Spring 2019 Course Syllabi

Critiques are a crucial part of learning. During critiques, the instructor and students will offer feedback on your work. You are responsible for critiquing one of your own photos and one of your classmate’s photos each week. Critiques are due the following day after homework is due. Use the following criteria when critiquing photos. Please list and discuss all four of these for each critique. Aesthetics— Do you visually like or dislike the image? This is purely subjective. Everyone has their own idea on what they find visually appealing. So, there is no right or wrong answer here, it is purely opinion. Critique what you like and/or don’t like or would change about the image. Keep in mind the professional standard we are striving for. Principles of art and design —In Photo 180 we learn principles of design and composition. Use the proper vocabulary and discuss what is working and what could be improved in terms of design and composition. Most of this is based on visual rules, however, some of it will definitely be subjective based on the viewers opinions. Intent— What was the photographer’s intent and did they successfully create an image that expresses that intent? For classes, the intent will be the criteria for the assignment. For example, if the assignment is freezing motion, then did the photographer successfully freeze motion?. Is the viewer interpreting what the photographer wanted to say? Is it clear what the photographer was trying to accomplish? Technical proficiency— This one is fairly simple, as it’s all about using the photography equipment properly. Is the photograph in focus, is the white balance correct, is the exposure correct, were all the camera settings correct, was lighting equipment used properly, etc. The following rules apply to critiques. • Be respectful! • Give positive and negative feedback. Positive feedback is important to learn what is working and to build confidence. Negative feedback is important because we cannot improve without it. All negative feedback should be as constructive as possible. • When receiving a critique, keep an open mind and don’t get defensive. Remember, no one is attacking you or your work. The goal is to learn. You cannot learn with a closed mind or defensive attitude.