Understanding Our Photo Critiques
The club makes every effort to ensure that photo critiques are created in a manner that helps members expand and improve their photographic skills. Reviewing photographs, however, is an inexact process and members must be aware that different images influence viewers and/or peer reviewers in different ways, depending on individual experiences and preferences.
- Our photo critiques are written by club members. Although many of our peer reviewers are advanced members, all members have access to the training and resources necessary to participate in the critiquing process.
- Although images are assigned to a single peer reviewer, they are part of a group of reviewers – each of which are expected to contribute to the final critique.
- Images are reviewed based upon our photo critique rubric which in turn is derived from the 12 Elements for a Success of Art or Images
- Critiques are written using a template based on the ArtsEdge framework.
- Critiques are expected to be written in a constructive manner.
- Scores for each sub-criterion are assigned numeric values 1-5 (whole numbers only) according to the Scoring Scale.
- Peer reviewers in the Digital division rely solely on the images viewed on-line
- Peer reviewers in the Print division base their final review on the actual print
- Digital and Print chairs review all critiques for completeness and style
- Members may review photo critiques on all submitted images.
- Members may request clarification – or provide clarification to peer reviewers after their image has been critiqued
Photo Critique Rubric
Interest
- Impact
- Does the image have impact, which is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time?
- Does the image evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion?
- Does the image draw your eye into the picture and cause an immediate reaction?
- Creativity or Style
- Is there anything particularly creative, novel, different or exciting about the way the subject or message is expressed or interpreted?
- Does the image represent a specific genre? If so, is it a good representation of that genre?
- Does the image employ the style of a specific artist? If so, is the style appropriate for the subject and is it a good representation of that style?
Composition
- Elements of Composition
- Does the relative placement of image objects or elements enhance the image?
- Is 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 image?
- Do the main lines or elements of the picture lead to the main subject? Do they add depth? Does your eye naturally follow a path that keeps it within the picture??
- Is the horizon line properly placed 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 image achieve simplicity with no extraneous elements?
- Subject or Story
- Is the image subject clear, or if the image is abstract is the message or intent apparent and cohesive?
- Does the image tell a story clearly and simply Or does it otherwise evoke imagination or wonder?
- Does the image communicate to the viewer what the maker saw or felt at the time the photograph was taken?
- Does the image have a well-chosen title that helps the viewer understand the image?
Technique
- Focus, Exposure, & Lighting
- Do the in-camera techniques (e.g. depth of field or shutter speed) used to create the image enhance the image?
- Is the image well focused? If selective focus is used, is it effective?
- Is the exposure correct, not under or over-exposed, and without any blocked shadows or blown-out highlights?
- Does the use and control of light, either man-made or natural, enhance the photograph?
- Contrast, Color, & Production Quality
- Do the post-processing and production techniques used to create the image enhance the image?
- Is the global and local contrast appropriate for the image? Is the sharpening done effectively?
- Is the color saturation appropriate for the subject?
- Are the colors balanced supplying harmony to the image?
- Does the digital image or print exhibit quality work?
- Does the presentation give the image a finished look? Any borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
Scoring Scale
- Image does not reflect sub-criterion
- Image minimally reflects the sub-criterion
- Image basically reflects the sub-criterion
- Image effectively reflects the sub-criterion
- Image is an exceptional example of the sub-criterion
Critique Template and Focus Questions (ArtsEdge Framework)
Description:
- What do the title and apparent location tell you about the image
- What is the apparent genre of the photo?
- What are the main structural elements of the photo?
- What is the main subject if present?
Analysis:
- How are the photo elements (listed above) connected to create the composition?
- Are the elements balanced in the composition, or, if not, does the imbalance enhance the photo
otherwise? - 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 if there are no apparent elements?
Interpretation:
- 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 in the world?
Assessment:
- What qualities of the image make you feel it is a success or failure?
- How does it compare to other similar images that you have assessed as average, above average, or
below average? - How original is the photo? Why is it original or not original?
