LOOKING AROUND

Analysing a photography is the process of interpreting the elements of a photo in order to determine its
meaning and effectiveness.
STEPS

1 Examine the photography
Note your first impression, then study all of the details of the photo, being sure to view every component
both singularly and in relation to the overall composition.


2 Decipher what you like and dislike about the photograph
Begins with a basic impression of what you feel works for the photo and doesn't work for the photo. These
perceptions are starting points for further analysis.


3 Describe the photograph in terms of your general feeling or impression. This is a subjective part .
For example, this sort of description: "This portrait evokes a intimate feeling, and gives a sense of the
subject's strength."


4 Technical components. Try to be as objective as possible:
Focus
Determine whether the photo is properly focused, or if it is unintentionally blurred. Common examples are:
focus on the wrong element of the composition, action blur and zoom blur.
Dust and other technical distractions. If the photographer captured unwanted dust or glare in the photo.
Color
The photograph's use of color should be intentional and relevant to the photo. Faded, dull or ruddy color
tones may be the product of technical error.
Lighting
Too much or too little lighting.
Exposure
This pertains to the length of time the camera was enabled to take in the image and affects the lighting and
contrast. A higher exposure allows more light to filter in, and may result in too-white highlights, while a lower
exposure may result in a too-dark photo with muddled contrast lines.


5 The artistic elements of the photo. Cover each of the following elements:
Subject matter
Note the photographer's choice of image, and determine whether or not it seems to be purposeful, or
haphazardly chosen.
Color
Determine if the colors add to or detract from the feeling of the photograph, and if a black and white
treatment would be more or less effective.
Composition
Note the content and layout of the photograph in regards to subject positioning, symmetry, clutter,
sparseness and cropping. Moreover, determine if the photograph is directed in a way that best highlights its
intended subject, feeling and message.


6 Summarize your general perception of the photograph.
Rather than repeat what you already said in your photography critique, provide a brief description of your
overall feeling about the photograph, after taking into consideration its technical and artistic aspects, strength
and weaknesses.