Critique Question?

[Valerie74]

Im just curious about something.... a rather touchy subject:

If someone posts photos of grooms on here and we think they are really...well, horrible in some instances...should we all just shut up or should we post something like 'well, the head should be a bit shorter, feet more round, etc"?

In the past few months some groomers (not newbies) have posted some photos of their grooms. Some of these groomers say they have been styling for years, did show dogs. But the grooms speak volumes about their skills in not in a good way. I have noticed that many of these posts just sit there because everyone is afraid to comment.

So, fellow members, is there a nice way to tell someone that they need more schooling and practice when they post that the customers were happy with their grooms and we say Oh My God!

I think a kind criticism would help a stylist such as this, rather than no one posting at all and pickin up our jaws from the floor. On other sites people put diagrams and advice. On this site no one really critiques. Why is that?


Stephen: We have seen some kind critiques before, but you are otherwise quite right and it's too bad. Just keep it "kind" and it should be accepted. Now some people can say, please critique me by PM instead of a message posted for all, and that is fine too. If you want to be critiqued but want a private answer, please say so. Good point!

[SiotehCat]

I have been grooming for over four years now. I have a hard time telling people who have been grooming longer how they should be grooming. The other thing is that when someone has so much confidence, It makes me wonder if I am the one who is seeing it wrong.

[ejmj30]

My problem is I always forget to check those forums. This site is TOO big for me, lol. I'm still lost on the fringes.

[Pixie]

Valerie74, I have wondered the same thing. I've looked at some of the post and think "Oh my heck and the owner loved that?!" Is it right to point out things if not asked to. I haven't done it because I don't want to hurt anyones feelings. I would do it kind and all that but I'm just not sure if it was the proper thing to do.

Then I think about some of the posts of my groomings where I haven't got too many to responed, if anyone. I wonder,ok is there something there that needs to be fixed, changed and nobody is telling me? Is everyone too busy to say anything one way or the other? I would much rather have some kind of reply then nothing at all. If there is something that could be done to the groom that would improve it I'd love for someone to say something about it, even if they PM me, it doesn't matter.

I think if we critique in a kindly manner we won't hurt others feelings and it could improve that persons grooming. The hardest thing I have found about grooming by myself there is no one to ask if the dog looks ok, if there is any stickie outies that I haven't caught. JMO

[PAWS]

I think if someone is asking for comments, you should give them. If they can't take it, they should not have asked. There is no reason to say, "oh my gosh that looks terrible!" along with the advice. Just give the advice by itself.

[rapuzzled]

I do understand what you mean. I always hate to critique grooms. Usually though, I do try to say at least something, because I think if they didn't want to really be critiqued they wouldn't put a picture up there. I just try to be very tactful. And I will always try to find something good about the groom too, so I am not just saying one wrong thing after another. I know there are certainly grooms of mine that could use some critiquing, lol. I think that it's good to critique it can only help them learn, help them notice things they don't see.

[Helly]

I normally don't comment much. I don't critique unless someone asks, as a rule.

Some things are also a matter of taste. I don't like round faces on Shih Tzus, for example, and tend to do more of a Fu Manchu (Fu Man Tzu? giggle) face.

And sometimes there's owner preferrence, coat issues, temperament issues in play. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, especially if it bites.

I also take into consideration that cameras don't always show the whole picture, if you know what I mean. For example, camera angle can make a top knot look lopsided. Dogs facing the camera can look out of balance, because a 2 dimensional photo makes those things closest to the camera appear bigger.

I've also come across a little problem when I take photos myself. Sometimes the groom looks horrible, but I know the dog did NOT look like that in person. Can't explain it, but I know it happens.

[scullysmom]

Well if I ever post a picture, please feel free to rip me to pieces I want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pixie]

Well if I ever post a picture, please feel free to rip me to pieces I want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I'll be sure to do that, if you'll do the same for me!!!!! LOL

[Doggone]

Well this really means so manny things to so manny people and covers alot.Like Helly mentioned,there are varibles in what is seen in a photograph;vs.the real thing.I also think demograhics play a roll in what is accepted in one area,verses another part of the country or where ever.Where I live it's very hot and humid and I do alot of grooming that is considered for the comfort of the dog,rather than for asthetic reasons.I really miss being able to be more artistic w/my grooming and getting "lost" in my work as I groom because I really enjoy the artistic aspect of grooming.I have wanted to say this,or that and haven't because crtiquing hasn't been asked for and,or for the feelings of others.I feel if someone really wants an opinon of their work it should be asked for and,in private replies given in a curtious (sp?) mannor.This board should be a safe place for all to go for the exchange of information as well as for some rest and relaxation.

[Valerie74]

Well, glad to know I wasn't the only one feeling that way. Sioteh Cat, I have been grooming for several decades, work alone too. How many years someone has been grooming does not make them a good and/or better groomer. I attended many trade shows and learned I was 'all wet' in a lot of my methods. I also see recent graduates at these shows competing and think WOW they are amazing! I have a friend who has been grooming only 2 years and opened a salon. She has taught me many shortcuts. I really dont think 1 year experience or 50 years of experience makes a good groomer - its the individual.


Im not a Master Groomer and Ive seen some wonderful grooms posted on this site and others too. I just think that feelings are more offended when someone takes the time to ask for a critique, posts a groom they are very proud of and says "What do y'all think"? And then no one comments. There is a lot of talent on this board and we come here to learn. If someone can critique my grooms or others in a kindly manner, or PM and rip me apart it's still appreciated if not done in nasty way. On the other hand, if a groom is lousy I wouldn't want someone to comment in an Eddie Haskell sort of way and say "Great Job!" either - lol

[Dawn125]

I think that when people post pictures and specifically ask for opinions they do get some. The ones that don't seem to get much response are the ones where the person just said check out my groom pics. I don't feel comfortable criticizing something unless someone specifically asks. I am also a pretty new groomer and tend to hesitate to give advice to others who most likely have more experience than me.

[petstylist]

I dont post many pictures but would personally love honest critiques of my work.
Of course now Im paranoid that my poodle looks horrid and no one wanted to say anything...

Tammy

[rapuzzled]

I dont post many pictures but would personally love honest critiques of my work.
Of course now Im paranoid that my poodle looks horrid and no one wanted to say anything...

Tammy

Well, if it helps any I thought he looked good, lol. If I'm not sure what to say I may something like well, isn't he cute, lol, but I wouldn't say, oh that looks great and not really mean it.
(I really did think he looks good, I just didn't like the tail so much, but more a personal preference thing, I think I am just so used to seeing a poodle pom tail lol)

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

Well, I think kindness goes a long way. I also don't think we should pick apart every little detail of a groom. Some people have the natural talent, and others, like myself, have to work very hard to get a face to look like a circle at all! Not that the "naturals" didn't have to work hard, but I am NOT artistic at all, and most groomers I know who have any amount of talent seem to be artistically gifted in some ways.

I think when someone's groom looks horrible, just find ONE or TWO things about it you can critique, because by the end of the thread, each piece will have been picked apart, and the person will have gotten most of the dog critiqued, but not by one person.

Was it my airedale? The camera really didn't do him justice, lol.

Tammy in Utah