How to critique photographs! What to like for and what to know. With examples!

1. How to Critique a Photo
By Nina Slowinski

2. Keep in Mind
Critiquing a photo should not only be about
critiquing the photo, but about critiquing the
photographer as well. When critiquing a photo
take everything into consideration also try to
look at more than just one photo, to compare.

3. Also Don't Forget
When judging a photo separate your likes from
your dislikes to judge each picture equally.
Remember that the four main principles to
judge a photograph are value, clarity,
composition, and presentation.

4. Value
Begin by looking at the
● The range of light. light, check out the
contrast. It may or
● Contrast - range may not be a huge
between dark and impact, but a subtle
light elements. view may be the best.
Remember that
contrast is not the only
thing that makes a
photo good.

5. Clarity
Clarity is based on
correct focus. Focus can
● Focus
be either sharp or soft,
it really depends on the
● Center of interest mood the photographer
is trying to set. Also,
● Depth of Field - with focus comes center
distance between of interest which is what
the farthest and is trying to be shown.
nearest object that Do put the focus and
appear to be sharp center of interest
in the photo together, they affect
each other greatly.

6. Presentation
This part is fairly
● Final product simple, perhaps the
most. Look for
scratches, dust,
anything that looks
like it can be touched
up. Be sure to point it
out. Also, if this is the
final then the edges
should be straight.

7. Composition
Most photos contain one
main element, this is the
point of interest. Moving
● Point of interest - from there, make sure to
what stand out look at frame. Is the photo
tightly cropped, is there
blank space? Both options
● Frame work, depending on the
image of course. Make
● Lines sure there is balance.
Lines can also be a great
impact watch for sharp
and curved ones.

8. Questions
To bring value, clarity, presentation, and
composition together when critiquing photos
there are three questions you should ask
yourself:
1. What is good about this photo?
2. What is not good?
And
3. What could be better?

9. Photo Critique Example 1
This black and white photo focuses mai nly on the contrast of
lighting. The girls hair is the point of interest, it stands out
amongst the black. The rest of the light is darker than her hair
which allows justice to
the center of interest.
Though there are few,
some scratches remain
and could be touched
up. The edges could
also be straightened, it
stands on a tilt. The
focus is somewhere in
between soft and sharp
and should be clarified.

10. Photo Critique Example 2
This photo has a sharp focus that blurs out a bit at the
edges. It is cropped tightly showing little empty space
except. The contrast is very vibrant, it is a very upbeat
photo. There are scratches probably because it is a digital
camera. What is bad is the the center or point of interest
makes me a bit lost. I can't tell if it is the light green pencil
or the circle all the pencils points make. This should be
made clearer next time.

11. Photo Critique Example 3
This photographs center of
interest is the chess piece in front.
There is depth of field between it
and the pieces in the back
particularly the closet pawn.
Cropping is good with little blank
space. There are no visible
scratches that I can see. Point of
interest, lines, and clarity mess a
little in this one though. The focus
is very sharp in the front but
makes a bit confused in the way
back. The lines are a bit squished
together making it stand out.
Next time it should the
photographer consider removing
the person from the photo.

12. THE END