Photography Critique Template

Photograph Title: Karo mother at sunrise

Photographer: Joey L

Initial Reaction:
1. Examining the Photograph (First Impression? Like? Dislike? Description of
the Photograph, Subject Matter)

My first impressions on tis photo is that this picture has a very nice setting.
The setting is very nice. Although the setting is nice I must say I dislike the photo.
The reason for this is because I dont feel that this looks to unrealistic. I feel that
the woman with her child look like they dont belong in the picture. Usually a
woman dressed like this are not in a type of setting like this. The subject matter is
the woman with her little boy. So for these reasons I dislike the picture

Analysis & Interpretation:

2. Technical Components and Objective Analysis of Photograph (lighting,
exposure etc.):

The one exponent that really stands out to me is lighting. The reason for this
is because this picture would have been a very dark picture. But they added back
lighting to the picture to make only the subject matter the first thing that the
viewer sees. The lighting really makes the subject stand out and make the
qualities of her and her little son stand out.
3. Assessment of Artistic Elements (subject matter, colour, compositional tips
from class):

The one element that really stands out in this picture would be colour. The
reason this element really stands out is because the colours in this picture really
dont match the setting and/or surroundings. She is wearing a lot of clothing for
an environment that looks pretty warm and deserted. She is also wearing red
clothing, which doesnt match the setting at all making her really stand out as the
subject matter. As being the subject matter she must stand out and look very
different from her surroundings, which she is doing.

Consideration of Cultural Context:

4. Cultural Context of the Photograph (Historical, Social, Cultural Implications
of the Photograph and Message? How does knowing this influence your
interpretation of the photograph?):

Looking at this picture you can tell that this woman is of African decent. This
woman is demonstrating how African woman dress. She is wearing traditional
clothing in this picture. She is wearing a red bathrobe looking outfit with a very
thick scarf. She wears these layers because this keeps her and her little boy
during the cold days of winter.

Expression of Aesthetic Judgment:

5. Explanation of Strong Points in the Photograph:

The strongest point of this photo is probably lighting. The lighting really
made this photo standout. The reason for this is because, the area and/or setting
is really dark. So the lights in this picture really make the lady and the little boy
really standout.
6. Areas for Improvement:

The areas for improvement in this picture are really only the background.
The background of this picture does not go well with the subject matter. The
subject matter is wearing a red robe with a light brown scarf. The background has
a lot of blues and grays and its doesnt go well together and can use improvement
7. General Perception and Changes to Initial Reaction:

My initial reaction to this photo was the lighting is really good in this photo.
The lighting really makes the 2 people standout really well. I also thought why is
she wearing that color clothing when the background I a completely different
color. It doesnt look that nice. This was my initial reaction to the photo.

Photography Critique Assignment

You will
Watch the documentary Faces of a Vanishing World documenting Canadian
photographer Joey L and his journey to return portraits to Ethiopian tribes
people. Complete the Question Sheet.
Select a photograph by Joey L.
Complete the critique template. Then, write a formal Photography Critique.

Due Date:______________________________________
Criteria

Level 4

Level 3

Level 2

Level 1

Knowledge
/10

Excellent use of
knowledge,
language, terms
and information in
critique of
photograph
Student conveys

Good use of
knowledge,
language, terms
and information in
critique of
photograph
Student conveys

Some use of
knowledge,
language, terms
and information
in critique of
photograph
Student

Limited use of
knowledge,
language, terms
and information in
critique of
photograph
Student conveys

Communicati

on
/20

Application
/20

Thinking
/10

meaning and
thoroughly
addresses each
element of the
critique highly
effectively with
minimal errors

meaning and
addresses each
element of the
critique well with
2-3 errors

Student makes
connections
between
information
learned in class to
new contexts
highly effectively
Student effectively
brainstorms,
completes
handout and all
steps to creating a
reflective and well
written critique

Student makes
good connections
between
information
learned in class to
new contexts
Student
brainstorms,
completes
handout and most
steps to creating
a reflective
critique

somewhat
conveys
meaning and
addresses most
elements of the
critique with
more than 3
errors
Student makes
some
connections
between
information
learned in class
to new contexts
Student
completes
almost all of the
brainstorming,
handout and
some steps to
creating a
somewhat
reflective
critique

little meaning and

addresses few
elements of the
critique with more
than 3 errors

Student makes
very few
connections
between
information
learned in class to
new contexts
Student is missing
many pieces,
including more
than one of the
activities;
evidence of
reflection is limited

Success Criteria:
Watch documentary and complete handout
Select a photograph by Joey L
Complete the template thoroughly and with careful thought and
consideration
Identify and describe your initial reactions to the work
Identify and describe the aesthetic and technical features
Assess the effectiveness of the chosen piece
Reflect on the way the photo reflects cultural identity, community, or
societal values
Complete Rough Notes & Good copy on Template and submit by due date

Faces of a Vanishing World Documentary

Complete the following questions while watching the film on Joey L.

1. List the four problems Joey L encountered when returning to Ethiopia. /
4
One problem he ran into was finding a good spot to take the photos.
There were not really a lot of good places to take pictures
Finding people that would be willing to be in the photo shoot. Most
people did not want their picture being taken.
They had to find spots that were legal to take pictures. Some spots
they would have to have permits to take pictures.

 The final problem was they had be sure they werent trespassing on
any other tribes land.

2. Explain the reaction Joey L. received when the tribes people saw the
photographs.
/1
When the tribes people saw the photographs they were so happy and
surprised. This made Joey L very happy. If he makes people happy then
it makes him happy. Joey L loves to make people happy and for him to
see all of these people so happy, makes him feel accomplished and
makes him feel like what he does has purpose.

3. Why was this project important to Joey L? List three reasons.

/3

One reason this was really important to joey is because he wanted

to take pictures in Africa for the longest time
He always wanted to work with people with darker skin and take
pictures of them
He loves the landscape of Africa and believes that it would make for
better pictures

4. How did watching the process of taking the photographs give you a
different perspective on Joey Ls work?
/2
This film really made me realize how much work goes into taking
these pictures. He must get so many different angles and different
poses to get the perfect picture. Joey L also puts so much work into his
pictures and it really makes me have so much more respect for his
work because it makes me realize how much work was pit into all the
picture that he takes.

/10 Communication Marks