IMAGE CRITIQUE CHECKLIST

Effort

• Is it clear that you put in an effort?
• Is it clear that you intended to create art?

Subject

• Is there a clear subject?
• Is it ordinary or special?  Is it more than a record shot?
• Has the judge seen it a hundred times?  Is there something unique about your interpretation?
• Are you attached to it because of the memory it brings you and will anyone else care?

Composition

• Is the subject in a power point?
• Are there design elements – leading lines, etc. that draw the viewer to the subject?
• Can you do something to further emphasize the subject – such as vignette or edge burn or blur?
• Have you overdone this and made it obvious?
• Is there something competing with the subject – a bright or dark area, for instance?
• Are the borders clear of clutter?
• Is the image straight?
• Are the horizons well placed – normally at a 1/3 point?
• Can you crop to improve on of the above?

Technique

• Is the subject in focus?
• Is the image sharp but not overly sharpened in post processing?
• Is the photograph well exposed?  Do highlights and shadows have detail?
• Are the colors believable?
• Do the colors POP without being overly saturated?
• Can you enhance the image or correct faults in post processing?
• Is the paper, mounting, and matting appropriate for the image (printing)?