To critique a photo means to judge a photograph. But some questions to tackle: why critique photos, how to critique photos and what value do we get from photo critiques? In building up ARS BETA, I wanted to share some practical ideas on photography critique.
What is a critique?
The word critique comes from the Greek word: Kritikos, which means “to judge”.
So when you critique a photo, you judge a photo.
Criticism vs Critique
Now, in modern society most people are averse to criticism or critique.
The way I understand the words:
- Criticism: Hate
- Critique: Artistic (constructive) feedback
Technically the words criticism and critique are the same. However I like the idea of a “constructive critique” in photography; when you give feedback on the photo of another, you help give them constructive ideas to improve their photography, and you also improve your own photo judgement skills (which will eventually help you shoot better photos, and also become a better self-critiquer of your own work!
All judgements are subjective
I don’t think there is any ultimate objective way to critique a photo. All critiques we give are our own opinion; colored by our own visual tastes, personal aesthetic preferences and our experiences.
Thus don’t concern yourself with “objective” measures. Give others your two cents, and do it in a loving way, aimed to truly help and empower them. That’s the best critique to give!
1. How does the photo make you feel?
First of all, I think a good photography critique is based on your emotion. When you give a photography critique, share how the photograph makes you feel.
Does the photograph make you feel enchanted or lifted? Does the photo make you feel nervous, scared, or anxious? Does the photo take your breath away and make you agape with awe?
So simply put, when you are giving a critique you can say,
This photograph makes me feel “insert emotion here” because of reasons “x, y, z”
2. What do you like about the composition and how can you improve it?
Also in a critique, share what you like about the composition, and how you think (next time) a similar photograph they shoot can be improved.
For example one thing Henri Cartier-Bresson used to do was to use tracing paper on top of his photos, and analyze his photographs like a “post-mortem”; for him to better understand for himself why the photos worked or didn’t work. We can do the same; I will often use an iPad or a phone to sketch the composition of my images to analyze them.
When critiquing composition, points to consider:
- Which visual elements are interesting to look at, and which visual elements are distracting?
- Is the photograph dynamic, with energy and movement, or is the photograph lacking energy and vigor?
- Are there any distractions in the background which take away from the photograph?
- Do you see any interesting diagonal lines, shapes, curves, triangles, circles, rectangles or squares which interest you?
3. Soul
Ultimately I think the most important part of a photo when critiquing it:
Can you see the soul of the photographer in the image?
For myself, I embed my soul into the photos I shoot by photographing individuals close to my soul (Cindy) or by interacting with my subjects in street photography.
Also when judging your own photos, ask yourself:
Why am I the only person who can shoot this?
Some ideas:
- You have exclusive access to your loved ones and partner. Thus, photograph more images of those close to your soul!
- Show your perspective and point of view in your photos: What kind of social critique or commentary are you trying to make? Assert your own opinion in your photos!
So when you’re critiquing the work of others, tell the photographer whether you see their personality and soul in their pictures. If you don’t see the soul of the photographer in their images, tell them:
“Shoot more things which are personally meaningful to you!”
Conclusion: Give critiques with your soul
When you critique others, you’re not doing it to put them down, and for you to feel better about yourself. The purpose of a critique is to empower the other person, and for them to improve.
Of course some of your critiques might get misconstrued and taken in the wrong way. That’s okay, it’s all part of the game. But if your heart is in the right place when giving critiques, you’re truly a great and generous photographer) and human being).
I think it’s Alexander the Great who said it’s (more) virtuous to get negative criticism when you’re helping others. Keep this in mind; don’t be shy to give constructive critiques. Do it for others and for yourself!
Love all photographers!
ERIC
To get real feedback on your photos, upload your photos to arsbeta.com >