Critique Forums – A Great Way To Improve Our Photography

A comment by Neil Rossmiller on yesterday’s blog post reminded me of my years of active participation in a nature photography critique forum and how much I learned while I was there. Since I often have folks ask me how they can improve their photography I thought the subject was worthy of some discussion.

When I first started attempting to photograph birds my images were truly pathetic and I knew it. In desperation I joined Nature Photographer’s Network in March of 2007. NPN is a critique forum and I knew I needed help but I was shy and my ego was fragile and it took a long time for me to work up the courage to make my first post but eventually I did – an American Goldfinch image that was one of my best, which isn’t saying much. But a friendly reception and some helpful critique on that first image inspired me to continue to post on NPN and I stayed very active there for almost 6 years.

It didn’t take long for my photography to improve dramatically, largely due to the generous advice and critique of many NPN members. Once the veterans there figure out that you’re serious about your photography, that you pay attention and learn from advice and don’t continue to repeat the same old mistakes, that you’re willing to take your lumps, that you’re honest and don’t try to deceive and that you’re not just a “taker” but comment often and meaningfully on the posts of others – then they’re generous with their valuable advice. And I do mean valuable. Many photographers charge big bucks in workshops for the education I received for free. Part of the reason I stayed at NPN for as long as I did was to try to pay it back with my own advice and critique once I thought I had gained some competency.

I can’t say enough about how valuable my experience at NPN was. To be sure there were some conflicts and heated differences of opinion and there’s always a few jerks (very few in this case) in a community like that but without NPN and some of its members I’m confident that I’d have eventually given up bird photography out of sheer frustration. When I tackle something I like to do it well but I was going nowhere until I took the NPN plunge. There are other nature/bird photography critique forums out there but I always preferred NPN.

 

northern harrier 2978 ron dudley1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM, not baited, set up or called in

I photographed this Northern Harrier in flight in early 2010 – a little over three years after joining NPN. It took me several years to even attempt birds in flight – hell, at first I couldn’t even get perched birds very sharp and didn’t understand the importance/significance of eye contact, catch lights, composition, bokeh, head turns, wing position, long lens technique and a host of other things that factor into the appeal of an image. And then there was processing – sharpening in particular, but other things too. All that, at least in part, I learned on NPN.

When I posted this Northern Harrier image on NPN it received many positive comments (including one from Neil Rossmiller) and I was so very proud – not so much for the public recognition but because I was able to do something difficult and do it well. And that gave me a lot of personal satisfaction. Still does, when I can do it…

I became inactive on NPN partly because of philosophical differences related to ethics and guideline enforcement I had with administration. Since that time those issues have apparently been addressed but in the interim I began blogging which leaves me no time for a critique forum and I regret that because I miss NPN and I certainly have more to learn. And hopefully to offer.

But I believe that a critique forum is certainly a viable option for anyone interested in improving their photography and in my experience NPN was one of the best. Without NPN I’d likely be collecting stamps today in my retirement instead of photographing birds…

Ron

 

24 Comments

  1. Ron, my very sincere thanks for the plug! I believe you truly hit the nail on the head – to learn takes time and a willingness to be critical of your own work.

    In a recent email exchange with a long time NPN member from California, I was sharing my observation that social media sites like FB have drawn away many who might otherwise participate on NPN. The lure of a huge audience, hundreds of instant views seem to take precedence over quality of display (FB really compresses files) and meaningful feedback. But as is so often the case, the instant gratification of countless “great shot” comments is a strong temptation and (I guess) becomes addicting after a while. While egos are boosted, rarely does anyone’s work progress in a meaningful way.

    It would be easy to throw in the towel after 15 years online and spend our “free time” doing something else. But after the tremendous investment placed into the site by members like you, IMO it would be a crime to just let it be washed away in the torrent of social media. We will never be able to compete with sites like FB in terms of sheer draw and views, but as long as people keep coming through the door, we will keep it open and offer an opportunity to interact with other photographers in a meaningful way.

    Thanks so much again for not only posting this, but for your participation and helping to make NPN the resource it is!

    • Hi Jim,

      NPN, and you, have earned the plug.

      You’re precisely right – FB and most (all?) other social sites are largely (though not entirely) for those who collect pats on the back for images that are all too often mediocre at best. Critique forums like NPN are places of learning and advancement for those interested in honing their skills and NPN is one of the best, largely thanks to your efforts but also because of the quality of your members and moderators.

      You and Donna have put an incredible amount of work and dedication into NPN over the years and it hasn’t been easy (at times I know I’ve added to your headaches). But the result has filled a much-needed niche that is very different and much more valuable than typical social media sites. Without overstating it I can honestly say that NPN had a huge positive impact on my retirement years. Thank you for that!

      So that others know, Jim Erhardt is the founder and owner of Nature Photographer’s Network (NPN).

  2. Shucks, I met Ron and Mia at NPN. We’ve become pretty good friends through that relationship. We’ve even done some awesome birding together over on their turf. One of my very best – and best-selling – photos was taken from the back seat of Ron’s truck.

    Like Ron, I was near-hopeless when I joined NPN. The folks who have generously helped me with my bird photography skills have been astonishing. There have been avian photographers who sell their work to National Geographic that have taken the time to critique my feeble efforts. For just $39 per year. Former Avian Forum moderator Bob Steele devoted a lot of time and patience to teaching me to properly sharpen images. Mia MacPherson taught me the importance and tricks to low-angle shots. Ron taught me everything I know about photography of birds in flight.

    And Ron is right when he says you learn as much from critiquing others’ work as the critiques you receive. “Paying it forward” pays off.

    If you are serious about nature photography, especially bird photography, NPN is on the short list of inexpensive, valuable resources.

    Jim DeWitt
    Frozen Feather Images

    • Well said, Jim.

      I remember Bob Steele taking the time to educate me about catch lights. And he did it in a very entertaining way which helped me engage and learn.

      I hope that we get to spend even more time together now that you and Nancy are moving from Alaska to Idaho. Compared to before we’ll then be almost next door neighbors.

  3. A good teacher (which you are) is always ready to learn. Which is also true of you. And to put in the hard yards. Again and again and again.
    The passion and commitment which you have for your subjects and the craft is so very generously shared. Another good teacher hallmark.
    Thank you.

  4. Dick Harlow: NPN is a subscription site. For full participation the cost is $39.00 per year. Anyone can view the images and read the critiques and comments for free, but posting images and comments comes at a cost.

    I also quit participating in NPN for awhile, Ron.( …but kept up with you and Mia through your blogs).

    My return to NPN has been fun knowing what I now know about the political nature of the internet and social sites in particular. Keeping all of that in perspective has made it much more enjoyable for me. Like Keith Bauer (avian moderator and mentor at NPN) said below “Paying it forward with participation” is the big” take away” for me. I’ve learned a lot and hopefully I’ve helped someone along the way and if you are going to the concert, it’s not that much more to sit in the front row. $39.00 for a front row seat at NPN is a bargainIMHO. I’m beginning to see a resurgence in participation at NPN and I hope it continues. Some extremely talented people have filtered through there over the years and I hope to see some return. I’ve gotten to know some good friends that I wouldn’t recognize on the street through NPN and I think many of your readers would enjoy the imagery they represent themselves by, especially the avian work.
    Thanks for posting this thread.
    NR

    • I couldn’t agree more, Neil – the membership fee is a bargain for what you can get out of it.

      Interestingly, I eventually realized that I learned almost as much by critiquing the images of others as I did when my own images were critiqued. That surprised me at first but when you think about it it makes sense.

  5. Bird photography has to be more satisfying that collecting stamps! Personally, I’d rather take bad photographs of anything than collect stamps. It’s hard hearing the truth about things you put a lot of yourself into, but being open to truth which is offered kindly is the path to the greatest rewards. In my experience that applies in all of life. I’m glad you stuck with bird photography, because your photographs bring me and a whole lot of others a lot of pleasure. Love this female Northern Harrier shot. She is gorgeous. Definitely one to be proud of.

    • “I’d rather take bad photographs of anything than collect stamps”

      So would I, Susan. I remember as a kid starting a stamp collection. Neither the collection, nor my interest, lasted long.

      Actually, enduring the critique didn’t turn out to be as hard on my ego as I thought it might be. Most folks at NPN did them tactfully and I quickly learned to not be quite so sensitive…

  6. Patty Chadwick

    I think critique forums are invaluable for progressing and improving whatever discipline or art, be it dance, sport, writing, painting, photography, or just about anything else. The comments, feedback, questions and suggestions, even mistakes, of self and others is priceless learning material. Unfortunately these forums take time which we don’t always have. They are almost a luxury item.

    • I agree, Patty – they do take time. But learning any new challenging skill takes time and I believe critique forums like NPN can actually reduce the time (and often the money) required to become competent.

  7. Charlotte Norton

    Sensational shot and what wonderful information! I had no idea there was such a forum. I can’t wait to try it.
    Charlotte Norton

  8. Hi Ron

    You are right on the money about NPN. All people have to do is be willing to listen and accept critiques, and pay it forward with participation.
    We would sure love to have you back participating and sharing your excellent work.

    Keith.

    • Thank you, Keith.

      For the info of others, Keith is one of the Avian Moderators at NPN and has been for some time. He’s one of the strongest assets of the forum IMO and has done a top-notch job as moderator for years now. He’s fought some good fights and has my respect and admiration as a moderator and as an excellent photographer.

      You can get to know Keith better here if you’re interested. http://www.naturephotographers.net/staff/kbauer.html

  9. Thanks for all that you taught me on NPN, Ron. Not only was NPN a great place to learn, it was also a great place to be inspired by the incredible work that was shown there. It was amazing to me as a new wildlife photographer to be able to get such quality, constructive advice from such amazing photographers. I too would be nowhere without it–and in particular, without folks like you and Mia and Rich. I’ve been lucky to have such great role models–and to have the chance to develop friendships with them too.

    Congrats on the blog milestone, and I hope I’ll see you again sometime this winter!

    • One of the side benefits of NPN membership for me Brian was all the good friends I developed there and you’re definitely one of them. I always look forward to visiting with you on your trips up here!

  10. Sharon Constant

    Beautiful image, Ron. It’s nice to hear that NPN is a good critique forum.

  11. Just checked the NPN network. To be a member for 1 year it costs $39.00. Am I in the right spot? Not opposed to paying the $39.00, but thought this was a free subscription. I’m sure that there are so many photographers today they couldn’t take care of everyone without charging something. Pretty inexpensive for good advice!

    • Yes, I think you’re in the right spot. If I remember correctly the annual membership fee used to be $50 so it’s come down. Seems very reasonable to me, especially for what you can get out of the membership.

  12. Thank you Ron! This old guy is willing and wanting to learn new tricks! Much appreciate the advice.

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