Evaluating finished photographs
Evaluating finished photographs
Technical Evaluation
- Assess the image quality. Check for sharpness, focus, and clarity.
- Evaluate the exposure. Too dark (underexposed) or too bright (overexposed) images could lose details.
- Evaluate colour accuracy and balance. Ensure that the colours represented are true to life, unless a specific effect was intended.
Composition Evaluation
- Check the balance & structure using composition rules, such as the Rule of Thirds, leading lines, or framing.
- Look at the subject placement and its relation with the background and foreground elements.
- Check the depth of field. Consider whether the right areas are in focus based on the intended purpose of the shot.
Emotive and Conceptual Evaluation
- Consider the emotional response provoked by the image. Effective photographs often evoke emotions.
- Assess the clarity of message or story. The intention of the photograph should be clear and meaningful.
- Consider how effectively the photograph uses colour, light, and composition to convey mood and meaning.
Contextual Evaluation
- Evaluate how well the photograph fits into the wider context, such as a series or body of work.
- Assess the historical and cultural relevance of the image.
- Critically evaluate how existing ideas, styles, and genres have been utilised or challenged.
Post-Production Evaluation
- Check for editing flaws and visible manipulations that detract from the overall image quality.
- Consider the appropriateness of the post-processing style in enhancing or complementing the original shot.
- Assess the use of filters, gradients, or tonal adjustments in adding depth and drama to the image.
Remember, photography is an art form. These evaluations are guidelines, not strict rules, as each photograph can have different intentions and receptions.