Peer Reviewer Training
Overview
- Members interested in becoming a peer reviewer may contact Janel Cox at critiques@sedonacamera.club. Janel is our Critiques Coordinator and may assign you a mentor to guide you through your training.
- This page provides you with a self-study program to introduce you to the program and help get you up to speed on writing critiques.
- Watch a short video that introduces you to the Arts Edge framework and walks you through writing a critique
- Read more about the Arts Edge Framework and Scoring Rubric. Print out this short document for reference.
- Finally, try writing a critique of the Water Crossing image shown below
- The layout of the thumbnail and form closely mimics the layout you will be using in the Critiques Website
- The Critique Quick Reference can be used for a quick lookup to review key points of the process
- After you complete your critique, a copy will be mailed to you and Janel to be used for a discussion with your assigned mentor
Submitter’s Note: One of the Salt River wild horses crossing the Salt River, taken on our November photoshoot.
Quick Reference
Describe all the Visual Elements & Techniques Used. Do not assume anything except what can be objectively seen.
- What do the title and apparent location tell you about the image?
What is the genre of the photo? - What are the subject and structural elements of the photo?
- How was the photo made?
- How are the visual elements (listed above) connected to create the composition?
- Are the elements balanced in the composition, or does the imbalance enhance the photo?
- Are there similarities or repeated elements in the composition?
Are there points of emphasis or motion in the composition? - How is the viewer drawn into an abstract image without apparent elements?
Interpret Viewer Feelings, Impact & Story:
- What are the expressive qualities of the image like color, texture, or balance?
- Does the photo remind you of other things you might have experienced (analogies or metaphors)?
- Does the image relate to societal, environmental, or humanistic issues?
Assess the Overall Impact & Effectiveness:
- What image qualities make you feel it is a success or failure?
- How does it compare to photos you assess as average, above average, or below average?
- How original is the photo?
- Why is it original or not original?
- 5 = Exceptional example of sub-criteria
- 4 = Effectively reflects sub-criteria
- 3 = Basically reflects sub-criteria
- 2 = Minimally reflects sub-criteria
- 1 = Does not reflect sub-criteria
- Do the in-camera techniques used to create the photo enhance the photo?
- Is the photo well focused? If selective focus is used, is it effective?
- Is the exposure appropriate, without any blocked shadows or blown-out highlights, unless it was intentionally and effectively over or under exposed?
Does the use and control of light, either man made or natural, enhance the photograph?
- Do the post processing and production techniques used enhance the photo?
- Is the global and local contrast appropriate for the photo? Is the sharpening done effectively?
- Is the color saturation appropriate for the subject?
- Are the colors balanced supplying harmony to the photo?
- Does the digital photo or print exhibit quality work?
- Does the presentation give the photo a finished look?
- The borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the photo, not distract from it.
- Does the relative placement of image objects or elements enhance the photo? (elements include pattern, symmetry, texture, depth of field, lines, framing, perspective, space, balance, color, contrast)
- Are the center or centers of interest well placed. Does it stand out from the background? Does its placement work together with all other secondary elements to express the purpose of the photo?
- Do the main lines or elements of the picture lead to the main subject? Do they add depth? Does your eye follow a path that keeps it within the picture?
- Is the horizon line placed properly for the subject?
- Are repetitious shapes or colors appealing to the eye and clearly a pattern or design?
- Are composition rules like the rule of thirds applied, if appropriate., does the photo achieve simplicity with no extraneous elements?
- Is subject clear, or, if the photo is an abstract, is the message or intent apparent and cohesive?
- Does the photo tell a story clearly and simply? Or does it otherwise evoke imagination or wonder?
- Does the photo communicate to the viewer what the maker saw or felt at the time the photograph was taken?
- Does the photo have a well-chosen title that helps the viewer understand the image?
- Is there anything particularly creative, novel, different or exciting about the way the subject or message is expressed or interpreted?
- Does the photo represent a specific genre? If so, is it a good representation of that genre?
- Does the photo employ a specific style? Is the style appropriate for the subject and is it a good representation of that style?
Impact
- Does the photo have Impact, which is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time?
- Does the photo evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion?
- Does the photo draw your eye into the picture and cause an immediate reaction?
