[Leica] Re. PAW -- Criticism or Stroking?

[Carl Pultz <cpultz@earthlink.net>]

Folks,

These mail lists are like a crowded room at a convention. There are a bunch 
of people who've been in the club for a long time and have developed 
relationships. They know each other's tastes and strengths or weaknesses, 
sensitivities maybe, and present their criticisms and encouragements 
accordingly.

Some of we newcomers are not so hip, so we stand in the corners awhile 
getting to know who's who, trolling for gurus. Maybe find a few sympathetic 
folks who share your interests or attitude about picture making. Or maybe 
somebody comes forward who's aesthetics are totally different, but they 
still like what they see in your work, or recognize a latent ability that 
can be encouraged. Or, maybe you're just not yet practiced enough 
technically or visually to benefit from criticism.

What I like about this forum is that aspect of becoming familiar with the 
members and their photography. If someone says something about my work, I 
have an idea of where he's coming from, and that's invaluable to 
understanding criticism.

I do think some of the members are devoted to the classic "Leica" traits - 
sharp, full scale, people pictures, decisive moments, B&W, bokeh. Others 
are broader in their outlooks or more sympathetic to stuff that has other 
concerns.

I'm on week 20 now, and it has been a good exercise, even when there is no 
response from the LUG. I play loose with the rules. Photos aren't always 
taken the previous week. I like to group photos to tell a story somehow or 
to explore visual/subject interrelationships, and often wait until I have 
the shots I need and a little essay falls into place. It's the idea that a 
lone "great" photo isn't all the medium is about. A series of decent, 
informative shots can, when artfully put together, say more than the one 
masterpiece.

I'm always serious about the PAW, even when the photos are light-hearted; 
always trying to find ways to say something, admittedly at the risk of 
being pretentious or totally failing, and always hope for a response, 
negative or whatever. I think everybody who posts is serious in their own 
way. To others, I only offer criticism if I think I have something 
constructive to say or if the work deserves a "wow" and no one else has 
said it yet.

This is a really good thread, and thanks for all the thoughtful discussion 
- - Per Claesson's contribution
particularly - and the sillyness, too.

Carl

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