Digital Challenge…Now it is your turn

I have critiqued your digital images. Some agree with my assessments...some do not. 

What follows is my methodology and reasons.

Approach:

Let’s start with the KCC Scoring Chart:

• 60 - 69 = Acceptable
• 70 - 79 = Average
• 80 - 87 = Good (above average image, but could be improved)
• 88 – 94 = Excellent (a well-done image)
• 95 – 100 = Superior (a near-perfect image)

Now for my interpretation and application of the KCC score chart:

Acceptable – A simple “been there – saw that” shot. A photograph that records an image without any thought to exposure (including hot spots or blinkies), composition, focus, or artistic statement. 

 Average – A photograph that seems to be a shot of opportunity without thought to perspective, background, depth of field, or artistic statement. This photograph may have exposure flaws (lost detail in highlights and shadows). A photograph that looks like anyone could have taken.

Good – A photograph the seems to be well exposed and composed with thought given to the background and perspective. This image may have border issues (elements entering the edge of the frame), intersection issues (elements intersection the subject or other elements…think pole or stick growing out of the subject or person), slight compositional issues, and/or processing issues (think failure to correct chromatic aberrations, processing for contrast, and color correction).

Note: Images that receive a visual critique typically fall in this category.

Excellent – A photograph that is well exposed, composed, and processed, including attention to the depth of field, and includes emotional and artistic impacts.

Note: These images may receive a visual critique, but usually only as another way of seeing. Points are not deducted for these visual critiques since this observation changes the art to my way of seeing.

Superior – A photograph that is well exposed, composed, and processed. An image that makes a strong artistic and/or emotional statement. This is an image that cannot be improved or critiqued without changing the vision or idea of the artist.

The Self-Critique

How objective are you when self-critiquing your photographs? Can you separate your emotional connection to your image? Remember, the viewer of our images, whether it is a judge, family member, or friend, does not have the same emotional attachment.

The only emotion a viewer of our image has is the one we evoke when they see our art for the first time.

According to the American Heritage dictionary on my desk, a critique is a critical review or commentary, especially one dealing with works of art or literature. It did not say anything about it being an indictment as to the photographer’s personality or character.

A substandard image can be submitted to a contest but do not be upset with the judge’s comments.

Test yourself with this critique challenge. 

The critique, especially in a camera club setting, is intended to advance ideas and observations for artistic growth.

Few things stifle photographic creativity like a critically judgmental opinion; few things improve photographic images like honest critical feedback and an open mind.

Despite the importance of a critique, typically, the first response is defensive, even though we do not need to defend our photographs. This is where an open mind is important. When listening too, or reading a critique, take it for what it is worth. Does it sound like an opinion or statement of an idea or concept? Does it have a basis in study or technicality, or is it simply a like or dislike.

It is at this point that the photographer has to determine if what is being said is useful, does it make sense.

Also, note; when submitting a photograph to a competition, it is not good enough to submit a substandard photo just because it meets the theme. The theme is the starting point or basis of the competition. The theme identifies a subject or topic, and it should be understood that the judges