Our critique philosophy

One of the most difficult things for artists to do is to evaluate their own work. The creative process is complex and multi-layered, involving both the conscious and subconscious interpretation of ideas and influences. For that reason, it is nearly impossible for artists to fully comprehend their own creative expressions. During the critique process, an objective viewer will often key in on aspects of an artist's work that even the creator wasn't fully aware of. Engaging in this process with a trained, unbiased professional becomes an invaluable tool for creative growth.

Regardless of the medium, the critique is an integral part of an artist's development. Photography is the subject of a long-standing debate over how much is "art" and how much is merely "captured reality." In sculpture or painting, for instance, there is little doubt in the viewer's mind that they are looking at an artist's interpretation or expression. A photograph is often viewed solely as a representation of the subject itself and not as a form of self-expression. It is especially important then, that artists working in the photographic medium learn to identify and articulate the artistic expression and creative intent in their work. An effective critique can help the artist do just that.

In addition to being an art medium, photography, is a very personal expression of the individual. Of all the possible subjects and viewpoints that could be chosen for a picture, the photographer makes a particular set of choices, and in doing so, reveals many things about themselves. By learning what was revealed through critique and feedback, photographers gain an increased awareness of themselves and of their relationship to the world around them. With this expanded knowledge, the photographer has the opportunity to grow in ways that that go far beyond simply acquiring technical expertise.

Our belief at PhotoCrit.com is that images are an outgrowth of personal experiences. When you show your photographs, whether to friends and family or on a gallery wall, the images have the potential to transcend the personal and become a part of our shared experience — a part of the culture. Our evaluations of your work are based on your stated goals. Whether you are an occasional photographer looking to make better family photos or you have just completed a graduate art program and want to become a gallery artist, each of our critiques is specifically geared to help you achieve your aims.

Every photographic discipline, wedding photography, fashion spreads, or contemporary art photography, has its own criteria, language, and history that will inform the critique. Family albums, for instance have a history, language and an aesthetic that is unique to that genre. Fine artists and commercial photographers will each need different kinds of feedback and information to engage in the dialog of their respective fields. Our critiques not only increase personal awareness, but cultural awareness about what others in a particular field have done historically and what is being done today.

In fostering creative growth, PhotoCrit.com prides itself on building personal relationships with clients, enabling them to express themselves more fully and reach their goals by delving deeper into their specific photographic needs. In receiving feedback and support specific to their discipline, each photographer grows on a personal, professional, and cultural level.

As an added benefit of PhotoCrit.com critiques, you will not only come to see your own work differently, but you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the language and effects of images in the world at large. You will learn to read images as you would a written text. You will increase your "visual literacy."