On Wednesday, October 5, 2017, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., about 25 IACC members had the pleasure of learning about image critiquing from Akemi Matsubuchi, who has a Bachelor or Applied Arts in Still Photography and is currently an instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The evening was spent reviewing the 21 digital images provided by the participating members. Akemi had not seen any of the images in advance (e.g., macro, landscape, architecture [gallery, bridge, church, lighthouse] street photography, black and white, abstract, infrared, and still life). She ensured that positive comments were made throughout the critique but she also ensured that each photographer received constructive feedback to help improve the work.

We all knew (from the previous session with Akemi) that there are four noteworthy components of a critique: impact, composition, technical quality and presentation.

Throughout the evening, IACC members felt very comfortable offering their comments about the images.

All in all, this was a very successful workshop that helped participants better understand how to deliver a critique and how to benefit from receiving a critique.

​A sincere thank you to Akemi for taking the time to share her knowledge and expertise.

​​The following is a list of some of the critiquing comments which were made by Akemi. The comments are not in any particular order.

1. Think about your shot (luck favours a prepared mind).
2. Always think about your foreground, middle ground and background.
3. Instead of using the clarity slider in software, make sure the image is sharp to begin with.
4. For black and white architectural shots, make sure you have good tonal range.
5. For architectural shots correct distortion.
6. Think about time of day when you are shooting. (In the Fall, the light is good all day.)
7. Some people use an intentional dutch tilt (a shot in which the camera angle is deliberately slanted to one side). The dutch tilt can add dynamic energy.
8. For street photography, approach the person to get to know them better before taking the shot.
9. For photojournalism, get in close (“bright and tight”). Also, look for emotion in the story.
10. Photojournalism is critiqued and judged in context of the times.
11. Ask yourself, what can I add into the photograph to make it more interesting? For example, a pop of colour in a monochromatic image adds interest; continuous repetition of line adds interest; vertical lines project an automatic dynamic force.
12. Black on matte paper does not always work.
13. Be careful about images that feel flat.
14. Rule of thirds not always necessary; e.g., “dead centre” is currently in vogue.
15. In an abstract, the photographer still decides where the viewer should be looking.
16. Infrared loves trees and plants; high noon is a great time to do infrared.
17. Be careful that filters you use do not make the image look artificial.
18. Last but not least, is there a WOW factor?

Article and Photographs: Akemi Matsubuchi Guest Speaker