JUDGING A PHOTOGRAPH

I am often asked, how I judge a photograph. What are the points that I take into consideration to pronounce a photo good or not good?

- Rohinton Mehta

The answer, sometimes, is more complex than you think.

Generally speaking, I consider the following points (not in any particular order) while judging a photo:

1. The Photographer’s Experience

Is the photographer experienced, or is he/she a mid-level photographer or is he/she a beginner? If the person is a beginner or at mid-level, I take that into consideration but if he is an experienced photographer, then I am more critical of the work.

2. The subject matter

Is the subject of the photograph something that I have seen hundreds of times, or is the subject rarely seen and captured? Now, someone may say that not everyone can visit exotic locations for great photos (for various reasons) and I agree with you on that point. Exotic locations can help, but I have often seen poor photographs of glamorous locations and seen some wonderful shots of ordinary locations. So, one does not always have to go to special locations for good pictures. Here, ‘the man behind the camera’ concept plays an important role. The subject may be common, but the lighting, framing (composition), camera angle, proper selection of the lens focal length, the exposure and the background can change an ordinary subject into a thing of beauty.

3. The Lighting

Lighting is probably the most important consideration. Good lighting can beautify an ordinary subject but bad lighting can ruin it. We learn a lot about lighting from movie-lighting crews, from table-top photographers, from portraitists, and of course from artists (painters).