What I Learned from Critique

Yesterday we had a WIP Critique, and I learned quite a bit. I got a lot of good feedback and suggestions. It was decided that my frames were too small but that there was too large of a black frame. Also, that the 4.5x4.5'' size I experimented with printing at was too small. I agree completely, so I think I'm going to shoot for printing at 6x6'' or 7x7''. I need to look for the perfect square frames! Also, the frames has a "shadow box" feel because the mat and photo were set back into the frame a few inches. It was brought up that this allows the photos to take on a "precious" quality, which I really enjoy. I want people to think these images are important and worth while (precious) even though they are not of important things. I also found that I usually print too dark, simply because of preference and that the bracketing experiment really helped me. I want to print 1 and 2 seconds below what I think looks good on a test strip. The lighter versions of my prints do have a luminosity about that that really makes them pop. My tasks for the next week include, printing printing printing, buying more paper and searching for the perfect frames. I better get busy!