I dont think so, I trust Ty when he says something is done a specific way, and it's my understanding that Judge C is not the same judge each week. So you may have gotten just really unfortunate commentary three times. I hope so, as no one should feel like they're being singled out. But I do agree that the way it was worded this week was unnecessarily harsh... I actually read every critique and when I got to yours I had to pause and go 'damn.' Mostly because nearly the entirety of that particular critique was not entirely 'constructive' to me.
However Judge C was also rather nice to me (Which I'm damn thankful for. <3 In case it's unclear XD) I appreciated what he/she had to say on my photo, and pretty much every other critique. Including this one, even though it can be seen as harsh. (I wanted to point this out, just in case. Also that this is my only post on this topic now OR in the future. They're doing the best they can.)
I understand that the LITERAL MEANING of 'Critique' is to provide criticism, however the proper act of performing a critique is to provide criticism with the intent to improve the value of the medium you're having critiqued. If an artist wanted flat criticism of their work, as the old saying goes 'we are our worst critics' which is still incredibly true. I've hated EVERY picture I've turned in for several small reasons, or large reasons. I like yet I hate. I can look at ANY of my pictures and find a dozen or more flaws that 'if I could just...' even well after the voting has started.
So I am very sorry that you got such a harsh hand dealt to you. Truly I am. It does seem a bit overly critical to the point of unhelpfulness, and even bordering on insulting.
So for the purpose of critique for future judge critiquing, I will critique that particular critique.
Judge C: "While the other judges may not agree with me, I just really haven't seen anything from you in the previous rounds that stands out to me as a quality shot, and the same goes in this round too. Nothing excites me about this shot and the chosen area seems clunky. The background while full of pretty colors, is cut off (on both sides for that matter) and doesn't make up for the rest of the shots downsides. The only thing I could say done well is the lighting, but...? You're going to need a whole lot more than just good lighting to make me give you a high score." (Quoted in entirety.)
Lets break down the difference between constructive and nonconstructive criticism.
"While the other judges may not agree with me, I just really haven't seen anything from you in the previous rounds that stands out to me as a quality shot and the same goes in this round too."
Alright. While not particularly nice, it IS a criticism. However it lacks constructiveness because you entirely forgot how to rectify this for the recipient. How can we improve this shot, in your opinion? When you offer a criticism, you must also offer a means to improve that criticism. The very act of critique is born from the desire to improve a work. That is one of the defining differences between a direct criticism, and a critique. The desire to help the artist improve.
"Nothing excites me about this shot and the chosen area seems clunky."
Ok, now this is CONSTRUCTIVE. You've pointed out a flaw in the image, as well as why you've viewed it as such. From this we can draw that the area is not a desirable setup, use a different location for future photos, and perhaps even consider what all is included in the photo. Wonderful!
"The background while full of pretty colors, is cut off (on both sides for that matter)"
Again, valuable information was included in this criticism. You let us know what has made you displeased, as well as suggested how we may improve this shot. You even complimented the background's coloration.
"and doesn't make up for the rest of the shots downsides."
Whoops, again we've broken into the nonconstructive criticism. What other downsides? Or are you referring to the background getting cut off and the clunky scenery (So far the only two downsides you've actually pointed out here.) Information is key! Give us details on what you see wrong, list them off if you must but be sure to provide us with ways to resolve the problems you see in the shot. "This shot sucks" is much less helpful than "I dislike the scene, and the lighting is poor, perhaps you could utilize a different area and pull in other friends with sun minions to help, or ask someone else to snap the shot if camera barriers are getting in your way."
"The only thing I could say done well is the lighting" "but...?
You do not need to quantify a compliment with a 'but'. If he got the lighting good, then leave it at that. No one likes being mooned anyway (hur hur, get it? Butts. Yeah, I squeezed a butt joke in here.)
"You're going to need a whole lot more than just good lighting to make me give you a high score."
Here is a statement that while acceptable borders on nonconstructive. It's true, if an image is flawed we must all strive to become better to improve our scores. You dont NEED to tell us that, it's pretty obvious based on the score that will immediately FOLLOW this very critique. BUT I cannot fault you for stating this, as it is indeed a true statement, albeit a little harsh to see thrown at a person. So my only advice here is to be mindful of the fact that again we are all critiquing right along with you, some of us more harshly than others.
So overall this was a good critique. Only two areas needed improved, three were spot on, and one was a bit iffy but totally factual. It was just a bit harshly phrased in those red areas, or lacked the means to improve <3
Critique completed, I have to say a big thank you to ALL judges (including this one) for taking the time out to do us this service. It IS a service, they are taking time out of their days to provide us feedback for our art submitted (and it pretty much is just that.)
You guys are all wonderful people in my book, and I appreciate every thing you do, even in the moments where it's less friendly. I know it's not intentional, NOR is it meant to come off as malicious. <3 I know, I've judged things before and it can be super SUPER hard to remember the differences between constructive and nonconstructive criticisms especially when you're on a deadline, in a hurry, or if you're just doing something as a service.
It really can be the hardest job in the world to judge another person's creation, and for that I wholly respect each and every one of you. Your job is hard, thankless oftentimes, and you will catch more heat than any of us models will, even in the harshest of critiques.
YOU. ARE. AWESOME. Remember it.

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