nix_morton

PHOTOGRAPHIC MUSINGS

Critique

DEFINITION

The critique process analyzes, interprets and classifies artwork through written or spoken comments.

Critique is a useful skill which can be applied to art or just about any creative activity. When a critique is done correctly it will give artists a renewed passion for creating. The fine line of critiquing is knowing both sides of the process. In photography you must know the themes and styles of photography and composition. It is also good to know the hardware basics of digital or analog systems depending on what equipment classification is utilized. Communication using standardized terminology is a must. Keep in mind the soul of a photograph is the message it conveys. Only the artist truly knows this message. With that said, here we go.

THE SKILL
Critiquing is a skill which is learned through study and practice. Photographs in museums, magazines and online are an endless source of material for you to practice your critiquing skills. In the beginning it is good to follow a checklist and write down your critique.

THE APPROACH
An informal critique would be done within a small group or club. Club members could rotate critiquing each month. In this way each person would get the chance to experience each side of a critique.

A formal critique used in judging a competition is led by a proven expert in photography. This person must be an unbiased communicator and know every aspect of the discipline. One standard for a formal review is the Professional Photographers of America’s document, 12 Elements of A Merit Image.

For the critique process to function it is vital it be solely about the image and not the photographer. The critique provides positive reinforcement and guidance related to a composition. It is important to explain why a composition works versus just saying you like it. The desired outcome is for the photographer to learn from critique.

CRITIQUE OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

  1. Begin with a positive comment.
  2. Identify a theme.(see below)
  3. Point out the subject matter or center of interest.
    • ​Determine if the photo is Representational Art or Conceptual Art. (see below)
  4. Elaborate upon creativity and originality.
  5. Evaluate the composition. Is there impact? Is there a story? Is a mood created?
  6. Recognize technical excellence such as focus, lighting and color balance.
  7. Offer direction for improvement.

It is most effective to conduct a critique in the order of analysis as shown above. Strive to be as objective as you can by referencing the basics of composition and technique. The further you proceed into the critique the more subjective your analysis will become. This idea of balancing the objective/subjective line is very difficult, especially when evaluating abstract images or those containing a great deal of artistic license. It is desirable that you are able to critique any photograph presented for analysis. Also, keep in mind a successful photo can be attained by breaking the rules.

THEMES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Some common Photographic Themes include:

  1. Nature (landscapes, wildlife, ​astrophotography)
  2. Documentary (street, photojournalism, fashion, dance)
  3. Still Life (an arrangement of objects)
  4. Portraits (​individual or group)
  5. Architecture
  6. Figure Study (images of the human form)

REPRESENTATIONAL ART vs. CONCEPTUAL ART
Representational Art references objects, or events in the real world and can produce the full gamut of emotions in the viewer, and that is the point of realistic art.

Conceptual Art takes a non-traditional approach to interpenetrating the scene in front of the artist or on the computer screen where the concept is the overriding component for the image creation. Development of the concept involves the use of shape, color, texture, pattern, line, light, shadow and focus to convey a feeling, sensation or impression.

WHAT IS COMPOSITION?
Objects and elements are used in a photograph to create a story. Placement of those objects and elements should create balance within the photograph. Objects can be arranged by moving them or changing your position in order to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo to the subject. The result should convey your intended message.

ELEMENTS OF COMPOSITION

  1. Shapes, tones, shadows, highlights, colors, patterns, repetition, lines
  2. Focal length, aperture, and camera angle
  3. De-focusing of the foreground or background
  4. Proportioning Systems (Rule of Thirds, Golden Triangle)

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES
Cycles in culture directly influence styles in many things including photography. Some styles result from old technology (film scratches, duotone, film grain, toy camera) and some from new technology (HDR, 3-D, digital effects). The application of a style to a photograph may enhance or detract from its impact depending on an image’s subject.

ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY
The Abstract photograph is a metamorphosis of styles with intent to ​isolate a fragment of any or a mixture of photographic themes (see Themes above) by in camera effects, editing effects or a combination of effects which include elements of color, light, shadow, pattern, texture, form and shapes which redefine reality. The image composition commonly conveys an impression upon the viewer. An Abstract may contain a defined subject but usually does not. The subject is perceived from the relationship of elements in the composition. ​Interpreting abstract photography is less about pinpointing the subject and more about stirring an emotional bond to the image created by composition.

TIPS TO CRITIQUE AN ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPH (practice + practice, requires great skill)

  1. Identify recognizable objects if possible
  1. Identify elements of composition
  2. Evaluate how the composition expresses a redefined reality or mood. (be objective)
  3. If you are drawn to the image explain why from an objective point of view. If not end your critique with number three.

HELPFUL WORDS

  1. Bokeh, pronounced “bow… kay” – The way a lens renders out-of-focus points of light. Best produced by a large aperture prime lens.
  2. Composition – The organization of space.
  3. Composite photograph – A photograph made by overlapping or juxtaposing two or more separate images.
  4. Objective – Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.
  5. Subjective – Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
  6. Mood – How does the image make me feel? How does the image support the mood such as lighting, color, composition, exposure, focus. Is there a connection between the photographer and the subject?

HELPFUL CONCEPTS

  1. Understand the photograph from various angles: technical, artistic, motivational, contextual, environmental and critique the technical features separately from artistic.
  2. Know your photographer, talk to them at their level. (this doesn’t work so well if you don’t know the photographer)
  3. Critique the photographer on how well they worked within their environment. (example: Shooting in low light where flash is not permitted.) On the other hand if they have control of lighting you should share helpful tips on lighting.
  4. If you know the photographer comment on their growth.
  5. Look at the image, think and look again.
  6. Critiquing is a detailed assessment.
  7. Critique with intention to help.
  8. Avoid personal bias in a critique.
  9. Composition or editing suggestions can alter the photo’s message. (example: cropping)
  10. Avoid comments like, “It’s nice” “It’s beautiful” “It works for me” “I love the colors” These comments are not helpful and can easily be taken as negative.
  11. A critique focuses on objective qualities. A critique is not an opinion.
  12. Make a photo shoot plan. (where to go, equipment needed, what time to begin shooting.
  13. Know the Golden Hour. (the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset)
  14. Be careful where compositional elements are cut off.
  15. Design your photo. Pick the optimum position. Wait for the best light conditions.

MORE TO INVESTIGATE

  1. The Edge Of Vision by Lyle Rexer (Abstract Photography)
  2. Geometry Of Design by Kimberly Elam (Proportion and composition)
  3. Read This If You Want To Take Great Photographs by Henry Carroll (Fundamentals of photography)
  4. Photographic Composition by Ben Clements and David Rosenfeld ( Composition through synthesis)

CLOSING COMMENTS

If you are a creative you should be familiar with the process of critique. This does not mean the critique is absolute. It is just one spoke in the wheel of the creative process. What is art without an audience?

nix_morton 02.24.2026

Back – > >