how to critique a

photo

By Cara Del Gaudio

step one

find pros and cons of the

photo.

• Begin with an idea of what you like

and dislike about the photograph.

• It’s not necessary to write about

these. They are just where you’ll

begin to analyze.

step two

discuss the technical and artistic pieces

• Use some of the following categories

• Subject matter

• Color

• Composition

• Focus

• Dust and scratches

• exposure

step three

explain what you like and

dislike about the photo.

• Point out the strong points

• Also elaborate on what improvements

could be made

• Be very specific.

step four

summarize your opinion

• Provide a brief description of

your evaluation

• Take all the previous steps

into consideration

critique one

Pros: Good lighting (not too dark or too

bright)

Cons: The green shirt seems out of place

compared to the red background,

necklace, and hair ribbons.

It’s clear what the main subject of the

photo is. The vivid colors make it more

exciting. I think it would have been very

boring and bland if the photographer

chose a random subject.

I like the focus and composition of the

photo, and that there are little to no dust or

scratches. However, I don’t personally like

the vignette.

Overall, this photograph is very, very

good.

Steve Mccurry,

Tagong, tibet

critique two

Pros: Interesting colors, unique shapes

Cons: The photo seems a bit dark and it’s

unclear what the subject is. It could either

be the doorway or the mirrors on the wall

on the side.

There is no dust or scratches, and if the

subject is the doorway, then the

photographer used the rule of thirds,

which is a positive component.

I like the Teal color of the photo, and the

hallway and room are very pretty.

Overall, this photograph is very good,

though it could be brighter or more

exposed.

Lara Jade, NYC Location

- Metropolitan