+

How to Critique PhotographyBy Ally Tobler

+Purpose of Critiquing

Not criticizing, instead pointing out what needs improvement

Balance of good and bad comments

Helps you progress

“Crit” session help photographers

Shows those close to their own work what needs to fixed

+3 Basic Questions To Ask Yourself

1) What is good about it?

2) What is not good?

3) How could it be better?

+Style and Standards

Move beyond what you like and dislike

Identify elements of a photograph and evaluate them (do not be biased if you don’t like a certain style)

Main factors that determine photographic standard:

-Value

-Clarity

-Composition

-Presentation

+Value

The more contrast the better (although photos with one color may have great visual impact)

Good to have grays incorporated (good quality grays, not “muddy” ones)

If there is one critical, bold point, it is fine if value is limited

To Improve Value:

-Leave film in developer for longer (creates more contrast)

-The right paper grade also affects how contrast turns out

+Clarity

What’s in focus? What should be in focus? Why is something not in focus?

Key is to focus correctly (not just whether its in focus)

Can be soft for affect or the main object can be sharp

Depends on photographers style

+Improving Clarity

-CHOOSE APPROPRIATE SHUTTER SPEED! In low light shutter speed should be decreased and aperture increased (focus more clearly as you use larger apertures)

-”Camera Shake” occurs in low light settings with slow shutter speeds. To fix it, prop camera up against face or elbow, holding your breath, or standing against a wall

Clarity Don’ts:

-Dark subject on dark background

-Complex subject on complex background

-Don’t move forwards or backwards after focusing and object

+Presentation

Needs to be clean (no flecks, fingerprints, scratches, or dark circles)

Trick is to follow developing instructions carefully, keep dark rooms dustless, and in the end use anti-static brushes and other cleaning tools

Finally, you can include neatly trimmed edges, squared corners, and proper adhesion to the mat board

+Composition

Aspects you can evaluate: point of interest, cropping, lines

Point of Interest: Is there a point of interest? Does it stand out? Photograph should include single, dominant element usually near the middle of the frame

Cropping: Is there any wasted space? Blank parts should focus on what is important and should interact with the central image

Lines: Gives impact, can “pull” or “point” viewers eyes away or towards points of interest, creates complexity and “visual tension” that intrigues viewers

+ Aesthetics

Style – difference between skillful photography and genuine art

Some photos have right elements but still do not work (and vice versa)

But, a photo with all the right elements will mostly likely come out to be something great

How to Improve:

-Look at many good photos (w/ right elements) to train your eyes, you will soon learn to find which pictures have it all and which dont

-Master the techniques and following the rules at all times to help you produce consistently good photographs

+Sample Photos

From Chapter 4 Developing a Photographic Eye

From Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74825227@N05/8386314003/in/explore-2013-01-16)

From Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernhardur/8388412118/sizes/o/in/explore-2013-01-16/)

+

The EndNow you know how to progress in the world of photography by learning how to critique others and eventually yourself