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In last week’s article, I shared my thoughts about what makes a good photograph. I provided several examples and shared ideas that challenge traditional views of what makes a good photograph.
If you haven’t read that article yet, you may want to do that now before continuing with this article, where I will share a framework that you can use to help you evaluate your photographs before sharing them. In this article, you will learn a simple method of how to evaluate your photographs.
Table of Contents
How to Evaluate Your Photographs for Better Results Today
Look at my silver gelatin print below.
Does the image evoke a feeling, or do you think it’s garbage because the shadows are blocked? I intentionally placed the tonal values in this print exactly where I wanted them. I am in total control of my workflow, from exposure in the field to toning and mounting my prints.
However, if I silhouette the trees and foreground against the ominous sky, I bet someone would be happy to tell me that I should have made different choices. Are we having fun yet?
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It seems clear that photographers would benefit from a framework to evaluate their work before sharing it with others.
A good photograph should harmonize technical proficiency with emotional resonance, but how can we determine if our images achieve this balance?
6-Step Evaluation Framework
- Does the photograph evoke an emotional response?
Think about how the image makes you feel. Does it convey the emotion or story you intended? Could it resonate with others on a deeper level? - What story is the photograph telling?
Ask yourself whether your image communicates a clear narrative or theme. Are you revealing something about your subject or inviting viewers to explore a unique perspective? - How strong is the composition?
Consider the visual structure of the photograph. Does it guide the viewer’s eye naturally? Does the perspective, framing, or use of light enhance the impact of the image? - Is the technical execution supporting the vision?
Examine the technical aspects—focus, exposure, tonal range, and detail. Do these elements enhance the photograph or distract from the overall message? - Is the photograph authentic to your vision?
As Paul Strand emphasized, authenticity is essential. Does the photograph reflect your artistic intent and reveal something meaningful about your subject? Are you creating based on an artist statement or vision that you have documented? (See my Solitary Witnesses project for an example.) - Does the image stand the test of time?
Reflect on whether the image has a timeless quality. Will it continue to captivate viewers and hold its impact after repeated viewings, or does it rely on fleeting trends?
By thoughtfully considering these questions, you can create a personal framework for evaluating your photographs. This process can help ensure that the images you share with others meet your technical standards but also connect with your audience on a deeper level. As Alfred Stieglitz believed, photography results from an artistic instinct coupled with years of labor. Crafting meaningful images requires technical mastery and understanding how to move and inspire others.
Share Your Perspective
What questions do you ask yourself when reviewing your photographs? What am I missing in my list of questions above? Are there specific examples of images—whether from your work or from photographers like Adams, Strand, or Mann—that have influenced your understanding of what makes a photograph “good”? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share your ideas and experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue this conversation about refining our craft and sharing meaningful work.
By thoughtfully considering these questions, you can create a personal framework for evaluating your photographs.
This process can help ensure that the images you share with others meet your technical standards but also connect with your audience on a deeper level.
As Alfred Stieglitz believed, photography results from an artistic instinct coupled with years of labor. Crafting meaningful images requires technical mastery and understanding how to move and inspire others.
If you’re passionate about analog photography but also value a simpler, more sustainable way to work, then the Darkroom Diary Premium Membership is exactly what you’ve been looking for. As a member, you’ll gain access to my master-level analog workflows—now updated to reflect a more minimalist hybrid approach that blends the soul of analog with the flexibility of digital tools. From large format paper and film negatives to scanning, editing, and archival inkjet printing, I’ll walk you through the entire process in an approachable, thoughtful way. This membership isn’t just about high-quality, proven techniques—it’s an invitation to join a community of like-minded artists who appreciate analog photography and want to grow without the burden of maintaining a full darkroom.
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