I loved to learn the critiquing aspects, and it is fabulous to be able to discuss a picture using correct terminology. I especially loved critiquing our own pictures in class as it seems much more meaningful when we are looking objectively at the specific components that could be improved or perhaps just changed to get a different picture. Found below is a first attempt, so please take that into account when you are reading. I am not claiming to be a professional, but only someone trying to "break down the elements".
Okay, I know we are supposed to be objective when critiquing, but subjectively speaking...cute dog!!! Back to objective...I believe the focus is on the eye, which captures a reflection of the wooden part of the window and maybe a small amount of catch lights. There seems to be slight barrel distortion in reference to the mouth and nose area (perhaps object is withing the minimal facal range). I think this because the nose appears slightly larger in proportion to what we see of the rest of the dog. I am not so sure on the depth of field. I would guess around 5 or 5.6 as the parts in focus have texture, but the fur around the head is not clear and rather blurred. I think there would have been more clearly defined texture had there been a smaller depth of field???? - Okay, obviously I am an amateur or less than amateur critiquer. The picture is softly saturate with a warm colour balance. That said, there is contrast in the picture from the eyes and nose areas. Slightly side lit, or just lit from a window that doesn't directly have the light hitting it at this moment. The weight of the picture is to the right. The dog takes up 2/3rds vertical space of the picture. Horizontally speaking, the window cuts the picture in 2 and may be slightly distracting to some. I find that it draws my eyes to the dogs eyes. There is a shadow in the bottom right corner that makes me wonder what it is - it is there, but my eyes are not distracted by it.
If I were to attempt this picture, I might try to change my perspective and angle to try and use the open window to frame the face of the dog. I would also move back to get out of mimimum focussing distance (if I am correct on this point), and perhaps decrease the depth of field (again, if I am right on this) to try and add a bit more texture to the picture from the fur. That said, I do like the soft outline. As it looks like the picture may have been metered to help diffuse the background, I think I would try to duplicate as I like this look.
Well, that's it. I'm probably okay on some points, but may be totally wrong on others. Please let me know...don't be scared to critique or be critical of my observations as I would like to know where my judgement is erring. I would also like to know other opinions on what they would do if they were going to change this picture at all. Personally, if asked, I would still say I love this picture (and it's not even my dog) - yes, I know, this is a "critical" comment- I just couldn't help myself! Lovin' life! Stacey
Okay, I know we are supposed to be objective when critiquing, but subjectively speaking...cute dog!!! Back to objective...I believe the focus is on the eye, which captures a reflection of the wooden part of the window and maybe a small amount of catch lights. There seems to be slight barrel distortion in reference to the mouth and nose area (perhaps object is withing the minimal facal range). I think this because the nose appears slightly larger in proportion to what we see of the rest of the dog. I am not so sure on the depth of field. I would guess around 5 or 5.6 as the parts in focus have texture, but the fur around the head is not clear and rather blurred. I think there would have been more clearly defined texture had there been a smaller depth of field???? - Okay, obviously I am an amateur or less than amateur critiquer. The picture is softly saturate with a warm colour balance. That said, there is contrast in the picture from the eyes and nose areas. Slightly side lit, or just lit from a window that doesn't directly have the light hitting it at this moment. The weight of the picture is to the right. The dog takes up 2/3rds vertical space of the picture. Horizontally speaking, the window cuts the picture in 2 and may be slightly distracting to some. I find that it draws my eyes to the dogs eyes. There is a shadow in the bottom right corner that makes me wonder what it is - it is there, but my eyes are not distracted by it.
