Critique and analysis of photographs is one of the best ways to learn from mistakes and develop your eye for detail. It will help you frame better photographs and pay attention to details.
Here is a series of my own photographs taken at various stages of my learning to become a better photographer. My analysis and critiques are included.
Analysis and Critique
- Sweet, right? A nice portrait. Close-up. Eliminates distracting background.
- The white balance of the photograph is slightly off, and could be slightly warmer. This could be changed in Photoshop.
- The photo is also slightly out of focus. Actually, the thumb is in crisp focus, while the eyes and face have a soft focus. This happened by using a too small of a depth of field for being so close in the shot. The shot was taken at f-1.8. By closing down to an f-4, the problem would eliminated.
- Also, the photo looks a bit flat due to the use of flash. The flash bulb can be seen in the subject's eyes. By using an off camera flash this could have been eliminated. The flash in the eyes could be softened in Photoshop.
Analysis and Critique
- This has the potential to be a very interesting photograph. The framing of the clock in the lamp post is a very interesting perspective and can make this a fantastic architectural photograph of Independence Hall.
- The photograph is slightly underexposed. Opening up a stop would give this photograph better light.
- There are distracting elements in the photograph. The second lamp along the bottom of the photograph draws the eye away from the clock because it is so dark. The scaffolding down the side of the building is also distracting.
- By slightly changing position, the clock could be better centered in the lamp post. Using a zoom or a telephoto lens could possibly eliminate the scaffolding and the lamp along the bottom of the frame. If possible, losing the bottom lamp is the priority because it is a dark distraction in the photo. We don't want to eliminate the top of the building. Eliminating the top of the building will take away the context of the place.
Analysis and Critique
- While the child is certainly is letting her personality shine through, this photo leaves much to be desired. It is a typical "pick up the camera and shoot" shot that didn't take much into consideration when composing and metering the shot.
- The flash flattened the shot. The eyes of the child are dark. The color and the exposure are flat.
- The harsh black shadow and bad lighting is distracting. By not using the flash (see your camera manual) and using some overhead lighting or lighting both sides of the room, the shadow could have been eliminated.
- The surrounding space is cluttered and distracting. By moving some of the elements in the room or by changing perspective, the child will command more attention in the photograph and it would be a better photograph.
By taking TONS of photographs and analyzing and critiquing your own photos, you will soon develop your own photographer eye.
Corina is a former science teacher staying home to raise her two imaginative, active, and wicked smart children. Contrary to what the last line suggests, she is not from Boston or Canada. She is a mom, photographer, teacher, outdoor enthusiast, sarcastic, and down to earth woman. You can find her weaving her tall and small tales at Down to Earth Mama.
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