would help all that much. Despite this I decided to give it a try. What did I have to lose? So, I rotated the image as suggested. As soon as I did the heavens opened up, the sun came streaming down on me, and the angels began singing. Well all metaphorically. That simple action changed the vertical wavy lines to something with a true sense of flow. It was like flow lines in a river. I was amazed.
The Value Of Critique
I’m a believer in getting good feedback from critique. I’ve run critique groups at both my former and current local photo clubs. I’m also volunteer as a Senior Critic on 1X.com to provide in-depth critique and offer feedback and suggestions. Full disclosure: I am only a volunteer and do not receive any money or other incentive to mention 1x. This recent experience simply reinforced my belief in critique.
If you aren’t already getting regular critique I highly recommend that you try to incorporate it into you photography process. It’s a great way to see how others views your photographs and even if you decide not to make any suggested changes it still gives you something to think about in how you approach your photography.
The Other Good News
There is good news that makes me so glad I sought out critique for this photo. I’ve just learned my photo was “Awarded” on 1x.com. 1x is a curated photo site (I’m a critic there, not a curator). Awarded status is 1x’s highest level of recognition. Less than 1% of all photographers uploading to 1x are selected for this award. Needless to say, I’m rather stoked about this especially in light of the impact the critique had.
Leave A Comment And Share
What successes have you had from getting a good critique of you photography? Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
