Our evaluation is based on professional photography curation standards from PPA, 1x.com, and academic research. Impact comes first.
"A technically perfect but emotionally empty photograph will never be great. We evaluate what an image makes you FEEL before analyzing how it was made.
— Based on PPA 12 Elements, 1x.com curation, and image aesthetics research
What we look for, in order of importance
What do you FEEL when you first see this image? Does it stop you? Move you? A technically perfect but emotionally empty image will never be great.
Is the subject compelling? Does it hold attention? Is there something worth photographing here?
How does light create mood and dimension? Light should be used expressively, not just correctly.
Do visual elements guide the eye purposefully? Does the arrangement serve the image's emotional intent?
Technical quality enables but never creates greatness. A powerful image with minor flaws beats a technically perfect but empty one.
Does this show a unique perspective? Is there a personal voice? What makes this distinctly yours?
Key insight: Technical excellence is the foundation, not the goal. A powerful image with minor technical flaws will always score higher than a technically perfect but emotionally empty photograph.
Every photo receives a tier based on its emotional impact and execution
80-100 points
Work that stops you in your tracks. Creates genuine emotional response with technical mastery in service of artistic vision.
60-79 points
Strong work with clear emotional intent that mostly succeeds. Ready for public viewing with room to strengthen impact.
0-59 points
Work showing potential with areas for development. Every great photographer started here.
Different genres require different emphasis — some prioritize meaning, others beauty
Emotional Impact & Story
The decisive moment is everything. We evaluate how well the image captures human emotion, tells a story, and makes us feel something about the human condition.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Critical - titles reveal the emotional intent we evaluate against
Connection & Character
Portraits should create emotional connection and reveal character. We look for genuine feeling and the ability to make viewers feel something about the subject.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Important - often hints at the feeling or story
Mood & Atmosphere
Great landscapes transport us somewhere and create a feeling. We evaluate mood, atmosphere, and whether the image evokes a sense of place.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Contextual - image should speak for itself first
Wonder & Technical Beauty
Wildlife photography should evoke wonder and capture the beauty, power, or character of the subject. Technical excellence serves this goal.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Informational - typically describes species or behavior
Form & Visual Impact
Architectural photography celebrates form, line, and structure. We prioritize visual impact and how light reveals the building's character.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Informational - usually describes the structure
Wonder & Discovery
Macro photography reveals hidden worlds. Beyond technical mastery, we look for images that create a sense of wonder and discovery.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Informational - describes the subject
Mood & Tonal Power
Monochrome work lives by its emotional atmosphere. We evaluate mood, tonal mastery, and how the absence of color strengthens the image.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Contextual - may suggest mood or theme
Story & Truth
Documentary work must move us and communicate truth. We evaluate the story's impact, emotional authenticity, and human connection.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Critical - reveals the narrative we evaluate
Vision & Concept
Fine art photography is judged on whether the artist's vision is realized. Concept, emotional/intellectual impact, and originality are essential.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Critical - central to understanding the work
Visual Intrigue
Abstract work should captivate and create a visual experience. We look for compelling form, color, and pattern that holds attention.
Primary Criteria
Title importance: Contextual - may provide conceptual framework
Our AI evaluator provides detailed, impact-focused feedback to help you create photographs that truly connect with viewers.