The Value of Feedback
In a previous post “Solitude, Socialisation and Collaboration” I offered a view that the practice of seeking critical feedback from a trusted source is both valuable and rewarding, and in my case serves to stimulate my creativity. In today’s thoughts I would like to explore that view in a little more detail and offer further opinion on why I think all photographers, amateur or professional, can benefit from such practice. When I talk about critical feedback I am not referring to the type of instant feedback that a lot of people seek from social media platforms. The number of ‘likes’ an image receives does not, in my opinion, provide the type of feedback that helps us grow as creative artists, it merely represents an indication of whether the image has caught a person’s attention as they rapidly scroll through hundreds and thousands of images. Whilst I do not participate in social media, I can imagine that the number of likes received does give the creator some short-term gratification, and occasionally a fellow photographer will take the time to provide more constructive comments, but generally it is likely to be of little value in respect of long-term development. However, I recognise that we are all different, and those differences are to be valued and respected. Consequently, if you feel that the feedback you receive from social media is rewarding and developmental then who am I to disagree. My approach to feedback is different and I feel it works for me, giving me valuable insights and opportunity to improve my photography and ultimately develop as a creative artist.
Other than a few workshops and photo tours with good friends the vast majority of my photography is conducted as a solitary pursuit. I don’t have any presence on social media and the only opportunity for people to look at my work is in the gallery sections of this website. Consequently I have no sense of whether my images are interesting, attractive, technically proficient, or worthy of publication. Yes, I personally like my own work, if I didn’t then why am I bothering? However, what other people think is important to me, more so from curiosity than personal ego. I don’t need any endorsements because that is not why I practice photography. More than anything I enjoy the physical act of going out with my camera, seeing what I can find that interests me, and then trying to create a photograph that gives me pleasure.
So why is feedback important to me? To answer that question it is worth starting with my approach to seeking critical feedback. I have previously shared the fact that I have a trusted friend who shares my love of nature and landscape photography. We met on a workshop and have stayed in regular contact despite living in two different countries. Over the past few years we have monthly video calls to stay in touch, both as friends and as photographers. Our discussions about photography have developed over time and now, in advance of every call, we share a small number of images from each other, inviting the other to provide critical feedback during the call. I will consider two or three images of his each month, and vice-versa. We are very honest with each other, sharing or thoughts whether positive or negative. Occasionally it is necessary to be brutally honest and tell the other that an image just doesn’t work.
The feedback I receive is incredibly valuable in a number of ways. Often I have been looking at a particular photo for days, during processing, trying to decide whether it is the best it can be and worthy of printing. At some point I stop seeing potential problems or areas for improvement because I have looked at it for so long. A fresh pair of eyes gives me a new perspective in respect of colour balance, composition, contrast etc. Issues that I can see when someone else points them out to me but which I don’t always see for myself. I receive suggestions on a different way to present the image, for example cropping or conversion to black and white. Ideas that I can take on board or choose to ignore. Whether I decide to implement any of the suggested changes is always a choice, sometimes I take on board all of the suggestions, sometimes none of them. However, whatever my decisions I always find the feedback incredibly helpful and an insight into how a fellow photographer views a particular scene. That in itself is a valuable product of critical feedback and a core element of personal creative development.
Feedback on my images is only part of the value I receive from this process. I get just as much benefit from being asked to offer feedback on my friend’s work. Whilst we have a common interest in nature and landscape photography, our images and approach are very different in many ways. As such, when I look at his work I get the opportunity to consider his subject matter, the composition, and the representation of his subject. That opportunity feeds my creative development and presents ideas for different styles and approach. Ultimately I am being asked for my critique to help him, but during that process I am also benefitting from the opportunity to consider someone else’s work.
In summary I would encourage all photographers to seek out critical feedback. It is not just an interesting and rewarding activity, it is also good fun, and in my case has been instrumental in my growth as a photographer.
