As a photographer, I’m asked on occasion to critique and
give an UN-biased opinion on someone’s work. If you are like me I hate to
critique my own work since I’m my own worst critic. I have come up with a grading
system that allows me to cover every technical aspect of a captured image and
score it objectively. As Ancel Adams said: “There is no rules for good
photographs, there are only good photographs” If you find yourself in this situation be
sure to ask the photographer what the category
this would represent if its not evident and what caption would be appropriate.
This will help you get a mind set on what the photographer was thinking when the
picture was taken.
So if you find yourself in a situation were your asked to
give an opinion about another photographers work, just remember that people are
sensitive to criticism. Be truthful, but show a little compassion and be
diplomatic. It’s not what you say its how you say it.
Answer each question about the image you are trying to
evaluate and score it from zero to 10 then add up your score.
1. SUBJECT MATTER- Best
reflects the Theme, Title and Category
0-10
2. IMPACT- The “WOW” factor, a combination of Light,
Color, Lens Choice, Angle or Perspective, Timing, Compositional Relationships,
Etc 0-10
3. CREATIVITY- The combination of subject, camera and
lighting techniques in unison 0-10
4. STYLE- A
personal touch that is unique and stands out.
0-10
5. COMPOSITION- The placement of the visual elements of
attention within its surroundings. 0-10
6. CENTER OF INTEREST- Must be definitive in
relation to its surroundings. 0-10
7. COLOR BALANCE- Creative use of complimentary colors
0-10
8. LIGHTING- Creative
use lighting and shadows 0-10
9. INNOVATIVE- Creative use of camera placement and
angles. 0-10
10. TECHNIQUE- The
unique combination of all
the above. 0-10
Score each question from ONE to TEN then add them up
100-95 EXCEPTIONAL,
You might want to get a second opinion..
94-90 SUPERIOR, You are
thinking quite highly of your skills as a photographer
89-85 EXCELLENT,
Now you are starting to be somewhat realistic.
84-80 VERY
GOOD, deserving of merit, your starting to scare the Big Boys
79-76 GOOD,
Almost but not quite
75-74 AVERAGE,
Keep experimenting, it’s going to get better
73-70 FAIR,
I should have left the camera at home.
69-0 Don’t Despair, keep on trying.
WHATS YOUR SCORE ??
