We look to have our work critiqued for different reasons. Some photographers look for validation, and some look to improve their work. A critique based on improving our work is the best kind of critique. But be careful because some comments are useless to us. 

What Is a Photography Critique? 

At its base, a photography critique is a deconstruction of a photograph. We can break this down into two different types of critique. The first type of critique is a factual critique. The second type of critique is an opinionated critique. 

Factual Photography Critiques 

A factual photography critique is nothing more than describing the elements of composition. A factual critique is simply an objective deconstruction of the picture and describing the compositional elements that constitute the photograph. For example, the apparent visual effects of our choice of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and other options when it comes to camera operation. 

An Opinionated Critique 

An opinionated photography critique builds upon the factual photography critique by adding an opinion. We could do this in the form of a self-critique or ask someone to critique our work. And by the way, a self-critique should occur immediately after creating a photograph. 

There Are Helpful Critiques, and There Are Unhelpful Critiques 

I think self-critiques are ALWAYS helpful critiques because self-critiques allow us to evaluate our work and provide guidance on how we could improve our photography. 

Additionally, I believe that opinionated critiques are helpful ONLY IF the one giving the analysis involves the one asking for the critique. Specifically, the one giving the analysis/critique should ask the one requesting the critique what their intent of communication was when creating the photograph and what precisely does not communicate what we intended. 

A Word About Self-Critiques

I can't say enough about the importance of self-critique. Learning this skill is transformative in terms of our process and outcome. The connection is that when we deconstruct our picture into its compositional elements, we see where we visually fell short in terms of our communication intent. This process is how we see our strengths AND weaknesses as photographers regarding our camera operation and/or our misunderstanding of the light we photograph. And knowing what we don't know is as important as knowing what we do know. 

Available Ways to Learn Photography With Sam

In-Person or Online One-on-One Private Instruction

Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced photographer, I can work with you in-person or online on a one-on-one basis. This format allows me to help you improve your photography with custom-tailored instruction. You can use anything from a DSLR to the camera on your phone. Bring whatever you have in equipment and skill level, and I'll help you make more thoughtfully composed photographs. Please be fully vaccinated if we meet in person and follow all CDC and local guidelines.

Online Live Group Classes

Study and practice photography with me from wherever you are. Online group classes are effective and, when considering COVID, a safe way to learn photography. 

---Getting To Know Your Camera

This one meeting two-hour class will familiarize you with your camera's most important functions. We'll cover exposure, focusing, and metering methods. You'll be working more thoughtfully and creating intentional compositions. And you'll leave this class working on your camera in aperture and shutter priority modes. This class is also a prerequisite to the online Introduction To Photography group class. 

---Introduction To Photography

A four meeting 8-hour class that meets once a week for two hours will get you working your camera in manual exposure mode. The Getting to Know Your Camera class is a prerequisite for taking this class online. 

Recorded, Learn at Your Own Pace Classes/Webinars Available on Sam's Online Learning Platform for Photographers

---Getting To Know Your Camera

This class will familiarize you with your camera's most critical functions. We'll cover exposure modes, focusing modes, and metering modes. This class aims to get you working on your camera in aperture and shutter priority modes. Working your camera in this manner will get you working more thoughtfully and creating intentional compositions. This class is also a prerequisite to the online Introduction To Photography group class. 

---Learn To Think Like A Photographer

While all my instruction involves teaching camera operation and thought process, this introductory class teaches thought process and camera operation by using the camera on your phone. However, I wouldn't consider this a "phone photography class" because this is a composition class that teaches a thought/compositional process that can be carried over into any camera. 

Study and Practice with Sam on His Online Learning Platform for Photographers

When you study and practice photography with me via my online learning platform, you'll not only have access to the classes and webinars available there (see directly above), but you'll also get to ask me questions and get answers. You'll also get monthly assignments to keep you thinking about photography and a live online monthly meeting. This is an excellent standalone way to learn about photography or can be used as a supplement to the other methods of working with me. The monthly fee is $25.00, and you can start and stop whenever you'd like.

Please get in touch with me if you have any questions.