Critiquing Photographs (Revised)

Revised 2018.01.22 to add link to Wikipedia article listing design elements.
Revised 2018.02.26 to add a view of the Three Step Method in context.

How does one evaluate photos submitted for the OPC’s monthly competitions?  Or how do we evaluate our own photos?  Well, a good start would be to follow the techniques of a trained photography judge.  Now most of us don’t have that training and experience, but by attending the 4th Friday discussions and reading the comments in the competition galleries, we can start absorbing the techniques demonstrated by some of the OPC’s luminaries. 

Their critiques often begin with identification of the photograph’s subject, and then move to a description of the photograph’s elements of design and principles of composition.  We all can practice their technique by (re)-familiarizing ourselves with the “vocabulary” of elements and principles of visual design.  Freeman Patterson is one of the first photographers to publish a description of these elements and principles.* 

So, to foster our understanding of visual design, I would like to suggest a Three Step Method** to approach photographic criticism. 

1. Impression.  Determine what the photo is about, that is, its subject and the impression the photo makes upon the viewer. 

2. Technique.  Identify the techniques of craft employed in the photo, that is, the elements and principles of visual design from Freeman Patterson, and their equivalent from other photographers.  Patterson’s basic elements of design are color and tone and his basic principle is dynamic simplicity.  See Photography Course, Vocabulary of Criticism for a list of the secondary concepts derived from these basic elements and principles.   

3. Assessment.  Assess whether the "techniques" support the "impression."  For example, if a photograph leaves the viewer with an impression of motion, identify what elements and principles convey that impression of motion.  Then determine whether other elements or principles might convey the impression differently, more perceptibly, more subtly, etc.   

This critiquing method doesn't consider the craft of camera usage, such as holding the camera steadily, achieving a useful exposure, setting an appropriate white balance, etc.  But the method does not preclude discussion of camera usage to improve the photographer’s visual design technique.

May I suggest we try out this method at our next 4th Friday meeting?  And…

... Have fun!


* Note that many photographers have devised their own elements as exemplified in Wikipedia (a handy, practical reference for all things photographic), but there is significant overlap with Patterson’s elements.  And I think his elements hold up well as the fundamental elements upon which to base principles and to establish assessment methods.  See Wikipedia’s article “Composition (visual arts)” for a listing of many elements of design. 

** See Photo Critiquing Approaches for a view of the Three Step Method in context.