You should let them discuss matters, but make an effort to keep the discussion focused on the departure point.
On 16/07/07, karl shah-jenner <shahjen@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Alan:
I agree Mario,
Excluding some kind of a purely technical course, how or why would anyone want to talk about photography and leave out the aesthetic critique? A critique isn't about expressing likes or dislikes or taste. Part of teaching anything is to learn to use the language - jargon, if you like, of the subject. Photography for most people is an expressive avocation requiring a fluent visual language.
AZ
ah.. I taught in a diploma of science course not an art course ;)
I also saw a tendency for criticism or debate on aesthetic beyond guidance led students to strive to please the teacher rather than pursuing their own agenda. Though on the other hand this might be a good thing in guiding students to pleasing potential future commercial customers.. if that was their goal
Mario
3. Avoid criticizing aesthetics - just because the image doesn't work for me means nothing. My experiences in life aren't the same as them and their view of the world is as legitimate as mine - stick to critiquing the technique.
It's safer that way, but i believe in criticizing (in a soft way, asking questions, never antagonizing) as a way to make people to think diferently.
--
Mário Pires
retorta@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.retorta.net
http://esteticafotografica.net
