Some time ago I entered a photograph of mine into the Wellington Photographic Society Digital Projection competition. I never expected in a million years to win but wanted to use the chance to get it critiqued. There were around 100 images in the competition so I sat for almost an hour listening to the Head of Photography at Massey University talking about other people’s pictures eagerly awaiting what he might say about mine.
When my turn came the moment passed in such a flash I can still barely remember what he said.  I do know it was something nice about the reflections but otherwise my ears seemed to shut down and I had stopped breathing for a moment. Luckily the room was dark and noone could see my cheeks burning. Given this experience I was not relishing the critiques on my photography course even though they are much more informal and just a handful of friendly folk.
We’ve had two assignments to complete – one was a photo documentary and the other portraits. The photo documentary had to be of a mundane thing that was repetitive but something that could have the story told in 6 images. Images submitted had to be converted to black and white but otherwise no fancy processing required.
It didn’t take much thinking to use a basset walk as my story. From the 52 images I submitted for critique 6 pictures were chosen for the final edit.. People said nice things about the photographs but also gave me feedback on those that didn’t work so well. When I looked through them all again afterward it was clear to me what people were saying and I’ve learned a lot from the critique.
Here’s the story – regular readers might find this familiar territory. Although I do too I can see how these pictures were selected as better than others. Would be interested to know what you think.
I love the story these beautiful photographs tell. Words pop instantly into my head as I look at them. They would make a wonderful children’s book.
‘Time for a walk brother, looks like we’re following this route today.’
‘Signs are for people, we follow our noses.’
‘Mmm, good scent here ‘ole chap, what say we take this trail?’
‘Right o, let’s go.’
‘Come along slow coach!’
‘I’m coming… Pah! My brother always has to be the leader, what’s wrong with taking ones time to admire the view.’
‘Ah, home sweet home, no place like it!’
‘What do you reckon’s on the menu for dinner ‘ole chap?’
‘Same as usual I expect, on the dot at 5.00pm’
‘Time for a pre-dinner nap then.’
This group of photographs are wonderful. I had forgotten the different atmosphere that can be obtained with black and white photos. Well done. Sarah’s story is so amusing also.
Well, I don’t know the first thing about photography, but the second photo particularly grabbed me – it would make a lovely print.
ok, here goes…I’m not an expert but I did have 2 years of photography in High School and 1 in college (as well as a half dozen or so graphic art and design classes) that was all old school before digital anything, and all B&W
#1 love it, wouldn’t change a thing
#2 I like it with the exception of the bushes on the right above the path, they need more contrast and definition, as they are right now they just wash out. Most people would just crop that part out rather than correct it, make the image more square. But the crop is good, the subject doesn’t have to be dead center all the time. so other than bringing a little definition to those high grasses and foliage, it’s great
#3 the foreground, to me, is a little to white, it almost looks like ash, which is hard not to avoid when you’re dealing with B&W, which is nothing more than a zillion shades of grey
#4 is great, love it, I would be tempted to crop it vertically, to give the path length, but that would be to typical, so it works great the way you did it
#5 is just lovely and warm
#6 the image is great, try it with the cropping just a bit different, keep the size the same but move the whole image up just a bit
Now all that being said, they are all outstanding images. Please do not get me wrong, you are well ahead of your average bloke and you are taking good quality photographs and capturing wonderful images which is why I come back all the time. The thing about art is, and photography is an art, it can be interpreted so many ways. Just cause I see something I like or would change doesn’t mean the next person sees it the same way. I know, as an artist I have done some pieces that I thought were great, and surely people would like and buy, and as it turns out, I couldn’t give it away. Yet I go to throw something out because I think it’s ugly and someone wants to give me money for it.
What I’m trying to say is, don’t listen to me. if you like it, that’s all that matters 😉