Herschel,
There are two definitions for the word. The only one I have in mind is the second: "evaluate." A critique of work one uses in a class has nothing to do with being severely judgmental. One would presume (hope!) the instructor's opinion is informed, respected, and eagerly sought after! Once ground rules are understood the instructor doesn't have to timidly tipy-toe around delicate feelings. It is simply about learning to talk about a picture in a way other than its technical success or shortcomings. Look at it this way - a commercial photographer should have an advantage if they can communicate better with their customers and employees.
AZ
AZ
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [SPAM] criticism and teaching
From: Herschel Mair <herschelmair@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, July 16, 2007 2:41 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Criticism is like a razor. One slip and you've lost a photographer. It's responsible for more creative casualties than anything I know.Especially that double edged cut-throat cunningly named "CONSTRUCTIVE" criticism.....Constructive encouragement is more likely to bring out the best in a person.As teachers, if we want our students to grow the seed of creative power within themselves, we can only inform, nurture, encourage and support. They'll learn that what they see is not only valid but special, unique.They will come asking for the technical stuff soon enough. You can't work with all those dials and numbers and not get curious.We are not short of Ansels or Henris or any of the Westons.. God knows one of each is a sufficiency in this world. "Enough is as good as a feast"I especially don't want another Herschel Mair out there.Creativity is like a wild but very timid animal hiding in a dark cave. We need to lure it out into the light with tenderness, care and caution. One wrong move and it'll dart back in and never come outa there.herschel
Herschel Mair
Head of the Department of Photography,Higher College of Technology
Muscat
Sultanate of OmanAdobe Certified instructor+ (986) 99899 673
Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos & more.
