Blog Archives
How To Critique A Photograph
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One of the most important skills a photographer can develop is the ability to constructively critique a picture. By studying the work of others, you can not only gain inspiration and motivation, but you can also learn from their mistakes. There is no better way to improve your own photography than by examining and analysing other peoples pictures, and by doing so, you will hopefully help others to improve theirs.
You do not need years of experience and it does not matter if you don’t know your Cartier-Bresson from your Newton, or your f/stop from your ISO. All it takes is lots of honesty and a bit of thought. You may not have the technical knowledge to describe in detail how a particular effect was achieved, or what the photographer could have done to improve certain aspects, but you are all able to describe how an image may make you feel or how it relates to you personally. As the saying goes ‘I don’t know art but I know what I like’.
The main point to remember when making comments is to explain them. If you like or dislike something in particular, say why and, more constructively if you don’t like something, say what the photographer could have done differently to improve it. Be honest, but always polite and remember you are critiquing a picture, not a person. No one will take criticism personally if it is done in a constructive manner.
The first and most important aspect to consider is the initial impact of the image, does it jump out at you, does it make you want to keep looking, does it make you think or ask questions? Describe how the picture makes you feel, everyone is different and every image will say different things to different people, so it is useful for the artist to know how his work affects the people who are looking at it.
If you feel capable, you can also comment on the technical quality of the photograph. Is it sharp and in focus (not the same thing), is there too much, or too little, depth of field? Is the picture too light or too dark (exposure)? Consider the options the photographer had at the time of shooting, what could they have done differently and again, most importantly, why.
Think about the composition of the image, is your eye drawn to the main subject or does another element distract you from it? Could the picture have been cropped differently to better accentuate the subject? Another factor with digital images is post processing, if the image has been manipulated in any way does this add or detract from the end result?
Take the time to think about what makes some pictures work and some not. When you are confident in your analysis of other images you can then objectively apply these principles to your own work and I guarantee you will reap the rewards.
Septembers Contest Winner
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Thank you to everyone who submitted their pet photo for Septembers’ contest. Again we received a record number of entries of outstanding quality along with the bonus of the cute factor and with some funny and entertaining images of your pets.
Septembers’ photo contest winner is Long tongue By Charlie (Dalinch). This is what you voted for and I have to say it’s an excellent choice, not only is the image of an excellent standard with the composition and sharpness with excellent Dof.
Congratulation Charlie, and stunning piece of work and a deserved winner.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
August’s Contest Winner
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Another amazing month with so many excellent entries, it’s just a shame there can only be one winner. The members have voted and the winner has been selected.
August’s photo contest winner is Serenity By Clive (kamikazechocobo), This is an excellent landscape, with great lines, lighting and overall atmosphere, serenity certainly fits the bill..
Congratulation Clive a well deserved win.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
July’s Competition Winner
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What an amazing month, we received a large number of entries this month with many being very spectacular, however there can only be one winner
July’s photo contest winner is Bright Laces By James (Bigsel), This is a perfect example of the theme and very cleverly managed and executed.
Congratulation James a well deserved win.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
June’s Competition Winner
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What an amazing month, we received over 300 entries, so well done to everyone who managed to submit a photo.
We’re absolutely amazed at the sheer quality of entries this month, and it must have been a tough decision on which entry to place your vote. The judges had the same dilemma and we are proud the announce the winner ‘Typewriter by Kim (LAntics)
Congratulation Kim a well deserved win.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
April’s Competition Winner
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Due to the problems with the competitions for the month of April, the entries have been judged by the team and we are pleased to announce that the winner is
Magic Autumn, by Edyta (Tomeda)
This is a stunning shot and a deserved winner, congratulations Edyta.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
March Competition Winner (Reflections)
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This month we received some absolute stunners and there was no confusion with the theme. Everyone knows what a reflection is! There were some clever entries and different takes on the theme, which made it quite amusing. Unfortunately there is only one top spot and Gary (Cudsy) takes the prize with a beautiful reflection of Entwistle Viaduct. What more can be said about this photo? It will make a magnificent centerpiece on your lounge wall. Well done Gary.
So a big congratulations to Gary for winning this month’s competition, “Reflections” and a big thank you to the community for supporting the entrants with your vote.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
February Competition Winner (Candid)
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This months competition was again overwhelming with the number of entries, and was by far the toughest competition yet, for both entrant and voters.
So a big congratulations to Noriko for winning this month’s competition, “Candid” and a big thank you to the community for supporting the entrants with your vote.
Your Prize is an Acrylic Print of your winning entry.
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here
January 2009 Contest Winner
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The prize for this months competition winner is an 80cm x 53.5cm canvas print of their winning photo. Courtesy of Photobox.co.uk
A big congratulations to Shaun for winning the first competition of the year ‘Black & White’
This months competition was overwhelming with the number of entries, which must have made voting even more difficult than usual.
Congratulations Shaun, a deserved winner.
Your Prize is a large Canvas Print
This months photography competition is
I’d also like to congratulate everyone else who entered this competition, the entries were all top quality, great work by all. To see all entries click here