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| A Guide to Rating and Comments in the Gallery | |||||
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I realise this matter has been raised previously, but I, along with others, still have concerns about the levels of rating being awarded. The whole system of rating is in danger of becoming meaningless if the practice continues. As you know the rating levels start at 1 and extend to 10 (highest), however, whilst I am impressed by the quality of some of the images posted, I have reservations about the amount of 10s being awarded. As from October the assignments will be transferred to the Gallery, at the same time we will be using a new system for deciding the winner. Instead of having only one vote, you will rate the image fro 1 to 10, a standard for rating is essential if the voting is to be fair. The winner will be decided by an average of ratings it receives. Please read the guide lines below and use them to help you decide which rating an image deserves. I stress, these are guidelines but I hope you understand the reasons for them. Although I have used phrases such as, "Good composition" I realise and accept that individual interpretation may differ. However, please understand the importance of ratings, especially in assignments. Please also bear in mind the level of expertise of the photographer. This may mean sometimes awarding a higher rating for effort, this being the case, maybe an explanatory comment may be appropriate. |
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| Rating 1 | The image displays a lack of thought in composition and contains multiple faults that could have been avoided, i.e. lack of contrast, caused by incorrect exposure, out of focus, intrusive elements that destroy any centre of interest, bad colour balance. In effect the image displays not obvious attention to detail. I would suggest that this rating should not be used if the member is very new to photography, as "attention to detail" takes time to learn when one has so many things going on at once. | ||||
| Rating 2 | Some elements of the image are good but overall the photograph still shows lack of interest and detail and many of the faults above are still present. The image may well have promise but needs more work. | ||||
| Rating 3 | The image displays some initial thought in the composition and the author has obviously tried to produce a good photograph. Elements, such as composition have fallen short and there are further problems which should have been seen before it was posted. | ||||
| Rating 4 | The subject is good and the photographer has attempted to interpret what he/she saw but has chosen the wrong camera angle or height in order to render the best possible result, In short, the image is slightly below average and the photographer would benefit from some constructive advice. | ||||
| Rating 5 | An average image that has been handled quite well technically but one or two of the essential elements, such as good composition or framing have altered the interest and viewers enjoyment. It should be obvious that the photographer displays knowledge of the necessary elements that make up a good image but has not used them to best effect. | ||||
| Rating 6 | An above average photograph that holds the viewers interest because the photographer has recognised elements and used them well to produce a good image. The image should be well focused; composed and basic post camera work has been used to remove anything that may lower the quality of the image. The subject shows potential and the photographer has recognised that. | ||||
| Rating 7 | This and the next two levels should be reserved for degrees of excellence in photography. The image should be well composed, in focus and display good knowledge of photographic techniques, post/computer work also. There may be elements that deserve constructive critique to assist the author in future images. However, overall the image is of a very good quality. | ||||
| Rating 8 | Much of the above applies but the image is of an extremely high standard. Good rage of tones in colour or black and white, obvious thought has been applied to the composition and is very pleasing to the eye. | ||||
| Rating 9 | This level, like the next, should be given carefully. It implies that the photographer has reached a level of excellence which, is difficult, but not impossible, to match. There will be very few aspects of the work that require criticism of any kind. However the image may not display the factors needed to lift it to the ultimate rating. | ||||
| Rating 10 | The image should contain a real “wow” factor in that it excites you the second you see it. On closer inspection all the elements should be precise, i.e. the focus is spot on, unless there is an obvious reason for it not being (soft focus portraits etc). The photographer has gone to a great deal of trouble to produce the image, either in setting it up or choosing the best location before pressing the shutter. You should be inspired by the image because it far exceeds the expectations you would yourself have applied. There should be little or no elements that you feel need improvement. In other words you consider it almost perfection and could not improve on it. A rating of 10 should be used sparingly; otherwise when you do encounter an image that displays the given qualities, you will have nowhere to go. | ||||
Please bear in mind that your ratings should, if at all possible, be accompanied by some justification in a constructive comment, especially if you have given a very low mark or a very high mark. Please do not diminish the award of a 10 by giving them out without very good reason. My reason for starting this site was not to feed my ego, or anyone else's, it was to help others improve their work. I wanted to give constructive advice to new photographers, by viewing their work and offer help. I know others feel the same as I do in this purpose I have also learned from others whilst the site has been running. I derive a great deal of pleasure when I see quality work on the site and even more pleasure when I think that the work of other photographers has improved, which I know it has, as a direct result of help they have received from myself and other members of the site. We all strive for perfection, very few are lucky, or clever enough to attain it, however, we never stop trying or learning. We have NO bad photographers on this site; we have those who want to learn and those who are willing to give their knowledge to help them learn. If you don't belong to one of those, you should not be a member of this site. I hope that none of us are here merely to feed our egos? There is no doubt that our egos are boosted when we receive praise for the work we produce and I am the last person to deprive you of that praise. However, if your only purpose here is to receive praise and you are not prepared to give back, by assisting others, I do not want you on this site. |
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A short word regarding comments As I have already said, comments should, if possible, accompany ratings, especially if the rating is very low or very high. However, some members may feel they are less than qualified to offer extensive commentary, I understand this perfectly. If your comment consists of “I like this very much” or “This image does very little for me”, they are perfectly acceptable. If, on the other hand you rate the image very low, or very high, please consider the elements and guidance I have given above to attempt to justify your rating. On the other hand, if you only leave a short comment but can say no more, you may feel not rating the image more appropriate than giving a mark for no good reason. |
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