I let 4 World Class Photographers Critique my Images

[@erosario64]

What a great twist; I typically see KZbinrs critique their followers images and for the most part their opinions are debatable. However, to see so many professionals critique a fellow professional is incredibly exciting and truly educational. To apply the critiques at the end was not only bold but shows us how a great teacher must also be a good student. I hope to see more of these videos.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey Nigel, that was an absolute blast and an honor to take part in. Thanks so much for including me :)

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks for not being too mean!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks for having me :) And big cheers to Rick for the editing of this video!

[@johndavolta3124]

This taught me that you can't have a picture that satisfies everyone. Each person has their own ideas and standards

[@KellyPettit]

I admire your bravery to let these studs give you their advice. It was interesting to hear them often say similar critiques about similar concerns. When watching, I often thought, geez, I've got sooooo much to learn. You're an amazing photographer as they all know. Thanks for letting yourself be vulnerable. It is impressive.

[@bernds.7530]

Agree 100%

[@Ryan-vh9bw]

Came here to say exactly this. Well put.

[@jdg239]

true true

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks - I have to admit it is scary doing this. But I want to keep improving and there is always something to learn.

[@Bubu567]

If three professionals have the same critique, you have to listen, no matter how much you disagree. That doesn't happen by chance. They know something you don't, so it's best to listen.

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

This felt like peak “Photography nerd-ism” and I loved every second of it! 😁 thank you Nigel and gang 🙏🏼

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed the nerds

[@afsincelik]

How incredible that top photographers' ideas are nearly same for some photos. I recommend to the people who are watching; just pause the video in the beginning of each photo and think about it and then watch their critics. Great video as always.

[@tomfoord8860]

Wow! It would be great if there were more of this! Hearing constructive suggestions from a group of professionals, on the work of a professional photographer, and having familiarity with all involved, and then comparing one's own opinions, is not just informative but also a chance to affirm and enrich one's own opinions and, hopefully, skills. Thank you for this very generous gift. Hats off to you.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

But, this was four really good photographers. Good eyes. There was a husband and wife team who used to do this on their channel and they had no idea what they were doing.

[@maeganlozano7058]

I agree. I do not have experience in photography whatsoever (other than a thousand pictures of my cats on my phone) but even this got me hooked! I looooove this video. I think its so interesting. Thank you Mr. Nigel. You are amazing! Hope to see more of this!!

[@justbored3.14]

what i've learned in the past tens years of photography is that someone will always find something wrong with your picture. I used to stress about following all these rules and examples and tips and tricks. now i take what i like do what i like and most people love it.

[@vandalton4948]

ditto. A photograph should not need an explanation. No one need to articulate why they like a photograph. If the viewers can connect for any of the reasons, be it the subject matter, beautiful light, nice composition, combination of all these and so on it is a successful photograph.

[@tobiasyoder]

@@vandalton4948 sometimes an explanation of the thought behind a photo and how it came about and it’s significance can help people view the image from a closer perspective of the author of the photograph and I don’t think that’s any mark against the image.

[@vandalton4948]

@@tobiasyoder I believe what you said applies to documentary photographs where context is very important. For general street photography, landscape photography no explanation should be required.

[@tobiasyoder]

@@vandalton4948 Pretty bold statement to say what a certain type of photography should be. I also don’t think there is any hard distinction between documentation and artistic photography, it’s all blurred and overlapping. If you consider a great painting of some sort that you don’t initially love, having an explanation that helps you to see it from a new angle and appreciate isn’t an issue with the painting and not because the painting is documentary. Additionally I think photography is inherently somewhat documentary since the definition is creating an image by documenting light at a given point in time but I digress.

[@vandalton4948]

@@tobiasyoder I don't want to compare photography with painting at all. These two are very different forms of art. Painting can be abstract, it may not represent anything real or the painting may not resemble to anything we see. On the other hand, photographs are very real, there is nothing imaginary here. Anyways, everyone's perception or thought process is different and I respect other's opinion. I just have a very rigid idea when it comes to photography probably because I have been following and practicing this form of art for many years.

[@grahamfloyd3451]

I agree that in the first picture of the heather, the subject (the thing your eye is drawn to) is the big bare rock. My biggest challenge in Lightroom is minimizing my edits so the photo stays natural, and not just a digital painting.

[@lesladbrook4508]

What a brilliant video and tutorial, the level of detail in the comments was amazing and very constructive. Such a privilege to be able to view this content Nigel. I am going to save a link to this video so I can watch again & again, some really important points I am sure I can add to my processing. The edits were also great and I loved them.

[@henrykg]

But are you aware that this is just a MAS? ;-)

[@karikaru]

I'm an amateur photographer who's been practicing and learning for 10 years and messing around with Photoshop for literally 20 years and when Alex talks I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of understanding how all this works.

[@sonholee5769]

yeah, the way he understands the subtle changes in color as even minor changes are made is pretty incredible.

[@ulftornert2855]

Your transparency and vulnerability putting your neck out like this really should be applauded. As well as your critics. Great video!

[@MrLipsky]

In 22:36 Alex is talking about individual channels being blown up and consequences of it. Mind blowing thing for me as an intermediate in photo editing. Looking forward to seeing the video you promised! haha Great reviews and insight everyone!

[@kennygo8300]

This is one of the best videos I've ever watched. I admire all of you so much. It helps me to see the difference in how all of you see the same scene. Thank you for posting this one. I learn more from these collaborations.

[@MarkSiegemund]

Defense is my first response when people critique my Photographs. Until i realize there is so much truth in an unbiased voice. We should grave improvement our whole life. Thanks Nigel. Great work and you are a great inspiration!

[@thevisualkiwi]

I love that you invited other photographers to help on your quest to improve your photography and give us great content! I feel like the next level would be bringing in more diverse cast of photographers that bring unique and new viewpoints and ideas!

[@gordonmacgregor7762]

Not only courageous Nigel, but incredibly entertaining and informative. Simply brilliant, one of your best videos. Thanks also to your reviewers, all of them great photographers we admire and respect. You couldn’t set the bar for yourself any higher!

[@gordonelwell7084]

So at first I noticed a 32 minute video, and wasn't sure if I wanted to spend that much time listening to folks banter on about editing and critiquing. I am REALLY glad I did! Your photos are really great, but this told me there is always another perspective. I even tried to anticipate what their critiques were going to be when you first loaded your image. Most of the time my first thought was what they focused on in their comments. This encouraged my own confidence in my skill set on image editing. So thanks much for an unusual Sunday video, and one more helpful than I anticipated. Cheers!

[@MohcineJabairi]

It's very interesting to see how they all point on the same things. A lesson to all of us amateurs and beginners to what to avoid and what to focus on / at!

[@AdventureswithPeteJenna]

That was a lot of fun to go through! Tips from everyone were definitely helpful to think about while making an image. One thing I was thinking, and this doesn’t always apply buutttt I feel like sometimes in photography if you try to be too perfect, too symmetrical and too balanced you can lose character, sometimes the imperfections are what makes an image great and unique. Not always but I think it’s important to remember when crafting an image as well.

[@_noahrh]

That woodland picture was like a wave of cool air coming through my laptop! So serene and peaceful - it really looks like a painting. Masterful work, I wouldn't change a thing!

[@eyeammjh]

Superb video. 10/10 for sticking your neck out here. And 10/10 for the quality of the feedback from another 4 fantastic photographers.

[@andeeleininger5968]

Great video, Nigel. It’s always scary to have your photos critiqued but I learned a lot from this video, so a big thanks to you for being brave. I also like the newer crop on the Iceland photo

[@VinceMaidens]

I wish more photographers would do this, it's very hard to continually see your own work and expect to improve without constructive feedback, so good on you for doing so. I'm lucky to have people in my life who are also photographers who have no qualms about ripping my work apart haha

[@donquique1]

Nah to the contrary, it will mess up your style and voice.

[@TheJwwinter]

@@donquique1 If at all constructive feedback must be from regular people not other photographers or pros. Photographers usually have a certain similar way of looking at things.

[@gregsilver]

I'm a fan of technical criticism. I like hearing things that could help my process of editing. Not a fan of artistic criticism. The reason being is you can recieve varying opinions which takes away from your own style. Bottom line, you're not going to please everyone. If you like your work, then that's all that matters. Nigel, I love your work simply because it's from you and your mind. Don't change anything. Following others critique will make you second guess your artistic ability. Trust in what you love and it doesn't matter if everyone loves it. There will always be some who like your work and others who don't. My only critique for you is to ignore all artistic critique.

[@frantisekjavorsky8172]

wtf

[@danevarkevisser4670]

I understand where you are coming from Greg. We have to be careful not to stifle creativity and ultimately artistic expression. One criticism I have of a lot contemporary landscape photography is so much of it is the same. I like to see photographers who stand out from the crowd - who are doing something that sets them apart.

[@johnmielke243]

Adding Alex to my subscriptions. I really appreciated his “color commentary “. All the others are on my list already. Thx, Nigel.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Good for you putting yourself out there under such skilled scrutiny! I'm not qualified to provide any critique. I was surprised at how much a difference the little bit more space on the right helped the Faroe image. Fascinating!

[@timkuhnwildlife]

I love this exercise and change of pace, kudos to you, Nigel, for giving it a go. However I will say that this is exactly what photo forums were all about pre-instagram. I miss those days.

[@Sebas-sg1kj]

This video was amazing, because not only you are improving your photography, we are getting great knowledge too. Agree with almost all the comments of the photographers. Great work!

[@ericmeter8269]

You're a brave one, Nigel. And the result educates us all. Thanks again!

[@brendanwaters9646]

Such an interesting video and the thing that inspires me the most is that a photographer as awesome as you is still wanting to learn and improve and seek feedback. As always, inspired by your videos, thank you!

[@uptown3636]

What a great lesson in how and why to seek honest critiques from trusted sources. It may not be flattering to hear the tough critiques, but we all need it sometimes to get better. Now I’m off to eat an apple. 🍏

[@carlgough7839]

One of the best photography videos I've seen on KZbin. What a refreshingly great idea. The comments made gave me a fantastic idea of what i should be looking at doing to improve my photography. Of course photography is subjective, but the basics should be right. Kudos to the judges for finding things to Critique, your work is excellent!

[@centurion1916]

Such a great idea to review and reflect on our images. Some of history’s greatest painters would often paint over their original work before the final ‘masterpiece’ was presented. In the same way today, are we ever ‘finished’ with our digital work? I think the final Vestrahorn crop helps to emphasise the mountain much more.

[@L.Spencer]

I liked those two last crops, so pretty 😍

[@JDon8110]

@@L.Spencer Agree on the Vestrahorn crop. Simplifies and improves

[@jorgeeduardoochoa5652]

5 teachers criticising 1 shot at a time was very educational! I would be watching more videos on this format.

[@kyarumomochi5146]

I absolutely loved this You got your self beaten up with bravery to show that you have alot to go trough even after this much time! Its people like you that this platform is made for!

[@norbertalexy8803]

Brilliant Nigel, thank you very much for this critique video and all the respectful professional comments !!! Please, repeat this type of exercise, I have learned so much from it.

[@peters1324]

Perhaps one of the best videos I've seen regarding the key elements of creating great photos in terms of composition, cropping and colour balancing. Though there was a lot of agreement about some aspects that might improve the final image, there was also much reflecting personal preferences and I like the way Nigel distinguished between the two. Great work Nigel and as others mention...very brave of you too.

[@melanieburchell9616]

Well done Nigel, that was a big thing to do and your attitude is a inspiration to all. I loved this video thank you.

[@ipread]

I also really found the comments about colour editing fascinating. Very detailed constructive feedback. So thanks to all your reviewers too.

[@erikyoung2193]

This video was so useful to see what everyone is looking for. Got way more information than expected. Please do more of these

[@randscottadams490]

What a wonderful video! This foray into the very fine points of image making / editing, intelligently done, with respect for the vagaries of “being there to take the shot” is so very instructive. What a wonderful idea to have your peers comment and reflect on your images. This is also a master class on constructive input.

[@robertlilley9452]

This was a great watch, really enjoyed it. I think what this does confirm perfectly though, is that our photography is completely subjective. Thanks for putting this together guys.....

[@henrikmartensson2044]

I really like that you showed the results of your edits at the end of the video. Very interesting!

[@domhaughton6809]

A fascinating video. Really useful to see the feedback from 4 other people, all of whom I also follow. Alex has terrified me with his colour expertise. There's always so much more to learn!

[@KarenRinne]

I thought that all images were improved after your additional edits. Thanks for sharing. They are beautiful!

[@glynparry6598]

It’s easier I suppose to adjudicate someone’s work but I did think the edited images at the end did work a little better. I really liked the Iceland shot. Nice work and video Nigel

[@AllanPotts]

Best photography video on KZbin Great work guys I learned so much from listening to the critiques

[@nicolasguillenc]

this was so interesting to watch, i’ll always just say photography is my hobby, because there’s no way i’ll get close to being that pro. Love your images and definitely learned a lot

[@Steve.Daugherty]

Great video Nigel! I actually chuckled more than once watching this video at the thought of anyone finding fault in the work of Professional Landscape Photographer and Teacher Nigel Danson.....but in the end I feel their comments were absolutely valid and great food for thought. Alex's eye for color was kind of insane if I'm honest.

[@sparty94]

i love the fact that you are willing to be critiqued publicly so we can all learn, and it was nice of these pros to indulge you. but when it comes to great shots like these the differences really come down to artistic discretion.

[@simongreig5644]

Very cool. I really enjoy those moments when a view suddenly pops for only a moment.

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

"Art is subjective " Very interesting video Nigel, thank you for sharing

[@vincealcazar2870]

Don't care how long you've been in it, (publicly) submitting your best work to other Pro's takes humility. Top marks for that Nigel.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks

[@StuartMcGlennon]

Enjoyed that Nigel, will probably be a bit of an eye opener for a lot of beginners

[@joel.659]

I was wondering how this would work out from your video's title. And I am not disappointed! Found it very constructive to see you as an experienced and respected photographer learn from others in such a humble way! Thank you _a lot_ for encouraging myself (an amateur who feels like he knows nothing) to keep going.

[@jsmdllc]

This was incredible to watch! Obviously Nigel was very brave to subject himself to such venerated critique, but wasn’t it also quite brave for these photographers who are world class themselves to be so clearly taken with these photos yet still have the ability to give such thoughtful ideas on how they might improve what my feeble mind can only see as perfection?! I’m totally blown away. Bravo!

[@briansorrells8126]

I enjoyed this very, very much. Would like to see more along the same lines in the future with the same cast members. It's valuable to all of us out here to hear and see everyone's different thoughts and ideas on editing and composition. I'm probably the worst in the world about getting stuck in a particular editing style and seeing everything I should and it's really refreshing to hear all of your inputs in one excellent video. Thank you!

[@pahawkeye63]

Nigel, thank you for being brave enough to have these great photographers critique your work. I’m sure you learned a little something but for me I learned a ton by watching this. I’m a huge fan of all of your work and I really appreciate you sharing this. Thank you.

[@-grey]

This was refreshing. Hearing pros talk about realistic edits, and colour accuracy is very comforting. I love absolute raw realism, because it adds such a subjective value to my photography for me. I find it so rewarding to have captured a spectacular thing that exists rather than manufacture it.

[@CDGage]

I feel the same. I don’t enjoy editing my photos to hell and back. I like the shot for what is already there, and if someone asks me (which they have) where that was, I can tell them and I won’t have to worry about them not being amazed as well because it’s something that actually exists to begin with. I usually do make the colors pop more and even out the lighting but not too much to give it more flair but usually with my landscape shots that’s about it

[@TerminatoR99]

That second picture is spectacular! Good job

[@windycityred9040]

Kind, constructive reviews of your images. So interesting that on some images, the photographers reviewing, were all in agreement of certain elements within your photos. Really opened my eyes to look harder at a scene before I push that shutter button. Your images were all very nice, but I do see that there is almost always a bit of room for improvement. Well done, thank you for making this video. 😊

[@lewisjevons52]

as a walker who loves photography, I LOVE that rock in the photo. Even though I'm currently sat in bed, I can 'feel' the abrasive and rough texture under my feet, and know the exact sound and sensation it makes compared with the distinct 'thud' from walking on the hard peaty path next to it. It triggers the senses I have experienced walking this terrain, giving me context and transporting me into the scene, which to me is a far more rewarding experience than the perfect composition to the eye. I totally understand what the photographers are critiquing, and I can fully appreciate it: but the very thing they're critiquing is what makes the photo so relatable and triggers such a response in me. Your videos have really showed me just how subjective photography is!

[@TLM823]

Fantastic video and instructions, Nigel! The edits plussed an already amazing set of photos. But perhaps most impressive of all is your absolute humility to allow this critique. Good on you, and thank you for all you do.

[@LarryManiccia]

Interesting to hear everyones feedback on your images. It's amazing some of the things you don't recognize in your own photos until someone else points it out. Love your image of the rocky beach and the seastacks.

[@yourstarwillshine]

I think you hit the nail on the head about improving yourself by having others give feedback it's something we should all embrace. I found myself taking images but felt I was becoming a one trick pony with my editing and composition. Although I get knowledge and inspiration for people like your good self, there's nothing better than sharing your work with other photographers it's the main reason I joined my local photography society and I'd encourage others to do so it's a great library to reference.............really enjoyed this Nigel thanks for having the balls to do it.

[@rlfisher]

Everybody thinks their baby is beautiful, but this kind of feedback from one's heroes is, to me, more valuable than random comments from friends/family and less passionate photographers. What a great opportunity for you!

[@rhiwderinraytube]

Very brave to have your images critiqued. I have to agree with the comments. The woodland photo I would have rejected as shot because of the lack of focal point, cropping out the right tree and lower left would help improve it enormously.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Thanks Nigel. I love that you're prepared to have your images critiqued by these heavyweights not in spite of your obvious masterful talent, but because of it. It shows us that no matter what your experience, if we're humble enough to admit it, then anyone can improve. To be honest, I feel that you are every bit as qualified to critique their images too. Also, have you ever noticed that there seems to be a finite amount of time that you can sit at your workstation tweaking a particular image before you have to walk away and come back later? Kind of a picture blindness. Often, I do a full reset of parameters using the history function and go again - sometimes discovering an edit which works even better.

[@travis5481]

This was fun to watch and try to be critical and anticipate what the other photographers might offer. Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

[@DaveWphoto]

This is a great video Nigel, thank you for letting some world class photographers critique your work. It made me rethink some of my favorite images to revisit and see if my compositions and edits could be improved. Love this!

[@AcuraTechMan]

This is a fantastic video Nigel. Hearing the minds out loud of my heroes is so great.

[@kstrohmeier]

Kudos, this is great. I love the consistency of the critiques. The comments on color and color balance point to an area I struggle with. Incorporating the inputs into new edits is both brilliant and useful.

[@lawrencepallant]

Great video. I learn a lot from watching all these critiques! I appreciate Alex's awareness and perception of minor color imbalances. I would like to learn more about working with the subtleties of color.

[@FionaCampbellHicksPhotography]

What a feast of visual wisdom! I learnt so much from this and it was encouraging that even Nigel makes mistakes!

[@joelthompson8407]

Although, I see Adam’s reasoning for wanting to crop and simplify that woodland image.. I totally feel like you giving the right and left breathing room, is what makes the image feel so inviting The “dead space” in bottom left corner, according to mads, I feel like it needs to be there. As it anchors the trees but also gives the hill or ground a pleasing form

[@WhitefirePL]

I love how they are more or less saying similar things. It makes you see that there is actually deep knowledge, skill and experience behind it - not just saying "whatever" for the sake of the viewers. As for cropping, I tend to leave some images not cropped (enough) because you never really know what exact ratio you may need in your presentation/book/calendar/final-whatever version.

[@jamesvoiss7122]

This is such a valuable video. Certainly the critiques brought new insights. But I am especially impressed by how you, Nigel, model openness to and desire for growth and development in your own (very highly developed) skills. I think seeing you engage with four other outstanding photographers to get their feedback is a great model for those of us who are just in the early stages of developing our photography. Thank you.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Thank you Nigel, what a great idea. I learnt a lot from that and yes I did like your changes to the images at the end especially the Madiera image that you made a stand alone of the stacks.

[@karynhonor5046]

Loved the comments, and the kind way they suggested changes. All were thoughtful and small. I really loved all the photos the way they were and the way you changed them with the new edits. Both were great and honestly would be award winning photos. Thanks for sharing and taking advice.

[@NickBoris1]

I need to do this for my channel! Great video and I love critiques. Great to observe four other landscape photographers break down your photos Nigel

[@martinsarre]

Very interesting video. The crop on the heather shot made the rock on right even more dominant. I agree receiving critique is the the best to learn and improve. I never get offended by it.

[@ArefAlragehi]

Thanks for this video Nigel. It was a great watch.

[@driveby1000]

I appreciate your honesty with yourself and your bravery in sharing it. I have to admit I like the sea stack crop way better than the original , feels cleaner and more pure. Mind you, I'd be happy to be the owner of either version!

[@stevechilvers1322]

Very brave of you Nigel! Great comments from all the photographer's, I learned so much from this video. More like this in the future please, they are SO helpful & a great watch. Keep up the good work - ALL of you!

[@denisesavage2382]

Yeah wow Nigel - that was a very brave thing to do. You know I'm really glad you did that though. I have learnt so much and have a new appreciation for those who see and understand or at least appreciate the colour play that goes on in an image. I've never come across anybody who picks that up quite like Alex does. What's really encouraging though, is that for someone who is seen as a pro in the game, gives images over for critique from peers and peers who are thoughtful in their feedback. That is pure gold.

[@petemellows]

Very brave of you Nigel! You did pick some great people to critique your work. I’m a big fan of Alex Nail’s technical skills and Mads’ compositional skills. I’m glad you cropped the sea stacks. That was my main concern - I didn’t think you needed the foreground as it took all my attention.

[@bossofthemoss450]

A brave move Nigel. I was particularly interested to compare my personal instinctive responses with all of the reviews, including your own. All accepted the subjective nature of art and it serves to remind me how important it is to create images for one’s self to begin with but to be open always to honest feedback when sharing. Well done. Excellent 👌👍

[@ipread]

Really brave. Wonderful video. So informative. One of my favourites. Well done Nigel.

[@bobhart6160]

Constructive criticism can be good, there are points mentioned in this video that I would never of noticed or thought of. Great of you to share your work to be critiqued , even better that you took it on board. Great video.

[@Auroralover9797]

This is awesome. I learned a lot, so thank you Nigel. I've never heard of clipping individual channels before. Thank you Alex. I do hope to see a video more about that subject.

[@Ali-mz9kt]

Thanks Nigel and also the chaps who critiqued your shots; I learned a lot.

[@PaulKShaub]

Thank you Nigel for your courage. I think the editorial comments where helpful, that you originals are better than the edits, except possibly for the last one. Your originals capture the experience of what was prominent in the moment. You have an eye for embracing the beautiful in nature. It is a delicate balance to avoid over thinking an image.

[@bencookman2726]

Hugely enjoyed this video... Fascinating to see what people agreed upon, versus where personal preference comes in!

[@edwardkillesteyn1479]

Great video. I think it not only shows the subjectivity of photography, but also the mental struggle for individual photographers of deciding what composition might, or might not work when we’re actually in the field.

[@katywolffis7678]

Great watch! Loved seeing you take the advice and use it at the end-those crops made a world of difference on those images! The Iceland one especially feels much more balanced now!

[@TheCandlepin]

Great video, having 4 experts critique an expert is awesome. Learned a lot and some of the comments were my concerns, just some feelings looking at the images. We try hard to get the image correct in the camera but digital allows much editing. looking forward to more!!!

[@dankoons5577]

Nigel, This made for an interesting critique. It brought to mind that photographers revisit their images. Your images are a reflection of how you felt about the scene that day and later when you worked on it. Later on you might re work an image, but, prefer the original :)

[@zigatretjak75]

Came back to admire and study along with critique by more experienced photographers. Be proud of your work. And a petting to Pebbles!

[@rustyolgun]

Mad respect