Frequently Asked Questions

(2) This does not mean the critique has to be lengthy. A few words accompanied by a modification can be equally helpful, but only if the modifier has explained the "why" and "how"..

(3) It should stand out from other critiques, e.g. merely complimentary ones and ones containing only minor suggestions

(4) It should explore composition, lighting, style and execution - as appropriate. Subject matter comes after these aspects.

(5) Critique does not necessarily mean critical. You can draw attention to good aspects of the photo in such a way as to help anyone reading to improve their own work. This will always mean going well beyond merely pointing out these aspects and admiring them. (This will often be a much more difficult task than suggesting how to improve the photo.)

0

- Be polite and respectful in your comments. Insulting comments will be deleted.
- Remember: you are trying to help and encourage your fellow ePhotozine members
- Avoid misunderstanding: nuances of speech and facial expressions cannot come over in writing.
- Do not use the copy & paste technique to flood the gallery with meaningless comments.
- The original poster may contact you to seek clarification on your comments. Feel free to add any further comments or suggestions on the poster's photo.


Before you comment
Study the image and form an opinion of what does or does not appeal to you, both technically and aesthetically.

Identify technical qualities that appeal or do not appeal:

- focus
- camera shake
- contrast
- colour (including colour casts)
- lighting
- exposure
- digital 'noise', artefacts etc.
- depth of field
- background
- composition
- choice of lens

Do the same with the aesthetic qualities: assess any emotional response you get from the picture. Say what is your response and try to explain why the image evokes that response:


- Is the eye led in or around the pic?
- Is there a discernible subject?
- Good balance between subject and background?
- Any parts of the subject lost unintentionally?
- Could crop be better?
- If there's a horizon is it level?

Commenting


- Begin your comments with what you like about the photo.
- Then go on to what you think needs improvement - offering suggestions as to how the photo can be improved. Give reasons as necessary.
- Do not argue the validity of another member's comments on the photo or get into a debate on the critique.
- There is nothing wrong with saying 'Nice pic' but say exactly why you think it is nice - be specific on the technical and aesthetic qualities which appeal.
- Upload a modification if you think it will help, stating what you have done and, if possible, pitching the modifications at uploader's experience.

0

The more information you can provide the better. First of all make sure you detail the camera, lens (if appropriate) and technical info i.e shutter speed, mode, ISO etc.

Briefly try to point out what you were trying to achieve, and indicate any areas where you feel there is room for improvement.

It's important to note that members may make blunt statements. Remember they are not criticising you. They are offering an opinion on your photo. It's important not to get into debates or arguments over critique offered. If you need to seek further clarification fom the critic, feel free to do so in a polite and friendly manner.

It will probably be helpful to leave previous posted images up, if reworking and reposting an image. That way everyone can refer back to your first version. It may also be appropriate to contact the original critic to make them aware of the new upload so they can go back and take another look.

There will be a small number of more experienced photographers as part of the critique team. Some of these will have specific experience in a given subject/area. If you feel you need additional guidance please feel free to contact the critique team on (email address option coming soon)

0

Clicking the vote button will add one to the reader's votes. If you want to however you can add a comment by filling the Leave a Comment box at the bottom.

This is not a mandatory requirement, and you can just view and move on if you want to!

Please do not vote on a photo just because the person voted on yours this is seen as fishing for clicks and is not good site etiquette.

Also do not vote on a photo just because you like the person. Votes should indicate high quality and not friendship!

0

With no upload limit, members' images were disappearing to the fourth or fifth page within minutes of uploading and they stood no chance of being seen and commented upon.

Thus, the upload limit was introduced. Currently the limit is one image per user per day. This ensures that every member that uploads an image gets a fair crack at getting their images seen and commented upon in the gallery.

0

The idea of giving an EC award came about when some visitors wanted to see a gallery of the best pictures, rather than wading through the entire collection. So here's what the editor thinks are the best photos submitted to ePHOTOzine. (Think of this as being just like the page or two you find in a magazine that displays the best pictures submitted that month or week)

There are several things that editor uses as criteria when selecting a photo for an EC.
Technical quality The editor looks at sharpness, colour composition and exposure and awards the EC to pictures that excel here.

Creativity You may have a photo that breaks the rules but has superb creative style

Originality You may have a technical good photo, but one that we've seen time and time again. Pictures that are original but not necessarily perfect may gain priority over the award.

Personal likes There is no getting away from it there's going to be some photos that hit the spot and may not be original, technically perfect just Pete-perfect!

Wow factor Gobdsmackingly good pics for whatever reason.

If the editor looks at a photo and it doesn't quite make the EC he will award it an HC (Highly commended).

Some people have accused the editor of having favourites or awarding ECs to newcomers to encourage them to stick with the site. This couldn't be further from the truth. He looks at the photos without seeing the name and has no bias or hidden agenda!

It's important that you do not use this information as a set of predefined "rules" on what to do to get an EC as we want to encourage new ideas and shooting pictures just to gain an EC could stifle creativity.

0