Why Critique?

The purpose of critiquing photographs should be to help photographers to improve their work through a better understanding and proficiency in the technical aspects of photography and the theory of visual literacy, and this while helping the photographer maintain his or her individuality and way of seeing.

The critique should attempt to open the photographer's own thought process; it should not be an attempt to change the photographer into a clone of the assessor - the very curse to creativity.

It is essential to determine the photographer's purpose for making the image: Was it to be a clinical study, story illustration, social documentary, fine art piece or perhaps an entry for a competition? Only then can the critique be properly focused to assist the photographer along an effective learning path.