Dave is a talented photographer whose images have appeared in the pages of many photographic publications, and although he specialises in photographing motor vehicles and other manmade objects, he is also an accomplished landscape and nature photographer.
Members of the club had been invited to submit up to 3 images anonymously to a nominated adjudicator who stripped all data from the image which may identify the photographer before submitting them to Dave for his consideration.
Before he began, Dave reiterated that the purpose of a critique is to give an honest, disciplined and systematic analysis of an image, and should not to be confused with a criticism.
The images offered turned out to be a real mixed bag including a bird’s eye view of a fountain, still life, land/sea/cityscapes, night shots and portraiture.
Dave began the discussion on each image with his initial thoughts on the subject matter, composition and where appropriate, the processing of the image.
He then moved on to discussing the image with the photographer and the audience, exchanging ideas and views on how alternative camera settings, processing, cropping and colour can change or improve the final image. Where appropriate, he ustilised Photoshop to demonstrate his views and ideas. It is no small testament the Dave’s ability and communication skills that no-one took exception to his views, however that did not prevent some friendly, albeit lively debate around certain aspects.
All in all, another successful evening demonstrated by the high attendance and the appreciation shown at the meeting’s close.
The success of Dave’s critique can, I feel be judged by the fact that at the end of the night, everyone present, including Dave, agreed that apart from thoroughly enjoying themselves, they had learned something from the event.
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