Climbing in Shadows
01.29.08
Climbing in Shadows, originally uploaded by Sheba Wheeler.
Since joining Flickr, I knew I would get a great deal out of it — from networking to discovering new ways to capture images. What I didn’t realize is that posting my pictures on Flickr would also teach me how to take criticism and learn how to give it.
Whenever artists put their work out for display, it’s very hard to separate yourself from your art. Any nitpicking may seem like a personal attack, and anybody who knows me knows I have a devil of a time not taking things personally. But we need to relax: it isn’t always about us. It can beneficial to separate the negative naysayers from the people who actually have good suggestions that can better your work.
I use this image as an example. I posted “Climbing in Shadows” into several groups on Flickr. I find it interesting how someone can say they hate an image while someone else will say it’s fabulous, as it turned out with this pic. Is it underexposed or does the intentional darkness of the shot create an emotion? Does it work or not?
I get more out of groups such as “Life Thru a Lenz,” because it requires members to comment on photos in their pool. Knowing what you like and don’t like and being able to express it can show you what to aim for in your own photography or what pitfalls to sidestep. Graciously give no matter what you get and be sensitive when critiquing others. I think the writer of this article is right on, plus she explains why some people are going to be jerks no matter what anyway.
Taking criticism can also teach you to stand up for your own artistic integrity. Here’s my response: I intentionally took this shot of the climber while he was warming up inside a cave. I like the play of light on his body and the darkness reminds me of how solitary this particular sport is.
What do you think? I can take it…well, at least I’m working on it! 