Greetings!

Museletter #399! Whew!!

The day that fall started, good old mom nature started turning knobs on the weather controls. Our fireplaces are on; I’m wearing long-sleeved pants and a sweatshirt. And, of course, Polo has been spinning around off the coast of Baha for a while now. Not moving, like it’s waiting for just the right moment to move inland. When we can’t have the windows open at night it’s time to consider moving to the home in the better weather. I figure we have 2 or 3 more weeks at Bonita before heading to Chandler.

So, what should I do special for issue #400? Maybe 30 or 40 models, the best of each? Or 40 involving 4 of the most active models in my archive? Email me with an idea or preference, and help me decide.

I remember the first few years of my photography. It was full of turmoil, more drama than I liked (greater than zero), and a lot of random, unrequested critiques of my work. A few things happened that I’m grateful for. First, my work got better because I kept learning and had a few friends that supported each other. I started enjoying my own work and my confidence blossomed. And for the last few years, the critics have remained quiet. I’m about as happy right now as I could have ever hoped for or imagined.

Speaking of critiquing art. I learned a long time ago that critiquing art takes an amazing amount of skill to do it correctly. The first time someone asked me to critique their picture, I was honored to be asked and did just that. It bothered me the whole rest of the day. You see, looking back, what I said was all wrong. I’d said “I’d do this” or I’d do that”. I was telling the artist what I would do to make their image look like mine. WRONG. If I was skilled, I would have told them what was good about the image, and what would make it better. The framing, the lighting, the pose. Whatever would make that picture better without applying MY favorite looks. So, for years now, if someone asks me for feedback, unless it’s about something specific, I just ask if they love it. If they love it, it’s perfect.

And as always, feel free to comment, ask questions, or even make suggestions. I’m at ai7r@mac.com

Buy me an ice cream?