Criteria from Photographers Forum

[Ronnoco]

- IMPACT - what you see first; first impression;strong eeling of power; holds your eye

- CENTER OF INTEREST - dominance of subject matter, grouping of subject and arrangement of objects so one centre of interest prevails; subject holds the eye without distractions; moody or misty; strength and definition gives center of interest; secondary subjects don't overpower main subject.

- COMPOSITION - good placement of subject; successful arrangement; harmonious proportions; dynamic symmetry to place most important objects; good rythm in repetition: colours, spaces, moods, divisions of photograph

- SUBJECT MATTER - outstanding interpretation for subject matter; good camera angle; good selection of photgraphic model or object; contrast can be very creative in selection ( old and young, warm and cold)

- CREATIVITY - use of imagination; originality; freshness of approach; unusual cropping/use of subject matter; invention, design, feeling and imagination that lifts the work into the realm of art;

- TECHNIQUE - different technique for subject matter: technique is the foundation of photography but knowledge of art principles very necessary; using creativity and abstraction can help; design brings abstract ideas into concrete form.

- STORY TELLING - complete story within photograph; successful presentation; achievement of purpose; complete meeting at first glance; strong mood or emotion using strong complementary colors next to each other; strong mood builds emotional response challenging your imagination.

- STYLE - part that sets the work apart from others; different but consistent way of seeing; different approach; real, not contrived

Under details an interesting comment on black and white. "the tonal range should be from a true black through true white, with the middle tones present in a smooth transition of grays.

This is not even a complete picture of criteria for judging photos but it is a beginning.

Ronnoco

[zrfraser]

These guidelines are all subjective and in the end it comes down to what the judge likes. Who is to say that one techinque is better than another. As long as photos are judged by humans then there will always be rules that will be broken. This also means what one judge likes the other will not and vice-versa.

[Ronnoco]

These guidelines are all subjective and in the end it comes down to what the judge likes. Who is to say that one techinque is better than another. As long as photos are judged by humans then there will always be rules that will be broken. This also means what one judge likes the other will not and vice-versa.

The judges are usually pros with highly regarded reputations and considerably long experience and there usually is a great deal of consensus. It is not based at all on what a judge "likes" but rather what the judge "sees" and what the judge "knows" in terms of technique and composition through his/her personal experience, work and having his/her own work judged by editors or customers with a decerning eye.

Ronnoco

[Anbesol]

never been a huge fan of rule nazi's - it usually ends up that rule nazi's can be great during their time but they never make a lasting impact. there are techniques, yes, but to call these techniques rules is ludicrous. "rules of art", "rules of creativity", come on, doesnt that sound a bit backwards? isnt there an oxymoron in that?

[Overbeyond]

Rules, rules, judges, definitions, rules, rules, rules. Can it ever end.

[poker]

I like this one because the criteria here is something we all can use to an extent for critiquing others and judging our own work. I know I need this list to better my own photos.

The post is informative and not persuasive.

[JSPhoto]

If I remember correctly we ALREADY have guidelines for the critique forum set up by Photo John and the moderator(s) of this forum, and I think they are too much (at least for time frame of 2years) and we definately do not need to add these to make a bigger mess.

JS

[molaselake]

Meh. Just don't follow them, then. I personally find it hilarious how up in arms he gets when someone breaks one of his "rules". It's good entertainment. Carry on Ronnoco, carry on.

[swmdrayfan]

If this set of criteria helps me get better, what the hey. I'll print 'em up and try to use them. This is easier than trying to remember all the input I get from people critiquing.
John

[PlantedTao]

Actually this is really good information to use as a "rule of thumb". Many of us (including myself) should try to use these definitions and apply them when commenting on photos...it is helpful.

However, rules are made to be broke and Anbesol made a great point that the whole idea of rules of creative photography is a bit backwards.

The reason I continue to visit this forum is because it has lots of people with a passion to take photographs...and when they comment on a my photos, it is their opinion that I want. Do you like my photograph or not? I would rather have their opinion on this simple question then to be "judged" off of some criteria that does not always apply.

Maybe you should start posting in viewfinder and stop clogging this forum with your opinion on how things should be judged.

This forum is for POSTING PICTURES!

[readingr]

Tao - Nicely put

However,

If Ronnoco actually read most of the reviews he would have noticed that most of the points are covered by people and not all points have to be covered each time as people here are not in competition but here to improve their own standards so only need to know what works and what doesn't.

As for my own photography is not about following rules so that all pics look the same but by streching or breaking them to make them unique. (Rant over)

Roger

[Anbesol]

yes there is no such thing as rules, simply some techniques. there certainly are proven good techniques in photography and they often prove themselves to be worthy techniques. But a good shot is still a good shot - self expression has no boundaries or rules, and if something looks good dead centered, great! if there is a couple centers of interests but it expresses the idea well, awesome!

the only criteria i would say is - does it accurately depict what the photographer was trying to convey. thats the ONLY criteria i really have.

clan o canon.... hmmm.....