Photographers, along with other visual artists, often use social media to obtain ‘feedback’ on their work. Because of the immediacy of social media, this work is often ‘unfinished’ – it may have yet to be post-processed, selected, or collated. The feedback that they receive is often well-intentioned, but lacks an understanding of the image in context (from the photographer’s perspective), assumes that the image is the finished product, is highly subjective, and (while the commentator may not admit it) is generally from someone who lacks experience or qualification to assess the work. The original artist is sometimes defensive, may take offence at the feedback, or passively acknowledges it without necessarily learning from it (though we don’t know this for certain as the social media channels don’t generally allow easy chronological comparison). So, why do photographers submit so many images to these sites, and what can they do to get more useful input?
Photographers share their work on social media for various reasons, some of which go beyond the immediate desire for constructive feedback. The dynamics of social media and its culture often shape these motivations. Here are some key reasons:
1. Seeking Validation
Social media provides quick feedback through likes, comments, and shares. These metrics can boost the photographer’s confidence and sense of accomplishment, even if the feedback lacks depth or context.
2. Exposure and Networking
Posting on social platforms increases visibility. Photographers often use social media to build their brand, connect with other creatives, and attract potential clients or collaborators.
3. Creative Experimentation
Sharing unfinished or experimental work can help gauge public reaction to new ideas. Photographers may test concepts, styles, or themes to see how they resonate with an audience.
4. Community and Belonging
Many photographers participate in social media communities to feel part of a broader network of creatives. The process of sharing fosters a sense of belonging, even if the critique is limited in quality.
5. Instant Gratification
Social media offers immediate responses, which can be enticing compared to more formal or professional avenues of feedback, where responses may take longer.
6. Portfolio Building
Regular posting can function as a living portfolio. It showcases ongoing work, documenting progress and commitment, which might attract clients or commissions.
7. Learning Through Exposure
While much social media feedback is superficial, photographers may still glean useful insights by observing trends in audience preferences or seeing their work through others’ eyes.
8. Algorithmic Motivation
Social platforms reward regular posting with greater visibility. Photographers may feel pressured to post frequently to maintain or grow their audience.
9. Low Stakes Environment
Sharing work in progress on social media feels less formal than submitting to galleries or competitions. This casual environment reduces the fear of failure or rejection.
Challenges in This Approach
While these motivations explain the behaviour, they also expose photographers to risks, including:
- Misinterpretation of Work: Audiences may not understand the context or intent of the image.
- Oversimplified Feedback: Comments may focus on surface aesthetics rather than deeper conceptual or technical issues.
- Emotional Impact: Negative or dismissive feedback can hurt the artist, even if it’s not constructive or informed.
To counteract these pitfalls, photographers can supplement social media sharing with more structured critiques from peers, mentors, or professional networks. This approach could help balance exposure, feedback quality, and artistic growth.
To get more from the feedback, a photographer could be more explicit about what their purpose for sharing is. How could they structure this request in a simple way?
How to encourage more relevant feedback
To structure a request for feedback clearly and effectively, photographers could include a short statement or question alongside their post. This should outline their purpose for sharing and guide the audience’s response. Here’s a simple template they might use:
- State the purpose: Explain why they are sharing the image. “This is an early version of my latest project exploring urban decay.”
- Specify the kind of feedback desired: Indicate the aspects they want comments on, such as composition, emotion, or technical elements. “I’d love to hear thoughts on how the composition communicates isolation.”
- Invite engagement: Use an open-ended question to encourage thoughtful responses. “What stands out most to you in this image?”
Alternatively, they could frame the request entirely as a question:
- “I’m exploring how light shapes emotion in this photo. Does it feel balanced to you?”
- “This is a draft from a series on loneliness. Does the mood come through strongly, or could it be clearer?”
By being explicit, photographers can help focus the audience’s comments and make the feedback more useful.
References
There are several sources that provide useful context or credibility to this discussion about feedback and its role in creative practice. Here are some relevant references:
1. The Role of Feedback in Creative Work
- Amabile, T. M. (1996). Creativity in Context. Westview Press.
Teresa Amabile’s research on creativity highlights the importance of feedback for creative development, noting that constructive feedback helps refine ideas and improve outcomes when given in a supportive environment.
2. Social Media and Creative Practice
- Kirkpatrick, D. (2010). The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company That is Connecting the World. Simon & Schuster.
This book discusses how social platforms influence behaviours, including those of creatives, and how they can shape identity and output. - Baym, N. K. (2015). Personal Connections in the Digital Age. Polity Press.
This work explores how digital platforms mediate relationships and interactions, including how artists engage with audiences.
3. Critique in Art and Design
- Elkins, J. (2014). Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A Handbook for Art Students. University of Illinois Press.
Elkins offers a critical view of art education, particularly the role of critique and feedback in improving creative work.
4. Psychology of Feedback
- Kluger, A. N., & DeNisi, A. (1996). The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory. Psychological Bulletin, 119(2), 254-284.
This meta-analysis examines the mechanisms through which feedback influences performance and its varying impacts based on the way it is delivered and received.
5. Social Media Algorithms and Validation
- Bucher, T. (2018). If…Then: Algorithmic Power and Politics. Oxford University Press.
This book explores how algorithms shape user behaviour, including the creative process and feedback cycles on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Practical Insights
For actionable advice, consider resources like:
- Berger, J. (1972). Ways of Seeing. Penguin Books.
While not directly about feedback, this classic text explores how images are interpreted, which is essential for understanding audience responses. - Online communities such as those on platforms like Behance or DeviantArt, where photographers and artists explicitly discuss feedback norms.