To the TS, allow me to make some comments
#1
Frankly I prefer your image to those "technically and politically correct" images that one sees in this subforum. I find those images that your critics like to be absolutely boring and "soul-less". This image has the same distortion as "Shower accident" (actually SA has more distortion). But everybody loves that image. Why not this? I have my opinion on why they like SA, but not this one. Give a thought on this and make your own conclusions.
#2
You do not have to seriously take into account the opinions that were in CS (Of course this include mine!). In my opinion, much of what were said were nothing but regurgitation of vomitus from those of the same feathers. Listen to all, but BE SELECTIVE about what were said. To be unselective is to show one to be a fool. There are just too many "those who know not they know not, but pretend to know a lot, and then confuse others who really know not with their know-nots".
Frankly, in trying to have your own voice, you should be worried if many like your images.
BE SELECTIVE! BE HIGHLY SELECTIVE!
I laugh at what were offered as "critiques". What a load of bull! There are people who think they are trying to "educate" others (but I know of one who also made very acid remarks here who spoke against another member when that member talk about "educating" younger members). I will not question their motives. But you think ANY CS member has what it takes to "educate" another?
Anyone can offer their opinion on an image. But anyone can educate another?
#3
I assume you are a relative "newbie". Actually, in "studio" work, I think you already know more than me! But let me say something about "learning".
The traditional way is "to know the basics" - what some people also paraphrased as "learn to walk before one learns to run". This is a valid approach to learning photography ( and other things such as kung-fu!)
However, there are other approaches to learning. One such approach is to "run before walking". Impossible? Well from the perspective of using the human baby as an example, it is impossible. But why not chose the foal as an example? Anyway, we are digressing.
It is the true ignoramuses who insist that one must "learn to walk before one runs". Let me assure you that there are teachers (not half-baked photographers in CS) which did just the opposite! Teaching the students to learn to express right from the beginning, and only offering technical assistance when such technical issues are required. Meaning, learn to swim when you are in the water. No need to learn the basics of water dynamics and muscle kinesiology before you jump into the pool.
I will warn you that if you are not selective about whom you take advice from, you will make images like everybody else. Unless you are one very special individual, you WILL make images like everybody else - technically and politically correct. You will be welcomed into their community because you make images like them. In other words, you have become a clone.
Do not believe me? Just look at the images in this subforum.
#4
You mentioned that you have different opinions of depicting ideas. This is great! This is excellent! Do not lose this at any cost even if this means gettiing ridiculed from a thousand quarters!
But of course, no image is perfect. And you will always find faults with any image.
The important thing is that YOU should like your image. Be your own most severe ctitic. Look intently at your image again and again. At different times of the day. When you are tired. When you are depressed. When you are happy etc. See how your emotion and your mind react to the image. Make your images from your heart. Use only your mind when analysing your image.
Obviously, I am not interested in those and their images who insist on total control -meaning the mind comes into play at full force at the time of making the image. (well there are exceptions to this - but the exceptions are not in CS - these exceptions are people who are true artists, with a strong ability to write great stories photographically).
With exceptions, most of these images (made with the mind at full and total control) are sterile. Make them if you wish to make images like these.
So, better prepare a pair of sunglasses next time:bsmilie:
