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Students at SCHS must turn in one 5x7 photograph every two weeks starting in the 5th week for a total of 7 during the 18 weeks of class. These pictures are to be display quality pictures representing your best work at the time of the assignment. They may be a repeat of a print you made for one of your assignments. What are we looking for in a display photo? First of all it must be interesting, a photo that captures our attention. It needs to be a photograph and not a snap shot which means you have paid attention to composition, exposure, background control, and darkroom techniques. Every time you are out of class taking pictures you want to keep your eye out for a display photo. These are the kind you would find on a wall or mounted at the County Fair. We will select the best of the class each time and put those pictures on our web gallery.
Making A Critique
A critique is a written or verbal evaluation of a photograph based on careful observation. It does not do to just say "I like the photograph". The critique must mention what you like and why you like it. Here are some guidelines on what you should look at and consider making comments about in a photo:
(1) COMPOSITION -CONTENT - This is what the photograph is saying. What is the Center of Interest in the photograph? Where does your eye come to rest in viewing the photo? If there is more than one focus point does that add to the photographs interest or distract from it? Where was the Center of Interest placed within the frame of the photo? Did they use the rule of thirds? What other eye control elements are in the photo (leading lines, contrast, diagonal lines, etc). Did the photographer get close enough to the subject to include only what is important? In other words, are there wasted parts of the frame that contain items not adding to the message of the photo?
(2) BACKGROUND - How did the photographer use the tools of selective focus or depth of field to deal with the background? Is the background simplified, included or a solid or is it nonexistent? How does the background add or distract from the message of the photo?
(3) CAMERA WORK -TECHNICAL - Exposure and focus begin in the camera. Is the subject sharp and clearly in focus? Are part of the photo that need to be clearly focused out of focus? Exposure is observed in the details of the shadow area. A properly exposed photo will have some texture in the shadows. Is the photo exposed properly and give some evidence of what you see? Contrast in processing the film or the contrast of the photo paper effects the highlights in a photo. Is there detail visible in the brightest parts of the print? If there are areas of the print that lack detail is that good or bad?
(4) CRAFTSMANSHIP - Does the photo have stains, spots, dust and scratches? Is it nicely displayed in the frame or is it just slapped in? Does the photograph look like care was made in making it or is there evidence that the person just rushed it?
(5) YOUR OPINION ON THE PHOTO - What do you like about the subject? Is it an emotional shot, a story, a statement, a humorous photo, or what? Is there anything about the photograph that you would do differently if you were the photographer and had the chance to do the same shot?
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