What makes a good or great photograph is a subject of much debate. There is however some general agreement on things that one should consider when viewing and evaluating a photograph.
In this guest post, Kevin Reid, a professional photographer from Scotland, explains seven features to keep in mind:
1) Focus
Most of the time the main subject at least should be in focus and sharp even if the background and other components may not be. Notice the depth of field and see if it is working well for the image. Evaluate the depth of field: is the depth of focus effectively controlled with aperture and lens angle of view to have the desired areas sharp, and others out of focus? There may be times when the photographer is purposely trying to create an out of focus or softer effect, or trying to create the effect of movement.
2) Clear subject in the photograph
Does the photograph have a purpose? Is it clear what the main subject or subjects of the photograph are? If one has to look for it or the photographer has to explain it, this may be a problem. On the other hand the photographer may be trying to create some mystery within the photograph, though generally the photograph should have a purpose.
3) Composition
Is it clear what the main subject is? Are there areas or parts of the photograph that do not contribute to the overall visual effect of the image? Is the subject lost in a distracting background? Consider vertical versus horizontal orientation of the image. How do the lines of the subject lead into or out of the photograph? Should one get closer, does the photograph need to be cropped preferably at the time the photograph is taken. Consider Rules of composition like ‘Rule of Thirds’, ‘Bottom right or left’. Does your eye move easily within the photograph or do they jump around?
4) Lighting and exposure
Is the lighting well balanced, and does it support the elements of the composition to create the desired effect. Are there good shadow and highlight details with good range of shades in between? No ‘blown’ highlights except for some desired specular highlights. Does the lighting direction fit with the composition, are any of the lighting elements creating a distraction? Does the image have adequate contrast, is it a high key or low key image, and does this contribute or detract from the image? Is the use of ambient and strobe used to good effect?
5) Colour
Is the colour well balanced, are there any colour casts that detract from the image or do they
genuinely help create mood or effect.
6) What makes this photograph different or special?
Is it an interesting composition, does one see an interesting perspective? Look for dramatic angles, lines, colors, textures, and shapes.
7) Emotion and mood?
How does this shot make you feel? Does it create a mood or generate an emotional response? After all the technical discussion, good or great photographs usually evoke an emotional response at some level.
By following these 7 tips, your photography could reach the next level of mastery every time you click your camera. Follow Kevin Reid on Facebook and Twitter to see how he applies these features to create art.
