Commenting and Critiquing Images (Open Uni Advice)

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AliB

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From the OU course on digital photography:

Being encouraging is really important, no one likes negative criticism. However it is possible to offer constructive criticism that can help you, and your fellow students, to develop further as photographers.

Look at what you have learned and consider how they affect the way that you view an image. When you look at an image do you look at the composition of the image first, or do you immediately look at the technical quality? For many of us, our immediate response to a photo is intuitive. We like it because it reminds us of something, it has colours that have good associations for us, it shows a place we would like to go to. There is nothing wrong with this response- a good image should evoke an emotional response to engage the viewer. What do you do though when that emotional response is a negative one? It may be a great picture but it has bad associations for you. Even if you are not keen on the subject depicted, you should still try to recognise the good qualities of the picture.

A positive response to a picture is a good start for critiquing it. Consider what you like about the photo and say why it works for you. If your response is negative then you need to think why that is and how to offer some positive comments to help improve the image, or assist the photographer next time they have a similar photographic opportunity.

If there are multiple problems with an image it may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that can be fixed. It can be a bit dispiriting to have an essay of comments, no matter how helpful they are!
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So, you see guys, saying something is rubbish or worse does not really cut it in terms of critique. Commenting on composition, colour, use of shadows, texture, the taking of an opportunity, highlight detail, good editing, over editing, sharpness, crops....... Those are the things to comment on when giving critique.
 
What she says :D Seriously though, I will bear it in mind. I do try and always give reasons for not digging a photo. Less so when I like them, as often I find it hard to pick holes in good photos.

Gary.
 
Sorry OP but isnt this already covered in the forum rules and guides ?

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=78261

ie
Finally, there are some important things to remember. Try and keep your comments constructive. This forum attracts many levels of photographer, and a beginner posting a photo may be put off photography for life by an unnecessarily critical reply. So while justified negative comments are welcomed, please make sure you give a reason for any negativity, and don't be harsh just for 'the sake of it'. Even the worst photo in the world is an opportunity for improvement, so try and guide that improvement by positive encouragement in your reply.

Any deliberately rude or malicious comments seen will be removed (You can help by reporting the ones you see using the feature mentioned above).
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Haa right.. if only I had read the other thread eh? :) :) Its not important.. just seemed strange .
 
AliB said:
Yep, in response to this. I said I would post the guidelines from the Open Uni course.
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Many thanks for taking the time to provide this information. It would be nice to have this type of response to threads that we post. As it would be nice if we provided that sort of feedback to others who post.
 
rh1944 said:
Many thanks for taking the time to provide this information. It would be nice to have this type of response to threads that we post. As it would be nice if we provided that sort of feedback to others who post.
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The trouble is, a lot of people when given crit don't take it too well.

I agree though, Kudos to Galaxy and the Admins for the work done to get the point across.

Gary.
 
Always good to spread the word. :thumbs:

What about if, we add advice like this to the 'Reply posting page' ... a simple, small, 'Help for critique panel' slipped in at the top with the forum choice advice maybe? ...lots of space up there at the mo. :shrug: :)

Mods?

It'll help us all post better critique, especially those not used to it, bring in more potential posters maybe...we can re-read the advice every time we reply, making it much easier to comment usefully... rather than members having to find the advice page and opening it in a new window or tab... :gag:
 
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