Steadman Uhlich
This post is about the value of having an objective discussion of your photos. To many photographers, this is called a “critique.”
Unfortunately, most photographers never get a balanced or “true critique” of their photos.
Often, they depend on uninformed friends, or possibly on the internet photography forums (which may be biased, misleading, harsh, discouraging, and offer little in the way of helpful advice).
Through PhotoMentors, you can go beyond a poorly made critique, to something much more valuable and helpful. PhotoMentors can help you learn to improve dramatically and may transform your own perspective about your work (in a more positive manner) and in how an image critique can truly help you.
___________
Why do you want to have comments or a critique of your photographs?
Obviously, there could be many reasons why you want to get someone else to give you an honest critique of your image or work.
_________________________
Are you looking for praise?
Are you looking for ways to improve?
Are you looking for objective opinions?
Are you looking for confirmation of your own choices and direction?
Are you considering a possible career as a Professional photographer?
Are you preparing an important photo for exhibition or sale or portfolio marketing?
Are you unsure of which of several images is the “best one?”
Are you concerned that your current income as a professional photographer is not where it should be?
Are you really being honest with yourself as to why you want a critique?
_________________________
We all want to know…
“As photographers and artists, we all want to know how our work affects others.
We all want to know if it’s any good.
We all want to know, which is our best work.
We all want to know how others see our work and so we can use that to improve our work.”
Steadman Uhlich
_________
“It’s my Art.”
If you consider yourself an “Artist” then you will probably look for something besides just the market value of your work.
Your motivation may not include “making money.” You may really want to know if your images or work affects people. Does it mean anything to anyone else? does it make a difference? Does it say something? Does it move someone? We all want to know how others feel when they see our photos. This is entirely natural, if you are an artist, it may be the MOST important aspect of criticism or commentary from others.
_______
“It’s my Business.”
Of course, not everyone in photography considers themselves an artist or desires to be an “Artist.” For some photographers, the business of photography is “a business.” For them, the goal is to be a successful business owner.
If you don’t consider yourself an artist, your view may lean more to wondering how your skills can make you more money.
I understand that POV too.
So you might be wondering which style or what “look” is going to be most marketable, or easier to sell, or more likely to help you pay your bills.
But dealing with people you don’t know or complete strangers can be difficult. At some times, you may receive criticism from strangers. This can be very difficult for most people to accept. If the criticism is harsh or mysterious or personal or anonymous, it can cause resentment, and discourage photographers and artists.
One bit of advice you may hear is this: be able to defend your image and your choices. Be able to tell people how you made it and why you make it look the way it does. Be able to tell people what it means to you and what you see in it and what you feel.
On the other hand, it is very common for people to get defensive when their images or their artwork is criticized to any degree on the Internet.
Oddly enough, sometimes the critics snap back when their criticism or comments are questioned. To paraphrase one photographer, “Sometimes the critics themselves are more thin-skinned than the people who post the photos on a forum.”
“One of the key things you’ll have to confront in order to make progress as a photographer or artist, is whether you are truly willing to engage in an honest critique of your work.”
Steadman Uhlich
If you are willing to listen to others and gain something from their comments, it can be very beneficial to you and your growth.
Notice carefully that I use the word “can” when saying “can be beneficial.”
“The wrong kind of critique or criticism can be detrimental to some, discouraging to most, and useless to many.”
Steadman Uhlich
____________
That is why PhotoMentors has a different Way.
Our Way (or method) is based on the unique and proprietary approach taken by Steadman Uhlich. His approach is a more balanced view of photography critique and commentary. He calls it “The Balanced Critique.” Others call it “Steadman’s Way.”
Through PhotoMentors, you can have Steadman Uhlich give you a critique of a single image, several images, images from a recent photo session, or an entire portfolio review.
You can also have Steadman help you decide which image is the best from a set of images.
You can also have Steadman review your website images or discuss special images you may want to use in contests or self-promotion.
You will have to experience it yourself to understand that significant difference, a difference that makes “all the difference.”
It can transform the way you see your own photography and help you get more clarity on your own vision for your future.
To give you just a little bit of an idea of how Steadman’s Way of Critique has affected others in positive ways, take a look at the Testimonials page here on this site.
On that Testimonials page, you will find the verbatim written comments from over 200+ photographers who have seen the benefit and the difference in Steadman’s method and approach. Those comments were unsolicited remarks from people who saw the benefit as it applied to them even if the photos were not theirs.
Here are just a few quotes from those testimonials. We invite you to read the Testimonials Page because it may open your eyes to another dimension of what an Image Critique can be:
Testimonials from Photographers About Steadman Uhlich’s Image Critiques
“His thoughtful and well composed comments and critique are wonderful to read as well as being instructional and inspirational for many like me…”
“He provides positive and insightful critique to help others improve. He does it with a polite, caring and helpful attitude and imparts his vast knowledge of photography and technique.”
“I am always astounded by your awesome critiques.”
“Your critique is simply amazing.”
“Your thoughts are well organized, comments well written and advice given in the most non-offensive and constructive terms possible.”
_
But as you read those testimonials, remember that what they experienced is just a small aspect of what Steadman’s True Balanced Critique can really be.
They only saw one facet of what is possible.
You see, they only got a short critique via email or posted on a forum and without the benefit of some of the most important aspects of Steadman’s Way.
There is much more depth and much more value to a True Balanced Critique that is not revealed in a short, free, critique via a forum or email.
To see that difference Steadman’s Balanced Critique can make for you, you will just need to experience it for yourself.
It can be liberating, invigorating, stimulating, transformational, and inspirational. It may help you in ways you cannot anticipate now. It could make the difference in your success or satisfaction too. Call today to find out how Steadman can help you.
After reading this post, I suggest reading the following post that gives more information about the four different types of image critiques available and the key differences in a good balanced critique versus a False Positive critique or False Negative critique.
I strongly encourage you to read the additional page “Image Critique by Steadman Uhlich.”
Steadman Uhlich
________________
________________
The value Steadman Uhlich offers you.
My Role as Your Mentor
The most important thing I can do is inspire you to look at your photography differently and to challenge you to consider new ways of making photographs.
From this, you will find new creativity inside yourself and new inspirations in the world around you. When that happens, you will feel the Power of WOW as the world becomes a place full of creative possibilities. That is my ultimate goal.
Steadman Uhlich
_________
Insight is the Goal
One of the things I keep in mind when mentoring other people is my goal to make the lesson something that they “own” and understand fully. I want the mentee to understand the reasons and “see” it so clearly that it becomes something they will retain and value. This comes by sharing how I see their images or work and comparing how THEY see the work and THEIR vision. We discuss things. We compare their intent and their preliminary result (such as a raw image).
Then by use of questions the mentee will discover things for themselves. This may then be reinforced by examples and variations.
Choices are discussed.
Options uncovered.
Creativity unlocked.
The result is often an insight for the mentee.
In some cases this takes only a few minutes to “see” and understand a conceptual or visual difference, or to learn a new way of looking at the subject or a new technique.
In many cases this breakthrough can take just a few moments or even seconds!
When that “AHA!” moment occurs, it is stimulating and rewarding for both the mentee and the mentor. This shared discovery moment can be something that helps a photographer or artist break out of a box and make progress in fulfilling THEIR vision.
Steadman’s Simple Truths:
“Gear is easy to replace or change and can be changed in minutes.
Good habits take time and repetition to develop.
Bad habits can stick with you a lifetime IF they are not identified, recognized, and corrected.
Insights can make a difference in seconds!”
Steadman
___________
Wherever you are on the planet…
and whatever level of experience in photography you have,
you too may find my Six Minute Solution™able to help you with new insights and creative stimulation.
Steadman
____________
Is English a foreign language for you?
If English is not your native language, but is your second language, then you will find it much easier to communicate using my LiveVoice Dialog communication.
There is no need for you to worry about misspelled words or poor grammar or accent.
I will help you and you will find it easier to express yourself clearly.
If there are any questions, it is easier to get clarity because we will be talking in a dialog. If you ever need to ask me a question to clarify something you may not understand, it is very easy because we are in a dialog, with real-time live communication connecting us.
Hours of Availability that fit YOUR schedule around the globe!
You may also call within a wide window of hours. My Global Operating Hours are 9:00AM to 9:00PM (2100 hours) SEVEN Days a week. Those hours are based on Eastern Standard Time (New York City’s time zone).
I frequently speak with photographers living on the opposite side of the earth from me. It is not unusual nor is it inconvenient for me to speak with photographers in Japan, Australia, Pacific Islands, China, India, Europe, etc. I do this every week and even on weekends!
Don’t let long distances inhibit you from accessing the expertise that can help you improve your photography!
__________
Global Communications in English or Your Language (when possible)
What if English is not your first language?
What if your use of English is infrequent or limited?
What if you are not fluent in English?
What if your accent is strong?
You must speak some English.
You do NOT have to be fluent in English.
English does not have to be your first language and you do not need a perfect accent. You do NOT have to be fluent in English. (see the testimonial letter down below).
I have studied 12+ languages other than English (my native language). I truly enjoy speaking with people from other countries, other cultures, and those who speak other languages.
I am accustomed to communicating with people who are using English as a second language. I regularly communicate with people who are from: Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
I may be able to help you even IF your use of English is limited or IF you do not consider yourself fluent in speaking English.
Many people understand more English than they feel comfortable speaking. I understand that and why.
Many people who do NOT speak English frequently or fluently may feel inhibited about calling to speak using English.
Do not feel that way.
I am an expert in cross-cultural communication.
I can help you and will do my best to communicate effectively WITH you.
I may be able to help you by speaking to you in:
French
Spanish
Portuguese (Brazilian)
German
Dutch
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Swahili
Mandarin Chinese.
Swedish
Norwegian
Danish
Polish
Romanian
Catalan
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia coming soon)
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia coming soon)
So if you speak or understand one of those languages and some English or if you speak English fluently, we should talk!
I do not claim to be fluent in those languages (except English) and my accent in those languages may make you wince or laugh at times, but I may be able to tell you (while speaking in those languages) what I see that could be improved and how you could do it.
So, if you understand one of those ten languages OR English, you should be able to understand me and what I will be able to tell you about your photos. I will keep my comments simple and make Simple Suggestions™ you should be able to understand and apply.
__________________________
Please take three seconds now to tell others about this site. That will help us help and inspire more photographers.
Just click this share button below.
____________________________
Have you seen Steadman’s
Six Minute Solution™ yet?
You should. It could help you.
________________
Seven ways you can help other photographers and yourself too!
Have you heard of Karma? Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
Karma is the belief that all deeds can shape the past, present, and future experiences. In the West, this is sometimes expressed by the Christian concept of “you reap what you sow.” In short, do good to others and good may come to you. I truly believe that helping others helps not only them, but also ourselves in ways we often cannot anticipate. Each action of good you do, can make the world a nicer place. Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
1. Tell others about this site.
If you frequent photography forums and see a good opportunity to let people there know about this site, please do. Others who read your favorite forums or blogs may be looking for free lessons and inspiring photographs from which they can learn. Or they may be new to photography forum posting and need some guidance on how to learn more from getting critiques of their photos. Just direct them to www.photomentors.com.
This site is written to inspire photographers of all levels and help them have a better experience in photography.
We even have ten pages devoted to tips on how to have a better experience on a photography forum and those tips may help your favorite forum have better posts and more participation.
2. Please tell at least three of your friends in your community or social network about this site.
If you are on Facebook for example, you could tell your friends.They could be at any level of photography. Anybody who likes photography can benefit from the free lessons or from seeing the thousands of inspiring photographs from some of the world’s best photographers. PhotoMentors has things designed to be of interest to ALL levels of photographers from Beginners to Advanced Professionals.
3. Click on one of the social bookmarking links in this page and let others know about this post or page or this new site.
Tweet your friends. Tell others you DIGG this site. Tell your Facebook friends. Look in the right column of this page and almost all pages on the site for the link that says “SHARE” and click on it to go a pop up list of bookmarking links. It is easy and fast. Or you can send an email to a friend through that link too. Here is another link so you can bookmark this page right now in two clicks of your mouse in three seconds.
_____________
Please take three seconds now to tell others about this site. That will help us help and inspire more photographers.
Just click this share button below.
______________________
4. Add a link to PhotoMentors site to your blog or site.
Or write a post on your blog about what you saw on this site. Did you see a photo that inspired you when you viewed a Masters of Photography Gallery here? Did you learn something about a photographer you had not known about before? Tell others about the thousands of photos by Masters of Photography found here. Remember, our focus is on providing free access to all kinds of photographs and information that will inspire photographers of all levels.
5. Save yourself time while also helping other photographers.
In the future you might come across a newbie or someone new to photography. They may be looking for inspiring examples of great photography or they may want some guidance. This site may help them have a better experience with photography too. You won’t have to type much to help them, all you have to do is simply post a link to this site and that may solve their problem with a couple of clicks of your mouse. Simply tell them to look for the section on Free Lessons and Tips. That helps them, saves you time, and helps me help other photographer learn. So, that is a Win+ Win+ Win.
6. Subscribe to the PhotoMentors mailing list for our FREE Newsletter.
Why? First because the newsletter will be used to tell you about Special Opportunities that may be very valuable to you. Some opportunities may involve substantial discounts on things photographers use. These will be “un-advertised” exclusive offers that may be as much as 50% – 70% OFF retail. Other opportunities are related to activities that may be for publishing images and other opportunities to learn or participate. The more subscribers the newsletter has will help us negotiate special offers and discounts from vendors that can then be passed on to you our readers.
It will only take a moment to add your email to the list. Simply fill in the simple Subscribe Form found on the right column of all pages here on the site. Look in the lower right column. The newsletter will keep you informed when we have special offers and opportunities for our friends around the world. You will also learn about exclusive discounts and other nice things.
Don’t worry about receiving too many newsletters or emails from us. We only send out the newsletter infrequently, but when we do, there will be something of value in it for you. There will be many valuable and exclusive things coming in the future, including great opportunities for photographers, so don’t miss this easy way to hear about it first.
7. Look around this site. Soak it in. Imagine. Be inspired!
You might find something else that interests you or helps you. In 2011 I plan to have hundreds of pages of freely accessible educational content, and 5,000+ inspiring photos by Masters of Photography, and dozens of free educational videos.
I recommend seeing the Site Map (Table of Contents) so you can easily see the long list of articles, posts, and pages listed by topics.
If you would like to see if I can help you as a mentor, then just give me a call using the Skype button or the phone number at the bottom of each Page.
Finally, do what you can to help others post their photos and also get comments and have a good time doing so. That makes the world a nicer place and gives us all more nice photography to see on the net.
Thank you for your help.
Steadman
________________
Your First Introductory Call is free, but what you might learn later is priceless!™
If you have Skype, simply click on the “Call Me” button below to make a free Skype-to-Skype call. Before you do, make sure the top button says “I’m Online” and is green.
If you don’t have Skype yet, you can download the free Skype software in minutes via the link below the buttons below.
Or, if you want to call using your own land-line phone or cellular phone, simply dial our Direct Dial number:
(646) 233-1511
Our phones are generally answered during our flexible Global Operating hours of 9:00AM (0900) to 9:00PM (2100) EST (New York City Time Zone). Feel free to call anytime within that 12 hour window, 7 days a week.
Call now. It is the first step to a new way of learning and growing in photography.
You will find our service begins with a friendly hello.
If we are not on a call with another photographer, we will be happy to speak with you. If you get our voicemail it means we are on a call with another photographer. In that case, simply leave a detailed message on our voicemail with instructions on how we should contact you. Most voicemail messages receive a call back within two hours, whenever possible. All emails are answered the same day, whenever possible.
If you prefer to send an email you may do that by visiting our Contact Page. Or by using the following email address:
steadman@photomentors.com
Most voicemail messages receive a call back within two hours, whenever possible. All emails are answered the same day, whenever possible.
.
» Get Skype, call free!
