Post by Cecil Chan on May 14, 2008 14:53:25 GMT 8
How To Critique A Photo by Cecil Chan
When you critique a photo, have this in mind, be complimentary when deserving and positives are apparent, be constructive and instructive when negatives are apparent.
On the other hand the person who owns the photo being critique should not be defensive.
In both case we should never be offensive.
This is a learning tool and if used wisely, would benefit the incumbent.
There is no right or wrong, only pros and cons. Look at the photo being critique on a wider point, how you can help the photographer develop and improve through the critique. Help him develop a style.
Critique
1. To me the first step would be the Title and the Photo, the title normally might tell you the objective and subject/s of the photo.
2. Look, Interpret and Feel. How does this photo affect you, like “WOW” or “nah”. How do you relate to it?
3. Scan the photo in detail and note down what you like and dislike and what you can help to improve
4. Start off the critique session with the overall impression and compliment on what you like. Be polite all the time do not say its wrong but perhaps it can be improve by doing this and this.
5. Photos are like language so is the communicator who is the photographer communicating well with the communicated who is the viewer of the photo and did the message get through?
6. Creativity: How creative is it?
a. Framing – is it correct, too much empty space need cropping? Too tight?
b. Composition: Did it follow the composition rule such as the rule of thirds and if it breaks the rule is it better?
c. What makes this photo better or worse than the rest?
d. Would it be better if its in black and white instead of color or vice versa?
e. Look at it in terms of space continuum, balance, colors, leading lines, etc.
f. Does the photo have depth, looks more like 3D than 2D even though it’s 2D. Through its perspective it can create a 3D effect.
7. Technical Competence:
a. Sharpness – is it sharp?
b. Exposure – is it too dark (underexpose) or too bright (over expose)?
c. Focus – is it focus correctly on the right subject? Could it be a front or back focus issue?
d. Depth of field – is the depth of field correct? Does it draw you to the subject or detract from it?
e. White balance – is there any color cast and white balance is needed?
f. Noise – if the picture is dark are noise around?
g. Any other technical competence issues?
Conclusion:
Give feedback within the confines of your own expertise, strength and weaknesses.
Giving good critique and feedback is extremely difficult and sensitive – if you want to critique and help, do a good job and be constructive not destructive.
When you critique a photo, have this in mind, be complimentary when deserving and positives are apparent, be constructive and instructive when negatives are apparent.
On the other hand the person who owns the photo being critique should not be defensive.
In both case we should never be offensive.
This is a learning tool and if used wisely, would benefit the incumbent.
There is no right or wrong, only pros and cons. Look at the photo being critique on a wider point, how you can help the photographer develop and improve through the critique. Help him develop a style.
Critique
1. To me the first step would be the Title and the Photo, the title normally might tell you the objective and subject/s of the photo.
2. Look, Interpret and Feel. How does this photo affect you, like “WOW” or “nah”. How do you relate to it?
3. Scan the photo in detail and note down what you like and dislike and what you can help to improve
4. Start off the critique session with the overall impression and compliment on what you like. Be polite all the time do not say its wrong but perhaps it can be improve by doing this and this.
5. Photos are like language so is the communicator who is the photographer communicating well with the communicated who is the viewer of the photo and did the message get through?
6. Creativity: How creative is it?
a. Framing – is it correct, too much empty space need cropping? Too tight?
b. Composition: Did it follow the composition rule such as the rule of thirds and if it breaks the rule is it better?
c. What makes this photo better or worse than the rest?
d. Would it be better if its in black and white instead of color or vice versa?
e. Look at it in terms of space continuum, balance, colors, leading lines, etc.
f. Does the photo have depth, looks more like 3D than 2D even though it’s 2D. Through its perspective it can create a 3D effect.
7. Technical Competence:
a. Sharpness – is it sharp?
b. Exposure – is it too dark (underexpose) or too bright (over expose)?
c. Focus – is it focus correctly on the right subject? Could it be a front or back focus issue?
d. Depth of field – is the depth of field correct? Does it draw you to the subject or detract from it?
e. White balance – is there any color cast and white balance is needed?
f. Noise – if the picture is dark are noise around?
g. Any other technical competence issues?
Conclusion:
Give feedback within the confines of your own expertise, strength and weaknesses.
Giving good critique and feedback is extremely difficult and sensitive – if you want to critique and help, do a good job and be constructive not destructive.