Learning to Critique Photography

Published: Sat, 02/13/16


Learning to Critique Photography

A while back, we discussed how to critique your own photos in the post “Learning to Be Your Own Worst Critic.” To me, critiques are such an important skill that it’s worth it to explore this topic a little more. For some of us, it’s a little bit easier to critique our own work simply because we are so familiar with it. We’ve already spent hours laboring over each photograph, so there is a good chance that we’re already at least somewhat aware of the image’s weaknesses.

But someone else’s work? It’s much too easy to make a quick pronouncement and then scroll past.

Unfortunately, such “gut reaction” critiques help no one — not the photograph’s owner, and certainly not yourself. Even if you choose not to share your critiques with others, learning how to objectively judge photographs will help you understand the things that make or break images. Use the following tips to improve your critiquing skills...