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Hi I'm Steve Pottenger and I'm going to briefly talk about how to critique a photograph. Giving
feedback and discussing photographs is one of the best ways to develop or skills. Our
perception of our own work is often based on the experience of taking the image. We
need to consider how others respond to our work.
When your work is being critiqued listen carefully. Don't attempt to justify or explain your photograph
during the critique. Remember this one person's opinion of your image. Be open to it and take
what's worth keeping.
If you're providing a critique it's good to follow some basic etiquette:
First remember that the critique is about helping, so make sure your comments are constructive.
Look for what's working and not working. Then thoughtfully comment on both.
Too often online critiques provide shallow feedback. "Great photo" doesn't tell the photographer
much. Good or bad, offer specific detailed observations to ensure there is no confusion
over your comments. Limit feedback to your important points. In
most cases 3 to 5 observations are sufficient. An over abundance of feedback can at times
be antagonizing. We want to help and build trust, not pick each other apart.
Along those lines, keep feedback specific to the photo and NEVER belittle someone's
photography skills or camera.
I'm going to show you a photo and suggest a step by step approach for the critique process.
Start with your first impressions of the photo: its emotional appeal, the relationship of
elements, and what you think the image communicates. Then comment on the photograph's composition.
This might include balance, color, crop, distracting elements, and camera position.
Next consider the technical aspects like focus, exposure, depth of field, lighting, and post
production. If appropriate you might ask questions or
provide suggestions. Remember that this is an opportunity for a conversation. Critiques
don't have to be one sided. Even as the person providing the critique, you might learn something.
I'll follow these steps in a demonstration critique:
This photo appeals to me because it captures some of the wild fall color combinations we
see here in Minnesota. It's interesting that you chose to crop down on just part of the
leaf. This creates a bold graphic feel with the leaf's jagged shape and strong color contrast.
I don't know if you meant to post the image in landscape orientation, but I think the
shape of the leaf would draw your eye into the image more if it were turned 90 degrees.
The shallow depth of field really helps separate the leaf from the background. Do you think
the image might be stronger if you had more of the leaf in focus? Did you use your flash
or a reflector? The highlights on the edge of the leaf provide nice separation and some
depth to the leaf. That makes the image more interesting because I always think of leaves
as being flat.
So why don't you give it a try. Sites like Flickr.com have a great commenting feature.
You'll really help everyone become a better photographer, including yourself.