WSAdmin
12-06-2009, 10:21 AM
Image Critique Guidelines
Not all image postings will request an Image Critique. Many posts are going to be more of a show and tell variety, allowing members to offer information… what, when, and where.
When someone submits a thread with ‘Image Critique’ or ‘C&C’ in the title or in the body of their post, they are requesting comments on the quality of various characteristics of the attached image. (C&C stands for Comments and Criticism)
The goal is for the critique requester to learn and understand how others view their image. This in turn, may result in the author adjusting their technique in future applications where applicable.
Requesting a Critique:
Be sure to include ‘Image Critique’ or ‘C&C’ in the title or the body of your post.
If there is a certain characteristic(s) you would like to be critiqued on, be sure to mention it.
Document in the post any flaws you are already aware of in the image. This will save time from responders rehashing something you already know.
Don’t get offended at a critique. While it is suggested to critics that they be polite and helpful, sometimes people can be very brief, which can come across as rude.
Responding with a critique:
Respond with both ‘strengths’ and ‘items for improvement’ regarding the image.
When appropriate, offer suggestions or corrective actions the requester could do to alleviate any flaw(s).
Be civil, polite, and helpful.
Image Characteristics
Here’s a couple of image characteristics to note when a critique is requested. Realize they are not always applicable depending on the type of image and what the author is trying to accomplish.
Composition
How is the subject framed? (Centered, Rule of thirds, or Other. Any could be correct depending on the situation.)
Is the subject looking into the image or out of the image?
Is the subject moving into the image or out of the image?
Is the subject at eye level with the camera or was the photo taken from above or below the subject?
Is the horizon level in the distance?
Is the background too busy causing distraction away from the subject?
Is there drama in the photo or is it flat and stagnant?
Is there action or implied action?
Are you drawn into the photo, is it interesting?
Lighting and exposure
Are the highlights blown out (loss of detail in the highlights)?
Are the shadows too dark (loss of detail in the shadows)?
Contrast – does the image look three dimensional or flat?
Are the colors vivid or muted?
When applicable, is there catch light in the subject’s eyes?
Sharpness and details
Is the subject soft or lacking details?
When applicable, are the face and eyes in focus (correct depth of field)?
Is the background blurred isolating the subject?
Is the plane of focus too shallow (shallow depth of field) ?
Not all image postings will request an Image Critique. Many posts are going to be more of a show and tell variety, allowing members to offer information… what, when, and where.
When someone submits a thread with ‘Image Critique’ or ‘C&C’ in the title or in the body of their post, they are requesting comments on the quality of various characteristics of the attached image. (C&C stands for Comments and Criticism)
The goal is for the critique requester to learn and understand how others view their image. This in turn, may result in the author adjusting their technique in future applications where applicable.
Requesting a Critique:
Be sure to include ‘Image Critique’ or ‘C&C’ in the title or the body of your post.
If there is a certain characteristic(s) you would like to be critiqued on, be sure to mention it.
Document in the post any flaws you are already aware of in the image. This will save time from responders rehashing something you already know.
Don’t get offended at a critique. While it is suggested to critics that they be polite and helpful, sometimes people can be very brief, which can come across as rude.
Responding with a critique:
Respond with both ‘strengths’ and ‘items for improvement’ regarding the image.
When appropriate, offer suggestions or corrective actions the requester could do to alleviate any flaw(s).
Be civil, polite, and helpful.
Image Characteristics
Here’s a couple of image characteristics to note when a critique is requested. Realize they are not always applicable depending on the type of image and what the author is trying to accomplish.
Composition
How is the subject framed? (Centered, Rule of thirds, or Other. Any could be correct depending on the situation.)
Is the subject looking into the image or out of the image?
Is the subject moving into the image or out of the image?
Is the subject at eye level with the camera or was the photo taken from above or below the subject?
Is the horizon level in the distance?
Is the background too busy causing distraction away from the subject?
Is there drama in the photo or is it flat and stagnant?
Is there action or implied action?
Are you drawn into the photo, is it interesting?
Lighting and exposure
Are the highlights blown out (loss of detail in the highlights)?
Are the shadows too dark (loss of detail in the shadows)?
Contrast – does the image look three dimensional or flat?
Are the colors vivid or muted?
When applicable, is there catch light in the subject’s eyes?
Sharpness and details
Is the subject soft or lacking details?
When applicable, are the face and eyes in focus (correct depth of field)?
Is the background blurred isolating the subject?
Is the plane of focus too shallow (shallow depth of field) ?