I can respect both points of view here. On the one hand, Shyrell indicates that singling out an image isn't exactly consistent with the concept of community, and some might feel slighted (though, there's been a couple gallery reviews I would have preferred to have been left out of!). On the other, Robert has every right to provide thoughtful comment on any number of images, and he certainly shouldn't have to defend a positive contribution to this forum that we could all benefit from.
From a pragmatist's perspective, for the professional, if your image isn't recognized by others, perhaps this is an opportunity for reflection. As a former radio dj, there is no louder message than dead air.
"somewhere between zero and one...everything else is exaggeration" - Anonymous
From: Robert Earnest <robert@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students <photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2008 12:25:20 PM
Subject: Gallery?
>From: Shyrell Melara <shyrellmelara@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: Re: Gallery
>I'm sure you meant this for Emily privately.
Why? Do you think I would only praise Em's work in private?
Do you think the review was too personal?
I don't just look at photographs. I eat them. Photographs are food for me.
And much like shopping for dinner, I am picky about what I eat.
That is why I don't review the gallery very often. I don't often see
anything that I care to consume. To let it become part of me. If I were to
compare photographs to wines, sometimes I can be drawn to a vintage because
I know the history of the vineyard. Such as the case of Chris's photograph
of his mother. I have a bit of history with this photographer and because of
that feel like I might have an insight as to the forces that weighed on his
finger as he pushed the shutter. And I have tremendous respect for those
forces and feel them to be a very positive thing in his case.
Everyone brings their own issues to the table when they view a photo. The
collision of all your life experiences blending with the intrusion onto the
back of your eyeball of a new visual/virtual experience creates something
new in the world. Sometimes that collision can effect growth, sometimes
decay. Sometimes 18% grey.
r
