Group 11 Bulletin Board
3 threads - 3 total comments
This page is dedicated to discussions about our theme (Monochrome) that are outside the scope of our monthly images.
Thread Title: Photographic Society of America (PSA) Critique Groups are Educational-Focused Spaces
Photographic Society of America (PSA) Critique Groups are Educational-Focused Spaces
There is a big difference between a photographic image that is structurally balanced (what I often refer to as an images ⬓Compositional Structureâ¬), imbuing attributes that necessitate a viewers long term attention; the revealing of a subject in the best light and developing contemplative narratives, even for visual work deemed abstract, and alternative photographic work that negates these attributes, which are often refereed to as the so called ⬓snapshotâ¬. Learning to consistently create engaging photography is not an easy task, indeed, and much practice, along with constructive guidance are positive steps in achieving our creative goals. As such, one of the wonderful features or design of the PSA Digital Dialogue Critique groups (regardless of the format each operates under) is the ability for the participants in these groups to both critique others work while having their own work reviewed under acute scrutiny.
As such, what I speak about today is a reminder the atmosphere in critique rooms should foremost, be focused towards educating participants. Of course, many rooms also enjoy the added comradely between fellow photographers sharing personal stories imbued with emotion and joy. Having both of course seems ideal, and we would argue, indeed, it is. However, comments that otherwise only console or pacify a photographers work can stymie their creative progress.
As such, PSA Critique group that avoid a clear and transparent message in helping others⬙ develop their photographing skills can be interpreted as missed opportunities the PSA critique formats suppose to offer, as well, in my opinion, the local camera club, where similarly, club participants are, sometimes, seemingly pacified and pampered rather than informed and educated in how they should think about their approach and practice of the art of photography. Thankfully, this type of instruction is usually an exception rather than the norm.
The PSA Critique Group is an Educational-Focused Space designed to, hopefully, funnel photographic ideas and concepts (both old and new) to each participant fueling their individual photographic journeys. The best PSA experience (and, again, allow me to include the local camera club in this discussion) includes a balance between aspects appreciated in education and the comradely cherished in our wide and diverse photographic community. Missing one or the other aspect can possibly make a critique room experience less joyful, while omitting the education aspect altogether when commenting on someone⬙s work, can result in a counterproductive experience.
In summary, the best atmosphere for critiquing ones work includes a space sharing both an educational vibe while also sharing and hearing personal stories central to the art of photography which can include the appreciation for a certain camera system and / or our favorite vacation destinations that promise amazing photographic opportunities, but must also avoid language that has the potential to stymie creative goals through the use of pampering, consoling and pacifying the developing artist photographer, that is not accompanied with a clear and concise critique.
As always, I look forward to your feedback and including sharing experiences that will inspire others in their photographic journeys. Thank you.
Lance A. Lewin, Fine Art Photographer/Lecturer
PSA Global B&W Photography Director
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
International Visual Sociology Association (IVSA) North American-Canada Region Think Tank
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
Posted: 09/08/2024 12:12:26
There is a big difference between a photographic image that is structurally balanced (what I often refer to as an images ⬓Compositional Structureâ¬), imbuing attributes that necessitate a viewers long term attention; the revealing of a subject in the best light and developing contemplative narratives, even for visual work deemed abstract, and alternative photographic work that negates these attributes, which are often refereed to as the so called ⬓snapshotâ¬. Learning to consistently create engaging photography is not an easy task, indeed, and much practice, along with constructive guidance are positive steps in achieving our creative goals. As such, one of the wonderful features or design of the PSA Digital Dialogue Critique groups (regardless of the format each operates under) is the ability for the participants in these groups to both critique others work while having their own work reviewed under acute scrutiny.
As such, what I speak about today is a reminder the atmosphere in critique rooms should foremost, be focused towards educating participants. Of course, many rooms also enjoy the added comradely between fellow photographers sharing personal stories imbued with emotion and joy. Having both of course seems ideal, and we would argue, indeed, it is. However, comments that otherwise only console or pacify a photographers work can stymie their creative progress.
As such, PSA Critique group that avoid a clear and transparent message in helping others⬙ develop their photographing skills can be interpreted as missed opportunities the PSA critique formats suppose to offer, as well, in my opinion, the local camera club, where similarly, club participants are, sometimes, seemingly pacified and pampered rather than informed and educated in how they should think about their approach and practice of the art of photography. Thankfully, this type of instruction is usually an exception rather than the norm.
The PSA Critique Group is an Educational-Focused Space designed to, hopefully, funnel photographic ideas and concepts (both old and new) to each participant fueling their individual photographic journeys. The best PSA experience (and, again, allow me to include the local camera club in this discussion) includes a balance between aspects appreciated in education and the comradely cherished in our wide and diverse photographic community. Missing one or the other aspect can possibly make a critique room experience less joyful, while omitting the education aspect altogether when commenting on someone⬙s work, can result in a counterproductive experience.
In summary, the best atmosphere for critiquing ones work includes a space sharing both an educational vibe while also sharing and hearing personal stories central to the art of photography which can include the appreciation for a certain camera system and / or our favorite vacation destinations that promise amazing photographic opportunities, but must also avoid language that has the potential to stymie creative goals through the use of pampering, consoling and pacifying the developing artist photographer, that is not accompanied with a clear and concise critique.
As always, I look forward to your feedback and including sharing experiences that will inspire others in their photographic journeys. Thank you.
Lance A. Lewin, Fine Art Photographer/Lecturer
PSA Global B&W Photography Director
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
International Visual Sociology Association (IVSA) North American-Canada Region Think Tank
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
Posted: 09/08/2024 12:12:26
Thread Title: Fine Art Photography Article: Compositional Structure
PSA Fine Art Photography Article: Compositional Structure
Hello, everyone! Hope you take the time to read my article in
The March issue of the PSA Journal, which can be found on the
PSA website if you do not currently receive the hard-copy of the
Journal. I very much look forward to your comments.
You can also Follow the Link below. Thank you.
https://psa-photo.org/resource/resmgr/pdf/journal_/2023/2023-03-psa-journal.pdf
Lance A. Lewin
PSA B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
Contact: lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
Posted: 03/19/2023 21:26:53
Hello, everyone! Hope you take the time to read my article in
The March issue of the PSA Journal, which can be found on the
PSA website if you do not currently receive the hard-copy of the
Journal. I very much look forward to your comments.
You can also Follow the Link below. Thank you.
https://psa-photo.org/resource/resmgr/pdf/journal_/2023/2023-03-psa-journal.pdf
Lance A. Lewin
PSA B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
Contact: lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
Posted: 03/19/2023 21:26:53
Thread Title: Blake Rudis on B&W Processing
https://youtu.be/aSS1LU3yTDY Posted: 01/09/2021 22:35:04