How To Critique Photography

Photography / Art / Design Form for Critique:

Use this standard critique structure as a way to interpret the artistic merits of an image. In criticism we attempt to disconnect ourselves from our bias by describing what we see, drawing on the language in the principals and elements of design. After breaking down visual elements we can appreciate the craftsman ship and technique, the intended meaning and to finally interpret the emotional content of the work in question.

1. Description

Students describe what they actually see not what they think. They describe what the work of art looks like, asking questions about the elements of art and principles of design when describing the artwork. (ex. Discuss the use of colors. What type of lines are used? Are light and dark values used? What is the texture? What shapes are used? How is the space arranged? (is there positive and/or negative space?) If the subject is 3-dimensional, describe the forms the artist used. 

2. Analysis

Students determine how the artwork is composed, or put together, using the principles of design. (ex. What type of balance is used, what element of art is emphasized, are the elements of design used to create contrast?) How did the artist: achieve balance, use rhythm, create unity (are there similar colors, lines that lead eye from one point to another, patterns, etc?), does the eye move around the work of art, what are the patterns, part of the work of art is emphasized and what areas have the most contrast. Students assess how the artwork addresses historical and cultural context. Did the work affect history or culture?

3. Interpretation

Students decide what they think the artist was trying to communicate to the viewer; what is the feeling and thought.

4. Judgment

Students make an intelligent decision about the success of the artwork based on: What they think of the craftsmanship in this work of art; what do they think of the artist use of elements of art and principles of design? (Did the artist use them effectively or not?); did the artist effectively show the intended mood, meaning, and feeling; identify Story, Audience, Message, and Style "SAMS" of photographs and discover that different people see different "SAMS" in the same image; the strong areas of this work of art; areas that need improvement.

5. Constructive Criticism

Constructive suggestions for the artist to consider in improving their work.