Critique

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. . . of critique is help photographers improve their work through a better understanding and proficiency in the technical aspects of photography and visual literacy. It should do so in a way that respects and nurtures their individuality and personal vision.
  Critique should open the photographer's thought process. It should not be an attempt to change the photographer into a clone of the assessor - the very curse to creativity. To this end, it is essential to determine the photographer's purpose. Was it to be a clinical study, story illustration, social  documentary, fine art piece or perhaps an entry for a competition? Only then can the critique be properly focused to assist the photographer along an effective learning path. 

 TECHNICAL QUALITY Editors, judges and evaluators all agree: a successful photographic image must have good technical quality to start with.  

• FOCUS: Is the image sharp? If not, is it intentionally soft and successful? 
• CLEANLINESS: Is it free of scratches, dust spots, stains, lens flare, etc? 
• EXPOSURE: Is it too light, too dark or just right? 
• LIGHTING: Does the lighting have too much contrast, is it flat or just right? 
• COLORS: Does it have neutral colors or a color cast that degrades the image? 

COMPOSITION Affected by the camera viewpoint and focal length of the lens. It can raise an image from a technical success to an artistic success!  

• BALANCE: Is the image aligned correctly or is it crooked? 
• LOGIC: Is the arrangement of the visual elements effective? 
• PURPOSE: Is there a strong centre of interest, pattern or design? 
• CLARITY: Is it simple, yet complete and without distracting elements?

 EMOTIONAL APPEAL The vital element for a truly great image, making it unique and memorable.  

• DYNAMIC: Does it grab and keep your attention?   Does it have the "wow" factor? 
• PROVOCATIVE: Does it excite your imagination, or create a strong emotion in you? 
• CREATIVE: Does it show a familiar subject in a new, unusual and yet effective way? 
• UNUSUAL: Does it show a very unusual subject in an effective way? 

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