One thing I do with all my classes and workshops is image review (I’m not a fan of the word critique as it makes it sound like it’s being critical or criticized).
We look at what is working and what could be improved, and regardless of who’s image is being reviewed, the entire class benefits. The feedback I get is that image review is one of the most helpful things we do in class.
The idea is to learn by evaluating images, your own and other people’s, to find out the things that successful images do, so you can put more of that into your photos. So, in this article I’m going to give you 6 tips to help you review images, or critique them, and help you improve your own photography.
How to know when your image is good or not?
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That is the question isn’t it?!
If you’re happily photographing away, caught up in your own little world, and you’re the only one that ever sees your photos – you have no means for comparison. Ideally you want to share your images and get feedback on how you’re doing, but if that’s a really scary prospect, you can also benefit by doing your own reviews.
Looking at other photographer’s images will help you get a benchmark, to see where you fit into the grand scheme of things.
You may feel that your photos are pretty good, not really in need of improvement.
But, looking at others’ work can give you a perspective – not that you ever want to compare yourself to another, but just wondering – can you do better? Push yourself a bit more? Are there things to be learned there?
On the other hand, if you’re constantly looking at images in books and online thinking, “Wow those are so good I wish I could take photos like that.” – then let’s get to work on moving you in that direction!
1. Replace the phrase, “I like it because” with, “This image works because”
When you start reviewing an image talk in terms of what works, and conversely what isn’t working in the image, your brain will see it in a different way. This may sound like a small, silly thing, but it works.
In regards to your own images, of course you like your own photos – you took them. But if you look at them more objectively, and think about what is working, and what isn’t working – you’ll be better able to see the images for its strengths and weaknesses. Thus helping you figure out how to do it better next time, or crop or process the one you’re reviewing.
Studying other photographers’ images using this phrase also takes away the emotions. When you see an image you have an instance emotional reaction to it – either positive or negative, that translates into like or dislike.
Think about this for moment – what if an image can be strong compositionally, have amazing lighting, and a clear subject, but the story it’s telling isn’t something you connect with, so you attach a dislike to it. But, can it still be a successful image? Can it still work? Yes. You may not like it, maybe it’s dark and depressing and that’s not your thing – but it can still work.
I used to be a judge with a photography association and a guy that was running it one year told us to use this technique when judging because like and dislike have nothing to do with whether or not the image works, and is successful in capturing the viewer’s attention. He was right and it stuck with me all these years. So start rehearsing these phrases now
- This image works, or is successful, because . . .
- This image doesn’t work, or isn’t successful, because . . .
2. Is there a clear subject for the viewer?
Now that you’re looking at images objectively, let’s dig in to some of the ways an image could be working, or not.
The first is to notice if there is a clear subject in the image.
When you see the image for the first time, do you immediately know where the photographer wants you to look?
There are many ways for an image to make the subject clear including:
- Use of shallow depth of field so only the subject is in sharp focus, perhaps with a blurry background.
- Use of lighting where the subject is highlighted, or spotlighted so it stands out.
- The subject is the largest, most prominent, thing in the image.
- There is a compositional element leading your eye to the subject – perhaps leading lines or through the use of framing.
- Keep it really simple. If there is only one thing in the photo, it makes the subject pretty clear.
Let’s review these images to see if there is a clear subject (Note I did not take the three photos below):
In the image of the boat above there is pretty much only one thing in the photo, so I’d say that’s a really clear subject. Simplicity is a really easy way to ensure that. Try not to over-complicate, or clutter your images, and they will be more powerful. Less is more!
Once again the subject is clear, and it’s a simple image. Let’s use the phrase you’ve practiced and look at what is working in this image? The opposite or complementary colors are very pleasing and help the subject to stand out. The light coming through the flower petals enhances the color and makes it feel warm, inviting the viewer into the scene. The background is simple and uncluttered. It works.
This image has a lot more going on, but the subject stands out because the girl is the darkest thing in the photo. Usually that would work against an image, but for one like this where it’s all light, it sets her apart from the background.
Without a clearly defined subject, the image will not be as strong, the message not clear, and the viewer may be confused or totally uninterested. Start to see which images are strong in this area and how they accomplish it, then learn how to replicate that in your photos.
3. Does the image tell a story?
Another important word you want to think about when reviewing photos is – WHY.
Why did the photographer take this photo?
What does it say to the viewer?
Is there a message or story that you can see?
Think about concepts – it could be that the story is love, or sadness, or peacefulness.
Then when you’re photography, try not to take the subject too literally all the time – meaning the subject can be an idea or a feeling, not a thing or person. Sure you will need to feature something physical in the image, but an empty bench for example, may convey the message of loneliness, tranquility, or peace.
What is the story in the image below?
The bench is featured, but is it the subject? Or is it something else? When I show this image in my classes, I hear a variety of words and messages that different people perceive from it. That can be good too, as it allows the viewer to add their own interpretation. This image has been very popular for me when I did art shows and sales because I think it speaks to people, and says different things to each individual.
What story does the image above tell? I took this in Cuba. Do I need to relate what happened or can you figure it out? If I’ve done my job as photographer, I don’t need to explain it.
What stories do the images below tell? You may see something completely different, but this is my interpretation of them (Note: I did not take the photos below).
The image above certainly has more in it than the simplified ones we reviewed above. But, there is a clear subject, it is highlighted in golden light. The story I see is one of a foreign land (India), where it appears that some sort of ritual happens at this place, at dusk. My guess would be that the highlighted building is a temple, and there is a washing of sins in the water happening here. So I see a story of faith, culture, and devotion. I could be way off base but that’s my interpretation, based on my experiences and things I’ve seen. Do you see a different story?
This shot grabbed my attention when I was searching for storytelling images.
To me it says mysterious, moody, reminds me of a murder mystery, or haunted ghost story (or maybe I’ve been reading too many books of that kind!).
The subject is the mood, created by the fog and the dramatic lighting, and further enhanced by the photographer’s vision to convert it to black and white.
What does it say to you? Does it work in your opinion? Why or why not?
Is there a clear subject to direct your attention? Use all the points you’ve learned so far to review it.
4. Is the lighting appropriate for the mood of the image?
In a previous article: Quality of Light – What is it? How do you use it? – I explain the difference between hard and soft light, and the characteristics of each.
Soft light is lower in contrast, helps you hold more detail in the shadows and highlights of an image, has less defined shadows, and produces images with less drama and more mystery.
Hard light is higher in contrast, tends to cause loss of detail in the shadows and highlights, has well-defined sharp shadows, enhances textures, and produces images with more drama and impact.
As mentioned in the article above, there is no such thing as light that is right, wrong, or bad. But, there is an appropriate kind of light for the subject, and the story being told in the image.
So, when reviewing images, keep this in mind:
Is the lighting adding to the image’s success, or taking away from it?
Could the light be used better to highlight the subject?
Is there light in the background that takes the viewer’s eye away from the subject?
In the image below the light is hard and contrasty. I’ve chosen to convert it to b/w to further simplify and make the focus be the shadows.
Do you think the hard light and well-defined shadows add to this image?
Does it work to convey a sense of the city?
More fog! What’s the mood in the image above? Once again has the fog added an air of mystery? Do you want to know what’s hidden in its depths? Does the lighting fit for the mood and story of this image? You tell me!
5. Look at the edges of the image
This goes along with point #2 above, having a clear subject. One of the mistakes beginners often make is trying to put too much into one image. They want to show everything in a scene, the subject is lost, and the result ends up showcasing nothing for the viewer.
Read: 5 Mistakes Beginners Make Using a Wide Angle Lens and How to Avoid Them
So, for this review tip, look around the edges or border of the image. Ask yourself if there is stuff there that doesn’t need to be in the image, stuff that isn’t adding to the composition, or the story.
There may even be stuff that is drawing the viewer’s eye away from the subject, or even cutting into it.
The infamous tree growing out of a person’s head, or the horizon line cutting them in half, are examples of not looking at the edges.
Unless there’s something being used to frame the subject (overhanging tree branches, or an archway), the edges of the image should be relatively uncluttered. Review the image and you decide if it could be better if it was shot closer, or was shot from a higher camera angle, or a little to the left.
This is something you can also do in the camera, as you shoot!
Get in the habit of looking around the outside of your image. If there is stuff there that’s extraneous, take another shot and remove those bits.
Get closer, zoom in, or change your camera angle – whatever it takes to simplify and get the unnecessary stuff out of your image.
6. Look at the image upside down
Say what? You heard me correct – look at the image upside down.
There’s actually a physiological reason for doing this – it takes your brain off of the subject, and reduces your vision to see only light and tones. In viewing an image upside down, your eye will immediately go to the area that will most draw your viewer’s attention, when it’s right side up. You can do this in camera, or on the computer.
There are four things that naturally draw the viewer’s attention, they are:
- The brightest area of the image (if it’s not obvious, squint your eyes and all you’ll see is the bright areas as blobs).
- The area with the most contrast (where dark is against light).
- The are of sharpest focus (so if you shoot at f/16 and the entire image is sharp, you need to make sure the subject is clear and highlighted another way – this is why I often shoot wide opened at f/2.8 or wider, to make my subject be sharp, and the rest of the image blurry)
- Bright colors, especially warm ones like: red, orange and yellow.
So if any of those four things appear in the background, they will draw the viewer’s eye away from the subject (as in the image above)
If you’re doing image review on the fly as you’re out shooting – do this if you aren’t sure you have a clear subject. Turn the camera upside down and see what draws your eye. If it’s not the subject, think about what you can do to solve that issue, and take another shot.
Sometimes just moving over a foot or two makes a big difference, but you can’t do that sort of thing in post-production on the computer later. Hence why I’m a big advocate of getting it right in camera. You can only enhance what’s there – you can’t fix inappropriate lighting or a distracting background (well you can sometimes, but it takes some crazy Photoshop skills, and way too much time).
Doing image reviews later on computer, use the same upside-down method to help you know how to process your images. See if there are bright areas that you can tone down, or things you can crop out, that will improve the image and put the focus more on the subject.
How to use these tips and action plan
Go through each of the tips explained here and apply them to some of your images. Then look at other photographer’s images this way too.
Look at award winning images on Photo Crowd (like the contest I judged – you can also read all of the image reviews I did for entrants), the Editor’s picks on 500px, and any others that grab you.
Visit your local library and browse the photography section – they are likely lots of gems in there.
Going through this process of image review will give you some tools, to not only be able to recognize good photography when you see it, but see how your own images can be improved.
Step one is knowing that you want to make your images better.
Step two is knowing what that looks like, how to actually do it.
You can then learn from the best photographers and start applying your newfound knowledge to your own photography.
If you’re up to the challenge, and want an image reviewed – please share in the comments below. Remember it will not only be me doing the reviews, but other readers as well. If you are adding a review to someone else’s image, please remember two things:
- Keep your comments positive and helpful (Saying, “your image sucks” isn’t helpful, but this is, “the bright area in the sky takes my attention, perhaps if you cropped it out that might work better” – please use the latter style for your comments.
- Say at least one nice thing (one thing that’s working)
Cheers,
I enjoyed your article, but when you showed us your husband I just realized you are a lady. I know it doesn´t talk well about me, and I don´t think I´m a sexist, but this world is so dominated by men that we never think of a clever woman being behind a writing like this. And it is even more serious because I´ve read the great Susan Sontag´s book, On Photography .
Keep on rockin´.
@disqus_MBeAdu7Z9D:disqus well you kind of recognized it yourself but the statement “we never think of a clever woman being behind writing” is for you not for me because “we” in this case is just you. I DO often assume clever words are written by a woman.
Well, I meant “we” as men.
Dear Darlene:
I saw an article about “getting vertical” the other day and decided to give it a try.
I made the choice to use solely black and white in order to make it more fascinating.
It compelled me to pay close attention to compositional factors such as. lines, contrast, lighting, etc.
@disqus_pfvho8pN8z:disqus excellent!
This is extremely helpful for the issues I’ve been having with self criticism! Im holding pictures instead of sharing them! I’m usually quit surprised by the positive feedback I receive but It seems even still Im never truly satisfied with my work! Thank you again! https://linkr.bio/Friesenphoto
You’re welcome
Hi Darlene,
I love the challenges. They’ve inspired me to pick up my camera again after a long time. I added a version of this capture to another challenge, but I really liked the framing of this old camera shoot-through technique. I rotated the image’s focal point because of the nature of the Franka lens to flip the image. While perhaps not the most stunning image, it was fun to arrange the lighting, position the subject, balance the light inside the bellows and on the subject.
Peter
Love it! I think I would crop a bit off the left and bottom, so the circle is almost at the left edge. A bit off the right too, but not as much. I love the contrast between the light and in-focus and the dark and out-of-focus.
You mean more like this?
ah, I don’t think that’s really any better. It’s an interesting image – that’s for sure. 🙂
Hello!
This is a very helpful article. I think I’ll be using these tips in the future.
What do you think about this photo?
Thanks!
Great idea for framing. I just wish the bird was a bit bigger inside the frame. He’s very small. Keep practicing this idea though this is great.
Thanks for the great article Darlene. Your articles are always just crammed full of good, actionable tips. I also appreciate the insightful feedback you give everyone.
I often have trouble with your #2 tip (clear subject) especially when I’m shooting landscape shots because I see some beautiful scenic vista before me and my gut instinct is to just try to capture the whole thing. Then I get home and I’m disappointed because it doesn’t remotely capture the beauty I’ve seen. I have to keep reminding myself that my eyes are a much better camera than any gear I can buy. So landscapes are something I struggle with because sometimes it’s hard to define a “subject” when it’s just a beautiful scene. Any tips there?
I’ve never uploaded any shots for review before. I’m feeling brave today so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m uploading two landscapes shots that I know aren’t very good so I can get some tips on what would have been a good way to capture these scenes (Grand Canyon and the Caribbean) and then two shots that I feel pretty good about but would really appreciate some feedback.
Hello just-one-more-shot,
I really like image 2 – both the subject and the blur in the background.
Nancy Andrea
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate knowing what you liked about it.
You’re welcome.
Landscapes – yes that is exactly the issue but why it happens that way is that when you are physically there, you can use all 5 senses – you can see, hear, touch, smell and maybe taste things all around you. The viewer of the image and yourself later – don’t have the advantage. You don’t get the expansive feeling you had when you were there because you can’t hear the echo, or you don’t get the calming feeling because you’re missing the ocean smell. Make sense?
Also thanks for sharing the first time (you’re with Jim!) and being brave. That’s a step out of your comfort zone towards taking better photos – woohoo!
The caterpillar and hat are great – and as you said they have clear subjects and are simple. There’s not a lot happening in them, which is usually a good thing.
The landscapes – it is a case of what I mentioned above – but also shooting wide and not having something close to the camera. Nothing of varying size. Everything is equidistance from the lens. The Grand Canyon is a tricky one – but perhaps putting a tree in front might have helped. The ocean shot – where is the horizon? Middle – meaning the sky and what’s below the horizon line have been given equal importance. You don’t need so much sky there. I think just by cropping off the top 1/3 of the image it will be greatly improved – try it.
This is a shot I did of the canyon – can you see the difference? It gives scale and adds depth by including the tree in the foreground.
Darlene, thank you so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I have another question based on your answer though. I understand what you are saying about there not being anything of varying size in the landscape pictures. That makes total sense. However, I’m confused … if you put a tree or something closer to the camera, doesn’t that become the focal point instead of the Grand Canyon which is what I’m really trying to capture?
Also, were trying to include a link to a picture you took of the canyon? If you were, it didn’t seem to come across.
I’m also including another canyon shot that has a butte off to the side. Is this what you were saying with putting something else in it that is closer? To me though, it doesn’t show the expanse of the canyon which is what I was trying to convey in the original picture. I think I’m not understanding something.
I cropped the Caribbean picture to take out some of the sky, is this better?
It is so nice of you to take your time to give us individual feedback because I know you have a lot on your plate. It is very appreciated.
Yes Caribbean one is better. Do you agree?
For the canyon, yes my photo is in the comment above. You may have to click “more” to see it. I can see it there. That one is better. It’s really hard to capture “expansive” in one photo. You still need to have some depth and varying sizes to show scale.
My shrink (bless her soul) has been trying to help me overcome my fear of leaving my self vulnerable to the judgement of the big, nasty world, so . . . .
This is one of my two favorites of all the images I’ve made. It really captures what I saw as I was passing this scene. The subject, the maple (or whatever kind of tree it is) “hiding” behind the screen of dark, bare trunks in front of it, is what drew me. The fact that the foreground is so minimal serves, I think, to emphasize the visual barrier in front of the viewer. The fact that the visual subject is so centered in the image doesn’t bother me. That the maple seems sandwiched between the shallow, dark foreground layer and the flat, green background layer gives the image, I think, a kind of intimacy or coziness. Lucky that the sky was overcast that day, adding to the soft, reserved feeling. And, yes, I do sometimes get carried away analytically. The sum-up: “I like it.” (yeah, I know…).
Respectfully,
Jim Soholt
Hi Jim, first of all kudos for putting yourself out here! Your “shrink” as you put it, will be so proud, so are we!
I do agree with a lot of what you assessed in the image yourself already. The eye does go to the bright area of that yellow tree. Can you tell me what your settings where on this one – I’m going to guess, see how close I get: 35mm lens, f/11 or so. Am I close?
If you had a zoom lens and wanted to get even more of a compressed look, using a slightly longer focal length will do that. Putting some of the big black trees closer to you and out of focus by shooting at f/4 (if possible on your lens) or wider, and focusing on the yellow tree. I talk about his quite a bit in my free ebook, have you got it and done the challenges? Shooting around the subject and exploring it to get the best shot is part of that.
So to summarize, I do think you have a good image here. With a few tweaks and changes – next time you could have a GREAT one! This is all part of the journey and you’ve made a huge step by sharing, so well done again.
Darlene,
Thanks for your kind reply.
27mm (effective), f/5.6, 1/30. ISO 100.
I am working on the challenges! I did “shoot around,” walking back and forth to find the best angle at which to capture what I was looking for; a very useful technique, indeed.
Thanks for your suggestions. They bring up one problem I have, which is allowing the few images that I really like to get too precious.
Ah, but we must have COURAGE to move ahead!
Regards,
Jim Soholt
Well Jim, the thing about photography is that it’s all subjective – it’s visual art. So an image may mean more to you because you’re connected to the place, or invested effort getting the shot – than a viewer may be. You have every right to like/love whatever images you so choose. Just don’t expect that they will resonate with everyone the same way or be disappointed if that happens.
I’ve had images that I loved that never sold at art shows. I had my husband pick some of his faves and those often did better. He wasn’t as attached as I was and looked objectively. Then others people love, and he doesn’t. See? But it’s all good, it’s normal.
But you’re right don’t get stuck on one thing or one image. Constantly just keep exploring and experimenting.
Amen, amen, and amen.
And thanks again.
Jim
Jim, I like your image. What works for me is the contrast and the foreground tend to create leading lines into the bright tree in the background. The bluesish sky is a nice complement to the gold leaves. The scene has a calming, peaceful quality to it.
David,
Thanks for your thoughts, and for your specific comments. Glad you like it.
Regards, Jim
wow……one of the best of best article i ever read… what a clear explanation!! thank you so much!!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your article Darlene. There is a lot of useful information and I will have to go through it again. The photo below has been converted to b&w and captured on a wide angle lens. Yes, I have found your article about wide angle lens and have read it and will go trough it one more time. I do feel my photo lack something but I don’t know what. It is a rural scene that I had stumbled by accident and liked the train tracks and the buildings. Thank you for everyone’s and your insight, too.
Hi Nancy- cool scene, is it somewhere near home you can visit again? I actually didn’t even notice there were train tracks there until I read your note. They are hidden in the grass and the shadow of the big tree that’s falling on it takes my attention. I want you to think about direction of light – where is the sun here (hint where is the shadow falling – it’s opposite)? You tell me which direction the light is coming from and that will be your answer as to what’s missing. If you can’t get it let me know and I’ll tell you. Or someone else help her out.
Thanks Darlene for your reply. It is not nearly next door maybe I will go back perhaps late spring. My main focus were the buildings hence the train tracks were just a “prop”. I have shot other POV of this place in very different directions. (By coincidence, I was reading the 1st challenge in your book, and I was pleased that I had done just that and I had other POV/shots of this place). Since the train track is no longer in use, the grass is overgrown. I had paid attention to all the corners before shooting but alas, completely forgotten about the sunlight and shadow!! The shadow is distracting … more like an eye sore 🙁
Those are all good notices. So when you go back next time try later in the day with the light is low. Try from the side, get down low, etc.
Darlene, brilliant article. I pocket-ed it. I am educated for the better, thank you.
I guess as much as these rules are great, there would be times when you must disregard them? If you agree, can you please explain with examples.
And just to prove that your article sent me photo hopping, I am submitting one that I consider as rated 3/5 in Bridge but would like your comments nevertheless. My self-analysis is – it’s a decent enough photo presenting the baboon clearly and the god-like stone sculpture slightly blurred for the better, the red-orange pole is somewhat of an obstruction which blurs the story of the animate and the inanimate…
I think he’s a Gibbon monkey, but here are my comments. Yes he is sharp and draws your eye to him, but then the eye goes to the background – to the brightly colored statue and the bright yellow highlights in the far background. He’s also right in the middle but tricky to crop because of where his foot is – perhaps a vertical orientation when you shot it might have been better – give a bit more height over his head and less on the sides. So while the statue is slightly blurry the eye is still drawn there because of the colors. Have you tried this one in b/w?
Hi Darlene, I have been struggling with this picture. It was taken in Ireland on quite a stormy day and I found the moored and colorful boats were making a nice contrast. However this doesn’t seem to come across the picture. I have cropped it from the original to put the boats on the bottom third to give them more in focus but it still doesn’t really work for me. Any feedback welcome.
Hi Anne – thanks for sharing, looks like a lovely scene. Have you used the tips and looked at it upside down yet? Where does your eye go now in this version?
Mine goes immediately to the bright areas of the sky. If the entire image were made a lot brighter, the boats would appear more as a focus. But there are also so many of them that the eye will go up and down the coast, not landing on just one boat. This is the danger of landscape photography with a wide lens (everything is far away and small and no subject is apparent). Have a read of this and see if you can’t figure out https://dev-dpm-2.instawp.xyz/5-mistakes-beginners-make-using-a-wide-angle-lens-and-how-to-avoid-them/
Let let me know what you learned.
Thanks for the feedback and the link to article on wide angle problems ! I’ve read through it, looked at the original picture and tried to identify where it goes wrong. Firstly you’re right when you say that the in picture I posted yesterday, the white band of sky really does steal the show and makes everything else uninteresting. Also the picture is very crowded with the boats and the houses all blurring into each other. Looking back at the original (posted now) the sky reflecting in the water somewhat takes away from the strong focus on the sky and looking at it upside down I’m now more drawn to the band of dark hills across the horizon. There is possibly some forefront interest with the inclusion of the quay but the picture is still very crowded (and underexposed but that’s a different problem). So I tried with different crop to see how could create a focal point, I’ve attached what I think works best. Also looking at the cropped picture upside down the layers of dark and bright appears a lot more balanced. What do you think ?
Hi Anne now I think you’re on the right track! The quay included is the right idea, but there isn’t much there to hold our interest except the yellow square. The cropped version is more simplified and does work better.
Now, while you can’t do this with cropping, but consider all this when you’re shooting next time. In this scene – imagine walking around to your left, nearer to the red boat. Get closer to the boats and now the houses will be on your left, not behind the boats or in the background. You’d likely have open water behind the boats then. If using a wide get close to one boat so it’s larger in the frame and it will become your anchor, your subject of interest. Does that help?
Do you feel better equipped now to do this?
Definitely ! thank you so much for the guidance. and you were right, looking back with a critical eye on previously taken pictures is very very helpful.
Excellent!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights of photography with your/our photography community. This will be my first posting. Your 6 tips on how to review images was most helpful explaining what to be conscience of while viewing a photograph and applying that awareness when taking a photo. I enjoy street photography, people .and their environment. Enclosed is a photo I took of three girls,While walking down Kalakaua Ave. Waikiki, Honolulu: I notices them as they approached me, they looked so cheerful, bright and pretty so I asked if I could take a photo they obliged me. The light was right and the background was perfect for the shot, at least I thought so, what do you think? all comments welcome
Thank you for your continued effort to share your knowledge and insights with your photographic community. Your article was informative and has answered some of the questions I struggle with as to judging the worth of my photos that is to say “do they communicate my vision and how could they be improved upon?” I take street photos and here is a sample of a street portrait of three girls who were walking down the Avenue they looked so happy and colorful, I asked them if I could snap a photo and they obliged me. What do you think?
Hi Mike – thanks for chiming in and joining us! This shot reminds me of the fashion shots from a big awards night on the red carpet. It has a fun vibe, great expressions, and harmonious colors. The one thing is I wish the girl on the left had a bit more like on her like the other two – she seems faded out compared to them as the bright light isn’t hitting her. Sometimes it takes courage to ask to take a photo – THEN to ask if they can move over one step. If you tell people why they will usually oblige. If they ask, email them a copy or offer to if you feel confident you’ve got a good shot. Hope that helps.
Thank you Darlene for your advice. Yes you are right, I was unaware of the uneven light when I took the photo your review of my post has been helpful and I will endeavor to be more conscious of the light and shadow the next time, most appreciated. Thanks
Awesome! You could probably brighten her up a bit in processing if you feel skilled to try that.
I would like some feedback on one of my photos. After reading your article I may be more confused about my shots than before. 😎 Thanks in advance for critiques.
Hi Buck, okay let’s see if we can’t use the tips to go through this one.
#2 – is there a clear subject? For me there isn’t. I see pink flowers which grab my attention, then a mountain in the background. I’m not sure where you want us to look.
#3 – storytelling – what is the story you wanted to tell us here? Do you think it comes across clearly to the viewer?
#4 – is the lighting appropriate? For me the light is almost even, there aren’t many shadows. So there is nothing in the image that is highlighted, or telling us where to look. Mountains have a lot of texture, but even light sort of kills that and makes them look flat and 2-dimensional.
#5 – look at the edges of the frame: okay when I do that I see a little yellow plant sticking out in the lower left area, and the top of the mountain is cut off. I’d really like to see it – or crop in a lot closer.
#6 – look at the image upside down. You’ll have to do that and tell me where your eye goes?
See the difference with this image of a mountain scene?
https://500px.com/photo/128888249/gusella-sunbathe-by-darko-ger%C5%A1ak?ctx_page=1&from=search&ctx_q=mountain&ctx_type=photos&ctx_categories=Landscapes&ctx_sort=pulse
https://500px.com/photo/135902939/violet-crown-by-ryan-buchanan?ctx_page=1&from=search&ctx_q=mountain+purple+flowers&ctx_type=photos&ctx_categories=Landscapes&ctx_sort=pulse
Do you see how the lighting makes those images dramatic and leads your eye? Does this help?
This is a great article and we are sharing it with our camera club.
Awesome thanks!
Hi Darlene,
I just read the linked article “5 Mistakes Beginners Make Using Wide Angle Lenses…” which was very interesting to me because I mostly use a Fuji X100S, which has a fixed 35mm (equivalent) lens. I like to mostly do street photography, but also environmental portraits, which I think are kind of street.
Anyway, your article got me worried when I saw the differences in the example head shots with the different lenses. Huge differences! I can see from some of your other examples where you got the person as the main subject with some of the environment in the background, but do you have any more tips on using a wide angle for portraits? (Or, would this be a new article for you to write 🙂 ?
Hi Len – well, are you aware that the Fuji X100S is a cropped sensor, or APS-C camera? That means that the 35mm on it really isn’t all the wide – in fact it’s closer to more like a 50mm (the optics don’t work quite that way but it’s easier for explaining purposes) which is normal. You will get a tiny bit of distortion with it but not as much as if you use a 10-16mm lens (made for your sensor), which of course I know isn’t possible as it’s a fixed lens. The tips for using a wide for portraits were mostly in the one you just read – or it’s not really recommended if you want to flatter the subject.
Actually, it has a 23mm lens, which is equivalent to 35mm with that sensor. But looks like I should just study the tips better. thanks for the reply
Ah okay! Then it will be slightly wide, not overly.
Hi , Darlene
There was an article the other day about “going vertical” and I gave it a chance.
I decided to make it extra intriguing by using black-and-white only.
It forced me to pay extra attention to compositional elements, like. lighting, lines, contrast etc.
Enclosed one photo for your , or anyones , comments.
Thanks,
Dick
Hi Dick, great job on trying something new, or two things. Like my comment above on another image there is a lot of foreground here – the people seem really far away. Perhaps try this shot by angling up even more to show more space up, above the trees, so they aren’t cut off. Also, timing is important. Waiting for the people to come forward a bit more, out of the shadows, will help separate them from the dark building behind them. The vertical composition really works with subjects like this, you’re on the right track just keep practicing
Hi Darlene, great article thanks. This photo is one of my most popular but whenever I look at it I think it’s missing something. I’m not sure, maybe it’s fine but the next time I take a shot like this I want more. Thanks Bob
Hi Bob, first question I’d ask is – where is it popular? Second is – what do you feel is missing?
There’s an element of framing with the trees but is there a subject in the middle? Is it serenity, peace, nature? What is it you want to convey? Do you feel it does that? How could you do it better?
I’d also ask if you did brackets and merged into and HDR image on this one? There is a telltale halo in some areas that gives it away. Try to be softer handed in the processing of HDR, a more natural look will feel better to most viewers.
But I like the layers going on, you’re drawn inside.
Thank you Darlene! I’m a very impatient person, and very seldom do I take the time to read such a long article 😉 This one though, I read from top to bottom, and found it very useful! Again – due to my lack of patience, I’m not listing all the positive things here – but they were many! If you ever get the time, I’ll be happy to hear your comment on my picture below. My question is if I need model release when I’m processing the image like I did here.
I’ll take it as a compliment that you read the whole thing! As for model release it really depends on two things:
1 – do you plan on selling this image or is it just for personal use?
2 – is thie another photographer doing a session with a paid model? Did you have permission to shoot?
For #1 if it’s for your facebook page or personal use, no. Any other reason like stock photography yes you’d need a release from both people.
Did you remove your comment?
Thank you Darlene! I’m a very impatient person, and very seldom do I take the time to read such a long article 😉 This one though, I read from top to bottom, and found it very useful! Again – due to my lack of patience, I’m not listing all the positive things here – but they were many! Thanks again for sharing!
Hello Darlene, i found this article very useful. I especially liked the first point – Replace the phrase, “I like it because” with, “This image works because”… I have happened to meet some photographers who are kind of cruel when they look at your images in the last few years. But thankfully i have also met some good ones as well who told me what was missing or what i could do better. Thanks to you, i know how i will approach reviewing another photographer and my own work. I have 2 queries for you, How often do you review your own work and how often do u review other photographers work (when not being a part of contest)?
Hi Anand, glad it was helpful. To answer your questions I am sadly in need of reviewing my own work, I do so as I cull after any trip or shoot. So ongoing. As for reviewing others images I do it when I teach a class locally (about 1-2 times a month) or lead a workshop or tour. It’s part of my schedule.
Here are a couple of pictures
These are great! Love the hearts. Simple, great light making texture on them, pleasing composition. The dandelion is simplicity in action, love the out of focus background. The dog is well composed and shows humor. I can find no faults in any of them.
I’m open for comments. This is part of the front veranda on the historic Swannanoa Mansion in Afton, VA, built in 1912 entirely of imported marble. A fascinating place, unfortunately in serious disrepair. Some minor post in Lightroom & Photoshop (cropped a bit, removed a busted tile with dirt and weeds).
Nikon D90, Nikon 18-105mm
40mm, f/6.3, 1/160 sec, 400 ISO
Nice repetition of the columns. Maybe I’d crop a little off the left, just to crop off the seam in the corner? One thing about subjects which repeat or have rhythm, is that to have a center of interest the pattern must be broken somehow. Have you tried this one upside down, where does your eye go then?
Hello Darlene and all. This is weird . woke up thinking about how best to review my shots and how best to decide what is deemed a good or bad photograph. Opened my emails and here is exactly the thoughts and answers i was looking for.
The photo is straight out of the camera , only editing was to downsize to fit here and the watermark.
Data info…
17 February 2016 9:07 AM
1/640 sec. f/10 50 mm
200 iso
Reviewing it myself … I have cut of the rear section and in the left lower corner should have removed the top of the concrete post.
What does everyone else think ? I am on the right track ?
Thank you in advance for any comments
Yes, should remove that spot on lower left. My take is it’s too dark, lacks contrast. And, it could have been nicer if you had shot at maybe f/3 or f/4 to focus on this boat and blur out the distracting background of buildings. Just my opinion of course.
Thank You Jenny any respectful comments are always appreciated and listened and taken on-board. I under exposed a bit as the day was very glared. maybe a little too much.
Hi Shaun – I agree with Jenny’s comments, well done and I’m loving how respectful everyone is being when commenting so thank you all for that! I do find the boat blends in too much with the background. Perhaps using a wider lens, waiting until it was closer and larger in the frame might have helped, or physically moving yourself left or right for a cleaner background. As for exposure, have you read the article I did on “why is my snow gray?” it helps explain how to get a good exposure and to use the histogram.
https://dev-dpm-2.instawp.xyz/snow-grey-winter-photos/
Great article Darlene, I read all the way through. I spent a couple of weeks in Prague and would like to go back and re-take some of my shots … maybe one day. Here’s one I’m pretty happy with –
Hi Peter, thanks! This image has a lot going for it. It’s dark and moody, but subtlle. I think it could be improved if you cropped off about 1/3 of it from the bottom though. The real interest is the person in pink and they are really far into the image. Having a lot of foreground can feel like the subject is really far away, as it does here.
Thanks Darlene, Prague is an amazing city for photos. I’ll give the crop a try.
Do share it, love to see the difference and which you prefer?
Darlene, you’re amazing… don’t know where you find time, but my sincere thanks for taking a real interest. I’ve attached a comparison of the shot as it was and the cropped version. I actually scaled it up in lightroom.
wow! what a difference hey!? I’d actually leave all the space on the right still, and the sky up top. It gives perspective with the buildings and gives her space so she isn’t crowded.
One of your best articles, although I do like them all. This one has answered one of the questions I have always thought about but never answered. Doing a BA(Hons) in photography being able to review your own work constructively and honestly is one of the biggest issues I have. Well done and keep up the great work you are doing.
Hi Bob, wow thanks for that. What was the burning question you had that I answered? You’d piqued my interest.
Thank you for this wonderful article. This will help me to look at my previous photos in a new light.
Darlene: This is the first article on this website that I have read and I really did enjoy it a lot. I must disagree with you one one small point. I like the photo of your husband at the GC with the horizon “going through his head” better. I think it still works because the horizon is fairly faint/blurry and our brains can separate the two. I also prefer that pose. Just my opinion! Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips!
Thanks for reading and joining the conversation. I totally respect your opinion, no worries. That’s what’s great about photography, we can each see something different as well.
Thanks for the article Darlene, very helpful and thought provoking. It’s always difficult to overcome the “I like it because.. but I really understand the thought process of “this works because.. The challenge is to apply this entire review accordingly.
My image below I took on an evening when the sky and sunset created a moodiness that was typical of the weather that particular day. The bridge itself is such a stunning piece of architecture complete with the marina below. I would appreciate any feedback.
Best Regards Cushla
this is stunning, lovely colors that are very pleasing to the eye. The only thing that might improve upon it is having a bit of separation between the marina and the bridge, they are both dark and seem to almos blend together. Wouldl there be a way to get a higher or lower camer angle to change their positions a bit?
Thank you so much Darlene, I really am very appreciative of your comments and critiquing. I can certainly try the different camera angle, will be interesting to see. I was being a tad lazy this particular evening as I am fortunate to have this stunning view from our apartment balcony.
Best Regards Cushla
Indeed you are lucky! See if you can get on the roof, that make make a totally different shot.
Pow! Nicely dramatic image; well seen, well captured. To me the subject and the story are THE BRIDGE. I think the dramatic sky is really the only thing needed to emphasize and augment that subject. I tried cropping up to the bottom of the bridge span, then up to just above the handrail. Both images really emphasize the geometry of the structure . . . of course, they may be quite different than what your after with this shot, but just a thought.
Keep shooting!
Respectfully,
Jim Soholt
Hi Jim, thank you for your comments and yes for me the story was the bridge. I felt the sky helped to enhance the subject. Interestingly enough after your thoughts I too did a crop up to bridge span level and thought it worked well, a lot less cluttered perhaps. Again many thanks for taking the time to comment. I am very appreciative.
Kind Regards Cushla
for some reason i had to click “see more” to see full pic. Initially i thought the lines against the sky was the picture and I LIKED IT…
here is the other picture
It is not showing, sorry try again
To go along with your points here, I feel that it is one of the hardest lessons to learn as a photographer is that it’s ok to move–yourself or the subject–to make a better photograph. An example: (I don’t have access to the photo right now because I’m at work), I was in New Orleans in the residential portion of the French Quarter. I spotted a picturesque scene but something just wasn’t right when looking through the viewfinder. I realized it was a trash can near the edge of the shot. I moved it two feet out of the way, and the shot was greatly improved.
While there are certainly genres that frown upon changing elements in the scene, for a personal vacation photo, there’s nothing wrong with it.
exactly! Journalism frowns upon altering the scene or editing in processing, but personal work – go for it!
here is a sequence of pictures . Love to get feedback on them.
Hi Bill, I only see one photo. There is a lot going on in this image. Using the steps in the article look at the edges of the image? Is seeing all the buildings adding to, or taking away from the subject? Assuming the subject is the little boy, is there anything else that takes the eye away from him?
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/074955c2a44c7b241354aecfa49a3867d6576dca5956b1dee39310d17886c278.jpg here is the other picture
I think this one is better than the first, there is less going on in the image. The same issues exist though, the child is in the shade and his yellow/red pants and the pink tube stand out. As do the bright stop up top – maybe crop off just by the top of the rocks and I think that will improve it.
I am quite interested in other opinions about these photo’s. These are by far..MY favorite shots..but…I have never had them judged..My editing skills are not at the level I would like to be at and need some honest opinions of this work.
These are great.
Jeff, I agree with Fiona these are great. I’ll comment on each.
The b/w of the man: Really nice contrast and tonal range. It’s cropped so he’s featured and nothing else. The off-center placement of the guy works also, adds a little interest. If I could find any minor things I’d adjust it would be the light tones on his hat do draw my eye a little. That’s more of a processing thing, just tone down the hat a tiny bit. But as I said that’s really minor.
The little child: Awesome portrait lighting, good pose and expression – those eyes and the little puckered lip! If possible I’d like to see a tiny bit more space on the right edge and above her head – she feels just a bit crowded. For kids you want to shoot a bit looser (not so close) to allow for their movements which may be random and take them out of the frame. Editing wise, she feels a bit cold or blue. Skin tones really come out when you add a bit more warmth.
Kitty cat: Looks like my old cat Boo who’s gone now. Really great lighting on a really tough subject, great job! You really need to light all around a dark subject on a dark background like this. The eye tends to be draw to the cat’s eye and then the stool. Ideally using a black stool would have been better, or throw something dark over it – that would make a low-key or mostly all dark toned image.
see the difference? I did a bad job of cloning in more background and the color is still off. If you have the raw file you can probably correct it better. It has an odd purple sort of tint.
chair toned down – have you watched my video on tonal control using PS? IT’s here. I made a dodge/burn layer and darkened the stool and lightened the cat (who also looks a bit purple) https://dev-dpm-2.instawp.xyz/how-to-use-adjustment-layers-in-photoshop-for-tone-control/
Thank you very much for the critique’s….it means a lot to me. Now…to tell you the back story on all of these…They are ALL…accidents.
The Cat…happened to hop up on my stool as I was testing some lighting..cleaned himself and then ..heard a noise an looked up….happened to have a remote in my hand.
My grand daughter….was getting her 6 month pictures and her mom ..placed her on the stool for a beak for a moment..and I asked her to move away for 1 second and again..remote in hand…snapped a few off before she lost balance..although…she did great..and actually sat there for almost a minute before mom moved in to make sure she didn’t fall.
The old man…Is my uncle from North Carolina..who runs a saw mill. I happened to be walking toward him to visit…saw him sitting there daydreaming and got the shot.
Sometime ..for me…the best shots are candid rather than studio.
Awesome!
Thanks, Darlene for this very informative article! The examples you used are perfect for understanding the point(s) of the text!
I am currently not able to be doing much photography, but continuing to read your articles is very helpful and – when I am once again “on the street” – I think my “eye” will be much better! I appreciate the time, organization and effort you put into your articles!
Great, so use your time now to study images of all kinds. Look at your own past images, those of the great masters, and random ones online. Learn what makes a good photo – then when you’re able, go take some!
Food for thought again Darlene. many thanks! Incidentally, I can overlook the horizon through your husbands head because to me it is just a friendlier composition
LOL maybe it’s a guy thing.
Great article. Thanks Darlene, your article addresses a question I have been struggling with since I first picked up a camera. This image was captured at Lake Pueblo looking towards Pikes Peak on a particularly beautiful January afternoon. I invite comments and suggestions. I do have one question. I believe many pictures can be more interesting with a human subject, but I typically avoid including people because I don’t have there permission where is the line between a picture that in more interesting because of the human element and a picture for which I would need a model release and/or, tacit approval by the person in the image?
Hi David, you really do NOT need a model release unless . . .
1 – you plan on selling the image as a stock photo
2 – you took it on private property
So if you take it in a public area, and just use for your own purposes – you do NOT need a release. Use discretion of course, and if they person doesn’t wish to be photographed then don’t.
As for this image – I want you to do the upside down trick on this one, then you tell me what area or areas does your eye go to then?
Thanks Darlene. Interestingly what pops to me when I turn the picture upside down is the red boat. I am not sure if that is because normal reading in the US is from upper right to lower left. And now that I have done that, the red boat is the first thing I notice when I view the image right side up.
Did you mean reading goes from upper left to lower right? My eye goes to the top of the white mountain.
You are correct, I meant upper left to upper right. I did notice when turned upside down the orientation almost made me dizzy to look at it.
I personally really want to severely crop this image … take about 1/3 off the left, then a bit off the bottom and a bit off the top. I think it would be a much better composition.
I AM UNABLE TO VISION WHAT U SAY. CAN U CROP THE IMAGE AND POST AS REPLY PLEASE?
Sure, this is a quick version of what I meant. It puts that lovely white mountain top in the top left third, and allows the boats to weight the photo. Better composition. Your original had too much uninteresting space on the left … and it lured the eye over there, looking for something interesting, instead of focusing on the beauty of your focal subject. It’s a nice photo.
What do you think? Any others agree or disagree? It’s just my opinion, and my eye.
Thank you Jenny. I do like your crop. I agree, it makes a more interesting picture. I welcome feedback from anyone.
What works for me, to use the vernacular of the article, is your crop creates more interest.
The sailboat pops out and creates action.
The texture in cliffs adds a an interesting dimension without having overwhelming horizontal lines.
Pikes Peak and its foothills, some 40 miles away, looks like they runs right up to the mesa and the boats do anchor the image rather than just being an after thought.
Do you mind if I share your crop on my facebook page with a comment about how you improved my picture?
Not at all. But, I did it quickly. In looking again I think I’d add back just a hair of the left side … not much. And, I’d take the time to level out that dark horizontal, where’s there’s a bump up at the very left. Getting picky! But, great photo! I hope Darlene agrees since this is her site.
Whoops, sorry, David. I replied to a question from Yen (below), did a quick crop as I had suggested I would do and posted for him. I was thinking he was the photographer! Please feel free to remove my example, you or Darlene, if inappropriate.
as long as the creator of the image is okay with it, and he seems to be, then it’s fine.
I like the light in your picture, but I feel it a little bit timid for that big cropping on the ships. Anyway, I encourage you to take people´s pictures. I know that if you are from the USA you would probably need a model release, but I don´t think Meyerowitz takes one with him as he wanders around the streets of New York.
@disqus_jv82NEZco4:disqus depending where you are you don’t need a model release just to TAKE someone’s photo – it has to do with what you plan on doing with it. If you want to sell it you need a release. If just for personal use you do not.
Is there a good site to get constructive reviews on my photos by other photographers? I have joined ViewBug and National Geographic “Your Shot”. I get a lot of likes, but not a lot of comments. Of course, my family and friends think my photos are amazing, but I am looking for a more bias opinion to help me learn.
Well that’s the question of the day isn’t it. I find that Flickr is all just people liking and giving out silly awards, or the opposite and they rip your photo apart. Nothing helpful in most groups. Have you looked at PhotoCrowd? Some good contests on there and as a judge I was required to do critiques of several. So you may or may not get comments from the judge, but that’s one option. You may get comments from other entrants too. Have you considered looking for a local class that focuses on image reviews? What about online? To get good reviews you may have to pay a little for it.
Thank you so much! I will check out PhotoCrowd and look into classes available in my area or online.
Great. Go through the comments I left on the ones I reviewed (link in the article above) or other contests to see what other judges have said about images.
you could check out= http://www.fanartreview.com
I have posted photographs on that site and found that the commenters are helpful I also found that looking at others photos gives me ideas on how to improve. Carol
Thank you Carol! I will check that one out as well! I definitely look through a lot of photos by other photographers for ideas on what I could be doing differently.
Glad to have helped! Perhaps I’ll see you there! Carol
Glad to help!
I just looked at fanartreview.com. Looks to me like the same thing … a ton of 5* photos, most of which are not very good. I don’t think you have any/many experienced photographers there. Do you shoot Nikon? If so, there’s a great Facebook group that you could join. Nikon Digital Camera & Photo Enthusiasts.
A have a Canon. I will look for Facebook groups. They may have one for Canon too! Thanks for the tip!
Great article, as usual, Darlene. It’s difficult to make one understand what to look for when s(he) takes a photo. You explained it very well, sharing your vision, about how one can take great photos (and not only how to review them after they are taken).
Thanks
Anshul
Thanks, glad it is helpful
Another great article Darlene, thank you for sharing such a vast amount of very useful information. I am just learning to look at photos beyond the familiar like/dislike point of view – ouch, looking over photos from the past many were mere ‘nice snapshots’. Following much of your advice from previous articles I am now applying greater effort to get the shot right in camera as I only have only one (kit) lens and basic tools for making any adjustments later. Also I don’t want the process to become a chore. Here is a photo I took recently on a visit to Sydney – I have removed some of the foreground as there was too much of it due to being on a commuter boat and unable to get much closer. I had taken several other photos of sections only, to show off the complexities of the architectural structure – for this one I couldn’t resist getting the whole of the Opera House in the shot. Thought about removing the 3 colourful monkeys on the sidewalk but decided as it was Chinese New Year to leave them in!
This looks good Mary, good call on removing some of the foreground. I think there is jut the right amount now. The colors aren’t so bad, they’re relatively small in the frame but good eye to see them and make that judgement call.
I would respectfully disagree (partially) concerning the photo you have accompanying your sixth principle. I find that my eye is drawn to the flower whether it is right-side up or upside down. That is because it is located in the middle of the bright “blob” in the background. So, what would be an otherwise distracting background is serving to direct my attention to the subject.
I agree with you to the extent that it is “coincidental” that my eye is drawn to the flower.
Fair enough. But I feel it’s still lost because of the strong backlight. Look at the other one and see how much yellow there is in the flower bud, that’s lost on the backlit one. Do you have another image that is a better example? I had a hard time finding the right one.
Ah, yes. I see the difference. That one is much betterThat’s what I get for replying right after I saw the example rather than completing the article!
no worries
And thank you for such a polite and respectful disagreement comment. Some people feel the need to get ugly when they have an opposing opinion. So thank you for that.