Everyone asks for help… if not, they should.

Staring at a photo long enough will make the photo look perfect, or at least make you believe that’s what it should look like. Getting another person’s view on the photo is very important in advancing your skills and technique. Here are a few ideas to help you get the best critique you can get from a stranger.

1. Provide Your View – Explain in your online post (or opening dialogue) what you don’t like / or feel is right about the photo. If of course you think the photo is the best thing since slice bread, why ask for criticism.
2. Before / Afters – Provide both unedited and edited versions of the photo in question. This allows the viewer to see if something was changed / ‘messed up’ in the editing process. Of course no need to provide an after version if no editing has been done.
3. Be Open – Not everyone will like the photo. Not everyone will like the editing. Not everyone will like you.
4. Expect Real Criticism – Maybe your photo or editing is HORRID. I bet that 99%¹ of all feedback is truthful, minus the sarcastic ones. Also, depending on the venue, most of the feedback will be for your benefit. They are trying to help you… if you like what you hear or not! Being defensive will only push people away.
5. Private Message -If someone doesn’t make sense in their feedback or you want a more detailed explanation, feel free to contact them directly. Email them, private message them. It’s more likely they will reply with more details when they feel like they have your full attention instead of the chaos of an internet forum.

Footnote:
1. 23% of all statistics are made up on the spot.