“The formula for doing a good job in photography is to think like a poet.”

Imogen Cunningham

Was at Innerwest Photographic Society last night on a critique night. They have given up on the judging and competition aspect and ask guests to come and critique their work. I asked how the members felt about it and they all nodded and smiled. So I think that was a resounding yes.

Afterwards they all vote and three awards are given by the people and the guest gets to choose their three.

I got really excited when my three didn’t match the popular three. It makes me feel validated that my vision and tastes are apart from others. That I see beauty in different things.

I always remind people that that process (and the judging process) in art is subjective and that objectivity is neigh impossible. It’s about what the judge likes. It’s their opinion. The secret to winning is picking the work to suit the judge. It’s still really a lucky dip. As there is so much great work out there the differences between their favourites is really just a whim. I had six or seven favourites Each deserving.

There has been a fair bit of talk here about another recent contest run buy the professional bodies. I am always amazed that people can’t see the process for what it actually is. Every year there is discussion. Albeit different each year, the basic process of competition doesn’t change.

A slightly different example of a floored competition is Olympic boxing. Statistically the red uniformed competitor wins more often, because red changes people’s physiology. The colour uniform is picked by a coin toss. Yet we continue with the tradition. Sux to be you if you score blue.

People ask why I don’t enter them. The answer is why would I subject myself to that much stress for an unknown answer? I love my work. You should love yours. What others think should be less relevant.

If I was to put in my work and it was panned and put down, that process would destroy my passion and self efficacy. I am way too sensitive for that process.

My sister sent me a copy of that book “The subtle art of not giving a f#%k”. Do I need to add that skill to my repertoire? Hmmmm

Photograph and text copyright © Len Metcalf 2019