Peer Reviewer Training

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 updated program and help get you up to speed on writing critiques.
    • Watch a short video (needs updating) 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. (needs updating) 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
Water Crossing
Water Crossing

Subject: Fauna

Display Full Screen

Rating Scale
9-10 Outstanding-professional quality
7-8 Strong-Above average club level
5-6 Good-solid work/rom to refine
2-4 Developing-needs improvement
1-2 Beginning-intent visible

         Total
 
Only current, logged-in members may Save Scores and Comments.

Submitter’s Note: One of the Salt River wild horses crossing the Salt River, taken on our November photoshoot.

Quick Reference

In each category, indicate what you like most & any suggestions for improvement.

Impact: The strength of the viewer’s
first impression — how much the image grabs attention or provokes emotion.

  • Images that stop you in your tracks or draw you in immediately.
  • Emotional engagement: awe, joy, tension, curiosity, empathy, etc.
  • Visual presence — does the image command attention even as a
    thumbnail or across a room?

Story: The message, emotion, or
narrative within the image — what it means, not just what it shows.

  • A clear subject and a sense of purpose or context.
  • Emotion or action that suggests a bigger story beyond the frame
  • Visual cues that encourage imagination or empathy.

Technical Quality: How well the
photographer-controlled focus, exposure, color, sharpness, noise, and lighting.

  • Proper exposure and good detail in shadows/highlights
  • Sharp focus where needed, with intentional control of depth of field
  • Effective management of motion blur, color temperature, and lighting

Post-Processing: The skill and
restraint used in editing; how well processing supports the creative intent.

  • Clean tonal balance, consistent color harmony, and controlled
    contrast
  • Editing that enhances mood and focus without appearing artificial
  • Consistent output quality (no halos, artifacts, or oversaturation)

Composition: The deliberate
arrangement of elements within the frame to create visual balance and clarity.

  • Strong point of interest and effective use of lines, shapes, and
    space
  • Balance between harmony and tension
  • Thoughtful framing and cropping that direct attention were
    intended

Creativity: The uniqueness,
imagination, and personal voice that make the image stand out.

  • Original perspective, concept, or technique
  • A distinctive style or mood that reflects the photographer’s
    individual vision
  • Risk-taking or experimentation that elevates the work beyond
    standard approaches

Add any final thoughts or impressions.  If not reflected above, indicate what you most liked about the image and any changes you suggest that might improve the image.

Add any discussion that relates to perspectives of group members not reflected in the review above.

  • Rating Scale
    9-10 Outstanding-professional quality
    7-8 Strong-Above average club level
    5-6 Good-solid work/rom to refine
    2-4 Developing-needs improvement
    1-2 Beginning-intent visible
  • This category looks at the emotional punch and narrative depth of the image.
  • Does it stop the viewer in their tracks, evoke a feeling, or tell a compelling story that lingers in the mind?
  • Here we’re evaluating the technical execution and editing quality. Is the image sharp where it needs to be, properly exposed, and free of distracting artifacts, with post-processing that enhances rather than overpowers the original capture?
  • This focuses on how thoughtfully the frame is arranged and how original or inventive the photographer’s vision feels. Strong lines, balanced elements, and a fresh perspective can elevate an ordinary subject into something memorable
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