Critiquing, a different perspective

The evaluation of an image by the observer is not neccessarily the value assigned by the creator. The observer sees only the image while the creator sees the image that was in his mind at the time the shutter closed. One of the activities of our local Professional Photographers of America group is to judge images for submission to regional, state, and national contests. The methodology used for the judging is based on a five point system, where 0 is about as bad as it gets (I have never seen any image judged this harshly) and 5 is near perfection (I could number these on one hand). There is never a negative evaluation given, all names are withheld to remove personalities. (However, most photographers develop a style that eventully identifies them by their work, so its not foolproof) The correlation to the thumbs system is not exactly appropriate but the elements could be used for those who have never judged or professionally critiqued an image. I'll offer it for your examination. Technical Merit (One point) - an image recieves value for the following 1. Focus - Is the primary point of attention (the main element or purpose of the image) in appropriate focus. Even if softening through the use diffusion filters is used, is it clear and sharp enough to provide a positive feel. If the use of motion bluring is a part of the image does it provide a feeling of direction and speed. 2. Exposure - Is the correct exposure evident to the observer. An examination of the four major elements reveals detail in the (1)highlight and (2)shadow zones. In other words are the essential areas of the image free from either blowing out (overexposure) or blocking up (underexposure). Are the (3)transition zones, the area of change from highlight to shadow smooth and in the proper areas of the image. and finally (4) the areas of specular highlights, that is the reflections of the light source, are appropriate to the image. Be sure to recognise that correct exposure of some images may be extreme over exposure or extreme underexposure but these are evident in the overall tone of the image. 3. Image Quality - The overall quality of the image and the state the observer finds in the image. How has the image been handled, are there fingerprints, chemical stains, or other adverse elements that detract from the value of the image? Compositional Merit (two points) - an image is valued by some of the following elements (this section envolves more subjective evaluation on the part of the observer) 1. Image structure - Do the elements of the image tend involve the observer or draw the attention of the observer into the image as a whole. The use of thirds to establish tone, diagonal lines that direct attention, vanishing points, and S-curves work together and in harmony with each other to creat a consistant and harmonius image. 2. Element construction - Do the elements such as Background, Foreground, Primary elements, and supportive elements work together to establish the theme of the image. Is the message that the photographer wishes to communicate clear to the observer. 3. Color Coordination - Do the colors in a Color image or the tonality of a B&W provide a pleasing and affecting environment for the Image. Certain colors clash and certain colors coordinate to generate a feeling for the image. Is the color scheme selected appropriate for the tone of the image. Does the the use of colors confuse the message of the image. 4. Number Coordination - Does the selection of the number of items in the image contribute or detract from the image. Is the image too busy or confusing. Affective Merit (two points) - This is the most difficult and subjective area of all. To what direction and to what degree does this image move or invoke the emotions of the observer. 1. Does the image declare an emotive message to the observer that moves the observer in one emotional direction or the other. Do you get mad, indignant, sad, nostalgic, restful or restless as the image is viewed. (Personally as a photgrapher of femininity, it reminds me of the fine line between sensuality and vulgarity, that I do not wish to cross) 2. How arrested is the attention of the observer to the image. Do they think 'Oh just another pet picture' and move hurriedly on or do they linger for minutes over 'What an adorable animal, it reminds me of what pets are for'. For many that have examined images for any period of time, these elements are mostly subliminal and are percieved without thinking, for the those who have not this can form the basis for some really valuble critiques. To each of you may your next image be a little better than your last, Good Imaging Bruce & Jean Sexton, DayStar Studios brsexton@1s.net Amarillo, TX USA

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From tatjanahabusta/Habusta (162) on May 21, 2007 8:38:40 AM CDT version with paragraphs for easier reading, hope I didn't over-do it:) The evaluation of an image by the observer is not necessarily the value assigned by the creator. The observer sees only the image while the creator sees the image that was in his mind at the time the shutter closed. One of the activities of our local Professional Photographers of America group is to judge images for submission to regional, state, and national contests. The methodology used for the judging is based on a five point system, where 0 is about as bad as it gets (I have never seen any image judged this harshly) and 5 is near perfection (I could number these on one hand). There is never a negative evaluation given, all names are withheld to remove personalities. - However, most photographers develop a style that eventually identifies them by their work, so it’s not foolproof.- The correlation to the thumbs system is not exactly appropriate but the elements could be used for those who have never judged or professionally critiqued an image. I'll offer it for your examination. Technical Merit (One point) - an image receives value for the following 1. Focus - Is the primary point of attention (the main element or purpose of the image) in appropriate focus. Even if softening through the use diffusion filters is used, is it clear and sharp enough to provide a positive feel. If the use of motion blurring is a part of the image does it provide a feeling of direction and speed? 2. Exposure - Is the correct exposure evident to the observer. An examination of the four major elements reveals detail in the (1) highlight and (2) shadow zones. In other words are the essential areas of the image free from either blowing out (overexposure) or blocking up (underexposure). Are the (3) transition zones, the area of change from highlight to shadow smooth and in the proper areas of the image and finally (4) the areas of specular highlights, that is the reflections of the light source, are appropriate to the image. Be sure to recognize that correct exposure of some images may be extreme over exposure or extreme underexposure but these are evident in the overall tone of the image. 3. Image Quality - The overall quality of the image and the state the observer finds in the image. How has the image been handled, are there fingerprints, chemical stains, or other adverse elements that detract from the value of the image? Compositional Merit (two points) - an image is valued by some of the following elements (this section involves more subjective evaluation on the part of the observer) 1. Image structure - Do the elements of the image tend involve the observer or draw the attention of the observer into the image as a whole. The use of thirds to establish tone, diagonal lines that direct attention, vanishing points, and S-curves work together and in harmony with each other to create a consistent and harmonious image. 2. Element construction - Do the elements such as Background, Foreground, Primary elements, and supportive elements work together to establish the theme of the image. Is the message that the photographer wishes to communicate clear to the observer. 3. Color Coordination - Do the colors in a Color image or the tonality of a B&W provide a pleasing and affecting environment for the Image? Certain colors clash and certain colors coordinate to generate a feeling for the image. Is the color scheme selected appropriate for the tone of the image? Does the use of colors confuse the message of the image? 4. Number Coordination - Does the selection of the number of items in the image contribute or detract from the image. Is the image too busy or confusing? Affective Merit (two points) - This is the most difficult and subjective area of all. To what direction and to what degree does this image move or invoke the emotions of the observer. 1. Does the image declare an emotive message to the observer that moves the observer in one emotional direction or the other? Do you get mad, indignant, sad, nostalgic, restful or restless as the image is viewed? - Personally as a photographer of femininity, it reminds me of the fine line between sensuality and vulgarity that I do not wish to cross. 2. How arrested is the attention of the observer to the image. Do they think “'Oh just another pet picture” and move hurriedly on or do they linger for minutes over “What an adorable animal, it reminds me of what pets are for”. For many that have examined images for any period of time, these elements are mostly subliminal and are perceived without thinking, for the those who have not this can form the basis for some really valuable critiques. To each of you may your next image be a little better than your last! Good Imaging, Bruce & Jean Sexton, DayStar Studios brsexton@1s.net Amarillo, TX USA Reply

From coolslug/Don (1,877) on November 13, 2008 10:47:24 AM CST I just wish that I had seen your version of this before reading the original. This is way easier to read. Good job! Reply

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