Receiving Critiques

FAQ on Receiving Critiques:

Q1. How do I see critiques I have received?

A. Go to “PROFILE”. The photos you have uploaded will be located in your profile. Each photo will show the number of written critiques received. Click the photo to show the critiques.

Q2. What should I do after receiving a critique for my own benefit?

A. We recommend you to write your thoughts down in response to critiques. Here are some example questions to reflect on:

Do I agree with this critique? Why or why not?
How does this critique make me feel? Why?
How can I take this critique to apply toward my future photos?
Does this critique make me want to try a different approach to taking photos? Why or why not? If so, how?

Q3. What should I do when I receive a critique that I do not agree with?

A. We recommend you to try to not get emotionally attached to your photos. Treat your photos as experiments, not a reflection of your value as an artist. Use this opportunity to reflect and understand why the sender left that critique. Ultimately the decision is up to you how to take criticisms in order to learn and grow. If you do not agree with the critique, stay true to your artistic voice.

Q4. How do I determine if a critique is valid?

A. A valid critique offers an opinion that is related to the photo even if you may not agree. Please have the patience for the ARS community to improve their critiques and leave constructive critiques.

Q5. How do I delete a critique?

A. Currently, there is no way to delete critiques. An “Archive” feature will soon be implemented. Archived critiques will be less noticeable to see which will help you keep track of critiques you have already seen.

Q5. How can I show my appreciation to users who left me a critique?

A. A “Thank” and request for “Commission Critique” feature in response to received critiques will soon be implemented. Stay tuned for our unveiling soon!

Please Do:

Remember the human. When you communicate online, all you see is a screen. When talking to someone you might want to ask yourself “Would I say it to the person’s face?”

Follow the golden rule. Treat others in the Community as you would want them to treat you.

Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life.

Keep your critiques relevant to the photo you are critiquing.

Use proper grammar and spelling. Not all ARS members speak English as their native language. Keeping your critiques easy to read will better help users to understand your meaningful feedback.

Leave constructive critiques. It is perfectly fine if you do not think a photo is good but in order for the uploader to improve, they need to hear why the photo is not good and how to improve. Read here how to leave a constructive critique.

Share words of genuine encouragement. If there is an aspect of a photo that you appreciate, let the user know. Positivity goes a long way.

Give your feedback by writing critiques or voting keep/ditch. By being active in the community, you help others to receive feedback. You also benefit yourself by improving your ability to read an image as well as receive points to the leaderboards.

Please Do Not:

In regard to leaving a critique

Be (intentionally) rude. By choosing not to be rude, you increase the overall civility of the community and make it better for all of us.

Insult others. Personal insults do not contribute to a rational discussion. Constructive Criticism, however, is appropriate and encouraged.

Troll. Trolling (i.e., leave critiques that are designed to provoke a negative response from one or more users). Trolling does not contribute to the user looking for constructive critiques and will result in a permanent ban from ARS.

In regard to receiving a critique

Report critiques that are valid but you do not like. Take a moment to stop, think and examine your reasons for disliking a critique. Report critiques that do not adhere to the code of conduct, rather than doing so out of an emotional reaction.