How to Make a Photographic Critic
If we dedicate ourselves to photography we must assume that our work will be judged constantly. While it is true that we can not expect our photographs to please everyone , we can actively listen to the criticism we receive.
A photographic criticism, as long as it is constructive, can be very beneficial for the learning and evolution of a photographer. The problem is that on the Internet, today, we may find more of the bad reviews than the good ones.
Therefore, in this article we will explain how to make a good photographic critique. In this way you will be able to recognize a useful criticism as soon as you see it , and even you can put these tips into practice and make criticisms that help other colleagues.
What Should I Analyze to Do the Critique of a Photo?
A photographic criticism consists of reflecting on the main reasons why you like or do not like a certain capture.
Well, in order that your criticism is as complete as possible, we will list a number of factors that we must take into account when analyzing a photograph.
#1. Take Time to Examine the Photograph
The first step is to look, observe and read the photograph carefully. It is not good that you get to write a review having just cast a glance and send it without more. Start by dedicating the time you need to look at all the details and aspects of the catch that call your attention and deserve to be analyzed.
If you want to develop your 'critical eye' you must learn to examine closely each element within the composition, look at the focal point that may have been used and in all the important aspects. For the moment, think about those ideas and then we will see what is the best way to expose them.
#2. Rate the Technical Type Factors
What do you think about the color of the sand in this photograph? Do you like the treatment of colors and their saturation? Do you think the effect is deliberately done?
Sometimes, we make mistakes when shooting. These will be one of the first factorswhen evaluating our photo. You should look at:
- Exposure . Analyze if there are elements overexposed or underexposed in the photo and if it makes sense that they are. Rate the overall exposure level of the photo. And, above all, study the level of exposure of the main element. You can also study the hardness of the light and if it is the most suitable for the purpose of the photo.
- Approach . Not only should you notice if the photo is out of focus or not. But also if the central element to focus should be that or if the depth of field chosen is the right one. For example, a face may not be fully focused because a very low f-number has been used and the subject was not completely parallel to the camera.
- Focal distance. You can try to find out what focal point the photographer may have used if you do not see the EXIF data that is being sent to you. Perhaps the failure of a photo may have been to use a more recommended lens for portrait in a landscape or vice versa.
- Balance of Targets . Never lose sight of the general purpose of the photo, because color temperature is another of those resources that can be very useful in the hands of a good photographer.
- Noise . Very important to take it into account. And, in this sense, we distinguish between grain and noise . Grain is a very interesting resource in certain photos, while noise is an undesired effect that usually appears when we use high ISOs in low light conditions.
#3. Look at the Compositive Factors
See if a photograph complies, for example, with the Composition Rules. Here the lighthouse is not within the strengths of the rule of thirds but plays with the lines of clouds, light and reflection in the water and works well equally.
Undoubtedly, one of the most important elements of photography, composition has the virtue of making photographs great. There are rules of composition that help, but they are not obligatory norms and we can skip them. When making your review do not forget to consider:
- Frame . Is something left or missing in the photo? Is the aspect ratio (width: height) adequate? Is the central element of your photo in the right place? Both the framing chosen by the photographer and the reframing or trimming that you have done will be essential for a photograph to work.
- Type of Plane. Is it a first plane , a detail plane or a general plane? Look also at the chosen angle . Have you taken the shot at eye level or is it more original and is it a zenith or aberrant plane?
- Background. It must be one more element of the composition. It should not distract attention too much, unless that is its purpose. But having chosen a fund that is interesting or having defocused it so that the main element gains prominence are points to take into account.
- Visual Weight, Rhythm and Color. Do you see that there is a clear compositional rhythm in the image? Does the color of the elements contrast and is it visually attractive? Is there a balance between the elements of your photo? Is there a strong decompensation? If so, does it help tell the story of the photo?
- Composition rules . Have you followed any composition rule as a guide? Do you notice that he has used the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, the dynamic symmetry , the rule of the gaze? Do you appreciate a clear vanishing point and understanding of perspective ? Do you play with the lines in some way? If you have skipped the composition rules, have you managed to break them successfully and get a beautiful result?
#4. Evaluate Emotional Factors
This photo may not have all the elements well distributed in the scene, but the story it tells is very visually appealing. As we always say, the rules are to break them. The key is knowing how to do it.
This is more difficult to measure, but it is always very interesting to assess the impact caused by the photo. The sensations that it transmits. The story that counts. The best photos of the history of photography you see them once and you can not forget them. Pay attention to:
- Theme. Regardless of the creative style of a photographer, we must look at the subject. If it is something as obvious as the photo of a subject, we understand that it is a portrait . Then we should look at what inspires that portrait Is the person sharp and focused? Is the pose natural? Are there very pronounced shadows that disfigure the face?
- Purpose . What has the author of the photo tried to capture? What are you trying to tell us? What is the story you intend to tell? Are the rest of the factors that we have analyzed serving the purpose of the snapshot?
- Emotions . It helps the photographer a lot to tell you what emotions you felt when you saw the picture. Many times a perfect photo that does not transmit emotions easily passes into oblivion.
- Interest . Is it interesting for some reason? Is it curious? Does it attract attention? What extent? Why?
#5. Rate the Image Processing
The excess of processing is something very subjective. Do you think that this image has been applied too much color or focus? Or do you think that style gives it personality?
Finally, look at how the image has been revealed and edited. Nowadays, processing is a very controversial subject among photographers and has both its followers and its detractors. There will always be those who will be in favor of retouching and others totally against the manipulation of photographs.
Depending on your limit you can say or not about the subject. Yes it is true that excessive processing is usually noticed at first sight and it is possible that the author does not know how to use some editing tools well. Do not discard that some advice on this may come in handy.
6 Tips for Writing your Photographic Critic
#1. Take Notes While You Analyze the Photo
After having observed the photograph for a while, analyze it point by point and go making your own notes.
Make a list with the key points and the ideas that you want to highlight and then have that outline as a reference and write a complete and, above all, useful criticism.
#2. Make a Logical Narrative Structure
The more structured the criticism, the easier it will be for the photographer to understand it. Start with an introductory paragraph that reveals your most general impressions.
Then, use the body of the text to develop in detail all your insights and points of view. Finally, close with a final paragraph with a conclusion where you summarize your thoughts and suggestions for improvement.
#3. First mention the Positive Aspects
Inside the body, it is advisable that you start by highlighting what are the strong points that work well in photography. It is a good strategy for the photographer to be more open to the most critical opinions he will receive later.
Anyway, your appreciations do not have to be negative. If you find a picture that you like and you do not see any but, also make a totally positive review , because maybe the photographer thinks that something else fails in it and you can make it out of doubt.
#4. Use a simple and concise language
Do not waste time writing flourishes and terms too technical to show that you understand about the subject. Your goal is to advise the photographer / and not to show off .
Openly state what you think about a photographic work and argue your opinion. Be brief and concise , without giving more than one return to the same idea, but making clear what you want to say with an easy-to-understand language.
#5. Argue your Personal Opinions
If you decide to leave aside the objectivity and give your personal opinion you should support it with convincing arguments. Never use phrases like 'I do not like it', 'It's not right' without saying why it makes sense.
Try to talk about the photo as such and not start all the phrases with an 'I believe', 'I think' or 'I think that'.
# 6 Do not forget to include suggestions for improvement
It is very easy to say that something is not right. What is really complicated is knowing how to explain to another person how one could have done well from the beginning. That must be the real challenge.
Therefore, if you recognize an error that has already happened to you before, try to convey those suggestions and advice in your criticism. This way, the photographer can really learn with your criticism and motivate himself to improve.
Long live the Constructive Criticism!
A photographic criticism should never become an offense or make the photographer feel bad. As much as a photo is taken wrong, you should never lose respect for a person or the work you have done.
Think that if you expose a photograph publicly what you expect is a healthy feedback . If a photo you like, say it, but ask yourself and if you do not like it, the same. The essential thing is that your words serve to help and not to annoy others.
What do you think about the criticism? Do you have any formula to make your own? Tell us in the comments!
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