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How thick is your skin ?
Models: If a photographer were to leave a comment on one of your photos saying it wasn't as strong as your other shots, or it had an amateur look, or it made you look fat or ugly or cheesy (but stated nicely) would you appreciate the criticism or take it personally and react defensively ? May 15 05 01:24 pm Link I would run right out and shoot myself. Or the photographer. No! I'd write a lengthy defensive reply! Actually, I have some pretty thick skin. Not everyone is going to like everything I do and I appreciate the criticism. Let's me know what stands out that I can improve on. Occasionally, I get critiques that are just assinine, but that's part of the ball game. I only wish photographers were as think-skinned as I am. I've had a few ask me what I thought of our work, and if I don't like it, they blow a fuse. May 15 05 01:28 pm Link Everyone's obviously able to have their own opinions. It's how you give constructive criticism that shows your own character. If it's truly something you care about and you care for them to improve, it should be paired with a positive and done in a personal way. Otherwise they is too much room for misinterpretation, and everyones not always going to be on the same page. Personally I love positive constructive criticism- it allows me to keep challenge myself and gain satisfaction in my own opinions. Shelley  May 15 05 01:53 pm Link I tear my photography to pieces daily and my complaints of myself are just far different than what I get from most photographers and models. Publishers have, however, given me excellent and worthwhile feedback - and in the end, that is the kind of feedback I really want. So if you are a publisher thinking about paying me but want me to change this or that... my skin is as thick as armor plating. If it's just another photog looking to take me down a peg, or a model who is more interested in being a photography expert than a good model - my skin is paper thin and I don't want to hear it. May 15 05 02:15 pm Link Posted by Jeff Bowlin: LoL. wow, i just realized i post a WHOLE lot. I must be really bored. May 15 05 03:20 pm Link Thick..... May 15 05 09:28 pm Link Just when they call my work Porn I dont like that!! You wanna see Porn? May 15 05 09:30 pm Link What gets me is when people say "this is your best photo you should do more like this" I mean, I appreciate the compliment but isn't it a double-edged sword? I would rather people not insinuate that I take the wrong type of photos. When I'm ready to move onto a new genre, you'll know! LOL May 15 05 09:41 pm Link Posted by SHELLEY KELSO: Very well said, Shelley. May 15 05 09:45 pm Link Check the port of the person making the comment, and consider the source. If the comment is that idiotic, chances are, so is the person making it. May 15 05 09:50 pm Link I think I'm fairly thick-skinned, and thick-skulled (a.k.a. stubborn). It's from working tech support and being called every name in the book from people who HAVE to have their TV. If someone doesn't like my photos, it's okay with me. I'd rather a person be honest than lie to me. There's always improvements to be made, in photos and in life, no matter how old we get to be. May 15 05 10:17 pm Link If the response is properly and positively constructed (as in suggestive changes) it can be positive and the skin does not need to be thick. I see lots of comments like "This makes you look fat" or "The photographer did not do you justice".. Comments like this are certainly lacking in forethought and courtesy. Nobody wants to hear (whether it is true or not) that something stinks about an image, but it's easier to get your point across by being considerate. "This sucks" May 15 05 11:05 pm Link Just like it is rude to yell at someone or chide them in public, I find it rude to find fault with someones work/style etc. publicly. If you feel absolutely complelled to tell someone something negative about their work (keeping in mind that it most likely will achieve nothing but anger in them), do it to them in a private message. I personally prefer being told that there are things that would make my modelling or photographs"even better" than just being told I "suck". There is no point to that. May 16 05 12:15 am Link Posted by eric: I would more than welcome the criticism, it lets me know what i need to change for next time, constructive criticism is a good thing for me , I admit sometimes it may hurt but it makes me stronger May 16 05 01:17 am Link Although it would suck to have someone tell you that you look "fat" or "ugly" in a photo, I personally feel that it would suck even more if you went on thinking it was a good photo if it wasn't. I appreciate CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. It's helps me know what photos to quit posting! May 16 05 01:28 am Link I am pretty thick skinned, it is funny we mention this in a forum. I have been told that I need to lose weight, I have been told that I have a tummy, I have been told what I have to eat...yeah sounds funny doesn't it..it is. Because...I am a mother of two kids, I DON'T need to lose weight, Models come in a variety of sizes, weight and looks. And no one needs to tell me what I can or cannot do. I have had LOTS of good remarks too, but it is always a difference in opinion and what that person is looking for. I think that if someone is going to give constructive criticism, I think it should be given in a decent manner not come right out and be rude about it. Obviously some people have lost their manners in today's society. You can get the point across without being down right rude and obnoxious about it. It does help people to give some constructive criticism, and for those who do and are not rude about it, that is very much appreciated by all models I am sure. Models and Photographers have to have thick skin in this industry. There are too many different opinions out there...and like people...a variety of differences. McKenzie May 16 05 01:37 am Link Posted by McKenzie: This is also very well said, McKenzie. Perhaps it's simple laziness or it's the way today's society has inculcated people to behave, even though it takes more time and effort to craft a nicely worded constructive criticism than it does to ridicule and insult someone...it doesn't take that much more time. A question of desire and personality. May 16 05 01:44 am Link Posted by Matthew Grogan: Posted by McKenzie: This is also very well said, McKenzie. Perhaps it's simple laziness or it's the way today's society has inculcated people to behave, even though it takes more time and effort to craft a nicely worded constructive criticism than it does to ridicule and insult someone...it doesn't take that much more time. A question of desire and personality. Very true, that is exactly what I am talking about. If your going to criticize...do it without the ridicule and insult. It is already going to be difficult to swallow with some people as it is...why make it worse. If it is suppose to help someone, you want to come across in a helpful way, but yet be honest. May 16 05 01:50 am Link I know people that think Swimwear is porn.... like the one piece style... I think people are just afraid of sexuality... Posted by Hugh Jorgen: May 16 05 01:57 am Link I would LOVE constructive criticism on my pics as much as positive. Thats the only way to improve. However I think leaving things like 'your fat' or ugly are ucalled for as theres not a lot I could do to change that! I often leave criticism but i'll put a good point and a point for improvemnt and I only comment on peoples work i like but feel with a little bit of something would be even better, if i just don't see anything good about an image I don't comment. I have had photographers get really offended before but i guess i do it cause i'm happy for it to be done to me. May 16 05 02:27 am Link Posted by Brent Burzycki: Posted by Hugh Jorgen: So true, you never know what someone will find distasteful...some of the photos my sister doesn't like I love but then she loved that pic of me wearing nothing but diamonds. Go figure. Maybe she just felt it was a classier image because of the fur and the diamonds...whereas when I'm pulling my pants down in front of a men's bathroom on the side of the Sonora Pass, well maybe that isn't so classy. May 16 05 02:38 am Link Posted by Chanti: Posted by Jeff Bowlin: LoL. wow, i just realized i post a WHOLE lot. I must be really bored. ::::Reese hollers:::: May 16 05 07:10 am Link Well I guess Im going to disagree with almost every poster here. Never underestimate how helpful a brutal in your face critique can be. Nobody wants to hear it but some people need to hear it. The truth is often unpleasant and this is not an industry for the meek. Those who cant take a verbal shot to the solar plexus should not consider a career in the modeling industry. Oh yes the advertising world for photographers can be just as tough. That said, if theyre not in the business, take there advice with a huge grain of salt. There is a big difference between someone just insulting you and someone who is qualified to give an industry standard reply. If there work is truly industry level, than be glad that they critique your work, even if it is harsh. Unwarranted complements do nothing to further a prospective models career. I mean if all you want to do is play at being a model fine. But if your aspirations are to be an honest to God working model or photographer then your work must come under the most sever scrutiny to survive. Being mediocre will not cut it in this business. Neither will touchy feely feel-goodism. Personally if Eric gave someone a harsh critique that person should thank him that he took the time to let him or her have an assessment of their work form his experience. In the real world people pay damn good money to get that kind of feedback. If an industry qualified person gives you feed back, cherish it no mater how hard it is to swallow. May 16 05 07:13 am Link I like this line in a Macy Gray song....Your role model is in theropy. Truth is you have to remove yourself from such things or this industry will drive you insane. Sometimes you can build from hearing comments, as to what not to do in a image or maybe I should of not worn that outfit.....does it really make my butt look big. These are issues even the photographers have, so don't think lots is mean spirit in others souls.....for it's not the thickness of the skin, but relating things as an artist as means to growth......if the wolf crys help over and over again...do you keep running to his aid.....learn what it is about yourself and take pride in it. May 16 05 07:20 am Link If you cant say something good, shut up. Well, there are times that do call for constructive criticism. Thats what it should be; positive, constructive, and, usually, private. Ive seen a lot of work I dont like (especially on the Internet). Unless Im called on to critique that work Ill keep silent. Im a coward? No! It just may be I have a differing opinion that probably is better kept to my self. I am a member of a group that has the sole function of critiquing members photographs; professionals advising professionals. Really, thats a tough assignment. Try to find ways to improve a perfect photograph. The alternative is to state why it is such a fine photograph. Im reminded of a photographer friend that criticized some of my work. Eventually he started to do very similar work, and does it extremely well. One thing Ive found about top photographers is theyre often their toughest critics. Others, however, should never be their own curator. Ive also been criticized by people who have little or no artistic or even compositional sense, and even less experience. These people will get my dander up. I have to then remember my cardiac surgeon doesnt like me to raise my blood pressure. He has all the business he needs and, esides, I'm not rich. May 16 05 07:21 am Link I appreciate any constructive criticism on anything I do. I don't think you can grow or become better without it. I would much rather someone be honest with me to help me improve then someone that just wants to sugar coat it and me not grow from the shoot. Just my two cents:) May 16 05 08:00 am Link I agree that constructive critizism is what helps us get better....I appreciate all comments. Now If your commenting on a models port the comments should help the model improve- Ex: This pose is flattering, try a different expression Etc... and if your commenting on a photographers port the comments should help them.... And for the record I have 2 comments on my port - Hot, and Beautiful....Nice to hear but they don't help me improve... I am a firm believer that there is always room for improvement.... Just my 2 cents..... May 16 05 11:17 am Link Posted by Dan Hood: I agree with ALL of this. If it's not just trolling and are some honest words from someone in industry, it's useful to me no matter how gentle or harsh it is. People who are overly sensitive make it that much more difficult for those of us who are serious about improving to get an honest critique from people. I've received numerous pats on the back on various forums but they don't do anything to help me and I'm sure at least half of them are just "being nice." I really wish that those who are just playing at being models would stop inviting critique an then freaking out about it so that people would not have to worry about being so sensitive to others. May 16 05 11:51 am Link If it`s a constructive professional critic then I appreciate it.....I can build on that and try to improve myself as a photographer, (I will improve my style till I die) I guess I have medium/hard thickness to my skin, things still bother me when it`s for good reason, that`s just the sensitive artists blood in me But, as for negative comments when it`s just a "stab" at me or one my models, you can go hang yourself............ May 16 05 12:03 pm Link Posted by KoolGirlieStuff: :::Reese pulls out notebook and pencil from her Dick Tracy Trench coat::: May 16 05 01:42 pm Link If the comment is phrased in a respectful manner with seemingly good and helpful intentions, then cool. Although I don't really see the point of going around the site leaving constructive criticism when people haven't requested it per se- such as the critique section on musecube. If someone simply thinks I look fat or ugly, frankly I could care less.It's not that I would feel offended, I just don't care. May 16 05 07:22 pm Link as for me, my skin is hair thin so stop yelling at me (i write this while curle up crying in the couner with all the lights off) May 16 05 07:27 pm Link Posted by Lapis: I like your approach. I try to only leave positive comments on an image. If I feel I MUST say something, even if it's honestly felt constructive criticism, I'll say so in private. May 16 05 07:55 pm Link As a photographer I don't critique the images too much, I just don't use models that can't deliver. It is clear when a model knows what they are doing. This is often difficult to tell in a model's book. But if you can't take a good critique, youre in the wrong business- model, photographer whatever. Its how the creative industry works. May 16 05 08:14 pm Link If it's from a pro, there would be no way that I could take their criticism in a negative way. They are trying to help me out. I should be thanking them. Now, if it's from some GWC or an amature photographer making comments that sound like he's talking out his ass, then I will reply in a way I see fit and give them criticism of my own. May 16 05 08:14 pm Link Posted by Dan Hood: I found myself in this situation at least a few times ...what's more valuable to me? ...An unknown fashion photographer living in another State giving me harsh opinions about my work and belittling my experience over the Internet, or the nod of approval from a well known Magazine Editor / Chief Photographer who lives in my State who acknowledges my work and appreciates the effort it took? May 16 05 08:25 pm Link Posted by Joe K. Perez: That's a pretty sound train of thought in my opinion. May 16 05 08:52 pm Link Posted by Joe K. Perez: Posted by Dan Hood: I found myself in this situation at least a few times ...what's more valuable to me? ...An unknown fashion photographer living in another State giving me harsh opinions about my work and belittling my experience over the Internet, or the nod of approval from a well known Magazine Editor / Chief Photographer who lives in my State who acknowledges my work and appreciates the effort it took? Precisely. Example: I met with a photographer with whom I'd never worked, in order to review each other's work and come up with ideas for our shoot. He immediately zeroed in on another photographer's shot- it was one where I was wearing my changing robe, that had been taken spontaneously- and I'm quite fond of it for that reason. Rather than simply leave the criticism at "I would have had you pull your hair back for that shot", he spent the rest of the meeting muttering "I don't know what he thought he was doing" and "I'm going to show you how that shot SHOULD have been done". That sort of commentary has no place in a meeting, in my opinion. It was unprofessional. May 17 05 06:02 pm Link No - that is totally classy..... just depends on who is in the mens room... Posted by DreamPretty: May 17 05 06:13 pm Link As a photographer.. Only until she personally says to me, "I want your crituque/opinion." then I will say how I feel, but it usually isn't about her body type (I have fat days, and bad hairs days too!!!). Most of the bad photographs I see are the result of the photographer and not the model. A mua emailed me some images from an agency test and she wanted my opinion and told me not to hold back so.. I provided a detailed critique about what was wrong with the images, but I expressed my first impression which was.. I told her the fashion stylist needed to be fired and it appeared like the stylist was on another planet. Although the agency model had a really strong look and was exceptional, she looked lost and didn't connect with the shooter. I did mention that the image may be suited for her market, but I didn't like any of the images. I personally don't like critiques from people on the internet because I lose the verbal (tone of voice, facial expression, aura, etc) and non-verbal (facial expression, body language) associated with sitting down with someone and talking with them. E May 18 05 01:20 am Link |
