Something interesting happened last week on my YouTube channel. Someone commented on my latest couple’s photo shoot video, addressing a particular image. It roughly said it was a very bad image, and that there were limits to stretching the envelope in the interest of art.
The comment made me think about the image, the concept, and the impact of the remark.
My reaction
First, I realized that I would probably have been devastated if I had received that type of comment at the beginning of my career when I was lacking confidence and seeking approval. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, but interestingly enough, that picture is in fact my favorite photo of the day.
Second, there is no doubt that art is subjective. That person totally had the right to dislike an image that, from my perspective, I found personally moving and inspiring. We all come from a different place, with different experiences, values, and tastes.
My opinion
What I deplore isn’t the point of view of that person. It’s the offensive tone of the comment. Maybe that for this person, a good picture has to include an off-centre and in focus subject. Or perhaps they think that there shouldn’t be any distracting elements in the foreground. Or that the story has to be clear and not leave any room for interpretation. I’ll never know why the person decided to go on record with a snide remark: the comment didn’t mention any particular reason – just the blunt statement.
What I want to say…
We all have a very different sensibility. There isn’t one right way to do or interpret things. To some, photography is a method to record facts with a rational approach. To others, photography is like art – an extension of their emotions.
You can absolutely like a piece or not. You are also more than welcome to share your constructive opinion about it. Every photographer enjoys feedback. Simply remember that behind every picture there are other humans who, just like you, deserve respect. If you bother to write or say something about their work, please, do it with the intention that they will get something out of it, not take something away.
End of the story
I realize that Plato sums up very well in one sentence the message I have wanted to share all along. He wisely said: “Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” You’re right. I should probably have started with that concept – but, oh well… at least I will finish on a positive note!
About the Author
Michèle Grenier is a sports photographer who specializes in BADASS action portraiture. She’s also a Photofocus author, a Skylum Software ambassador and a photography coach. You can find her at www.michelegrenierphoto.com
Not sure I’m a fan of the colour version, but the black and white version is fabulous!!
Thanks Andrew for your kind comment! 😀
Criticism by others is one of the most common challenges as a psychotherapist I heard from clients. What has been helpful to them is the idea that the person making the critical comment is actually revealing themselves with the comment. It’s as if they’re pulling down their undies to show their stuff. The comment displays their thoughts or feelings and tells us more about who they are than it does about the subject matter. I personally remind myself of this before I post a photo anywhere.
As to your photo, my opinion is “I really like it!”
Thanks Gregory for this very interesting (and professional) point of view. I’ve never thought about it that way. This will certainly help me understand this type of situation if (when) it happens again! 🙂
J’ai lu quelques part que la photographie c’est L’ART de raconter des histoires avec des images fixes.
Il y en a peut-être qui ne savent pas lire des histoires, c’est dommage.
Je suis du même genre que toi André – j’aime davantage le côté histoire que factuel d’une photo. Mais je comprends aussi que tous les cerveaux ne raisonnent pas de la même façon! 😉 Merci pour ton bon commentaire!
Personally I enjoy both the images but the B&W version is my first choice. I take photographs in a serendipity manner for the most part and if anyone does not see in the picture what I did they are laking imagination as far as I am concerned.
Thanks for sharing Michele
I do have a website hosted by Smugmug but again it probably would not be of interest to anyone except myself. As my header states “Photography – Just For The Fun Of It”.
Thanks for the feedback Randy! I love your header statement! Ahahah. Isn’t it why we’re all doing photography? For the fun of it?! 😉
In the 1800s, a lot of people said that Claude Monet’s work was bad art. In the early 1900s, a lot of other people said that Picasso’s work was bad art. I’m not sure any of them knew what art was all about…
Soooo you’re telling me I might get very rich (or may I should say my great-great-grand-children) ahahaha. I’ll take it Marc-Gabriel! 😉 Merci pour le bon commentaire!
I really do like the image. It conveys the sense of adventure, walking hand in hand in the middle of a snow storm, probably day time because of the sun and shows lots of color, including the shadows that give depth to the picture.
I love it!!! I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.