 - Carol Engstrom  Contact Carol Engstrom Carol Engstrom's Gallery |
How Do You Evaluate Your Work? Do you have any suggestions for objectively evaluating the quality of your photographs? I have a goal to be able to sell some of my photos in a national market, but don't know whether I am dreaming or not. I love taking different types of pictures. I have taken some college classes, and have taken lots and lots of pictures--some of which I think are really good. I do not have a lot of fancy equipment, or use lots of filters etc. Most of the time I use 100 or 200 speed slide film--35mm. I'm also learning to love my digital camera. I have sold my work locally and do well in local shows, but have not moved beyond that point yet. Any suggestions?
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
Well, as far as how to objectively evaluate your photos, take a look at photos already being published in the areas you like. How do your's compare? Beyond that, find a mentor. Someone who can look at your work for you and give you honest critiques.
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John A. Lind |
Carol, Some additional suggestions: (a) Be your own worst critic, but to yourelf, not publicly. At the same time remind yourself the reason is to continue striving for improvement. (b) Think in terms of "making" photographs. This implies a purpose for each one. Make every picture tell a story about its subject. This can be very simple or very complex. Think also about who its intended audience is, and tailor it in composition so that audience can easily "connect" with your message. This also implies mentally visualizing the finished photograph you will make before starting to make it. (c) Evaluate what your work on two levels. The first is how well it was technically executed; whether or not you achieved your mental visualization (focus, exposure, depth of field, eliminating camera shake, perspective, etc.). The second is how well it conveys the desired message to its intended audience.
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- Carol Engstrom Contact Carol Engstrom Carol Engstrom's Gallery |
Thanks for your imput Jeff and John. I appreciate you taking the time to respond and will follow your suggestions.
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- Carol Engstrom Contact Carol Engstrom Carol Engstrom's Gallery |
P.S. Nice gallery John.
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John A. Lind |
Thank you! :-)
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James R. Glidewell |
Another idea. Join a local photography club that has regular photo contests. I just joined one that has a contest each month and you quickly see how your photos compare to everyone else.
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- Carol Engstrom Contact Carol Engstrom Carol Engstrom's Gallery |
Good suggestion James. I have done that and am really enjoying it.
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