Our New Photo Critique System!

If you’ve been on SLR Lounge recently, you’ll notice that there’s a new category where you can submit photos for constructive critique as well as give your own feedback. Check out our new format for constructive critique in the video and article below!

Constructive Critique Season 2 Episode 1

The Constructive Critique Burger

We want to foster an environment that encourages and edifies photographers to be their best. Unfortunately, the internet can be a place of harsh meaningless words and “trolls,” which is why we created the Constructive Critique burger, to help guide criticism to actually be constructive.

critique burger

When you are giving constructive critique, be sure to be kind and helpful. Start with praise/encouragement, then give your constructive critique, and end with praise/encouragement. Let me show you how it’s done!

Self-Portait by Anthony Saleh

self-portrait

Praise/Encouragement: I absolutely love this self-portrait and I think it’s super cool. You did a great job conceptualizing and executing this self portrait, and as photographers, we can all sympathize with how difficult a self-portrait can be.

Constructive Critique: The duality concept could use a little work. There are elements that work with the theme like the directions that you’re facing and the different shirts, but it’s missing the duality theme in the expression, the expression is identical. Although I can see why you would want to keep the expression the same in both, because the eyes and mouth match up. It’s difficult to distinguish the concept of this image, whether this is a duality concept or a mirrored effect.

Praise/Encouragement: The expression is not a huge issue, because you can make a strong case for the duality theme with this image. Great job shooting an incredible self-portrait!

First Time Photoshoot by Adib Fathil

first time photoshoot

Praise/Encouragement: This is an incredible image, especially since it’s your first photoshoot!

Constructive Critique: The main critique I have is the lack of focus. Does your subject need to be in focus for the image to be powerful? No, but the main reason why the subject needs to be in focus in this image is because your subject is looking at the camera. Now if she were looking away and the focus was on the flowing nature of the dress then the focus could work.

Praise/Encouragement: I love everything about this photo. I love the composition, the pull and flow of the dress and her expression. Keep up the good work!

Local Deli by David Hill

local deli

Praise/Encouragement: This is a great shot, and this is for an actual shoot, not just a journalistic one. You did a great job in organizing the store so it looks full and I know it must have been tedious waiting for a good moment because you also had to deal with the store being open at the time of this shot.

Constructive Critique: You shot this image using a shutter drag because you thought it would add interest to the scene, and I definitely agree with you. My only critique is that it would have been cool if they were behind the counter and they were blurred in the action of working. Also you said that some of the items were organized, but there are a few details that are slightly off putting to me. The cinnamon buns and the flowers on the counter are both crooked, the door on the left side is slightly ajar and the table on the right is not in enough to add to the scene so it just becomes a distraction.

Praise/Encouragement: I like the post production and the use of natural light in this image. It looks like a charming deli that I would want to visit and eat lunch at.

Seductive Fire by Edward Wileczek

seductive fire

Praise/Encouragement: This is an interesting image to look at, which is the heart of photography, taking photos that are interesting! There doesn’t always have to be a purpose or story behind them, some images are just aesthetically pleasing, and that’s it. With that being said, there are things we can do to make images even more interesting to look at.

Constructive Critique: One thing that would help this photo is getting more details in the contrast of the embers. The best way to do this would be to stop down the aperture (increase the f-stop number), and that will give you a wider depth of field and sharper focus. This will give you sharper details in the embers and a more interesting image to look at. Also, one piece of advice is to play around with your shutter speed. Fire is an interesting subject to shoot because it’s constantly changing and it’s unpredictable. Slow down your shutter or speed it up and observe the results!

Praise/Encouragement: Good job on getting an overall interesting image, especially with a cocktail in your hand!

Traditional Tea of Turkey by Mehmet Dinler

traditional tea of turkey

Praise/Encouragement: I like the lighting and composition of this photo, they are both fantastic and the execution is spot on.

Constructive Critique: The part of the photo that looks strange to me is the splash. In this particular photo, we’re not sure why there’s a splash (because there’s no objects falling into it) or how it adds to the narrative of the image. Usually when people are shooting still liquids, they can make the photo interesting by adding vapor or smoke coming out of the cup. There’s also a bit of a tilt in the saucer as well, which may have been a result of the splash effect, but that’s something to pay attention to as well.

Praise/Encouragement: Overall, this is a great product photo. When you look at a product photo and want to try the product (which I definitely do), then you know you’ve done a good job.

Conclusion

That’s it for this episode of Constructive Critique! If you’re interested in receiving or giving feedback, be sure to check out the Photo Critique section of SLRLounge. Be sure to get involved in Constructive Critique because you can get more SLR Lounge points by participating, as well as win prizes!