Personal Criteria That Make a Strong Image

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that creating a strong image isn’t about following a rigid compositional formula but about finding harmony in the interplay of light, composition, subject, and intent that blends both technical precision and emotional connection. These elements, when thoughtfully considered, can transform an ordinary scene into something outstanding. In this article, I’ll share the criteria that I believe define a strong image, based on insights gained through years of trial, error, and reflection.

For the longest time as a photographer specializing in architecture, food, and beverage, I have been procrastinating in curating my personal portfolio, as the process of curating is a challenging task, especially when I am my worst critic, constantly labeling my images as subpar. Until recently, I had decided to undertake the daunting task of reviewing thousands of images captured over the past five years to curate a solid portfolio that reflects my technique and style. My objective was clear: to distill thousands of images into just 15 that best reflect my style in lifestyle and hospitality photography. While it might be tempting to showcase all my good work, I’ve learned that potential clients rarely have the time to sift through everything. Therefore, the final curation has to be compact and communicate depth. Especially for someone like me, who is not fluent with words, I prefer to let my images speak powerfully on their own.

Throughout the initial curation process, I was able to streamline the culling process by implementing a set of strict criteria. Within two hours, I managed to narrow my entire collection of thousands of images down to fewer than 100. However, the final phase of choosing the strongest 15 and refining the layout took me over 16 hours of meticulous evaluation, which sadly also involved removing some of the images I had spent significant time perfecting. The final selections, which adhered strictly to the criteria that I’d set, reaffirmed that strong images aren’t always about the time invested but about their ability to communicate intent with clarity and purpose.

​​​​​​For me, it all starts with a simple yet profound question: Does the image communicate my intended message to the viewer? This question often serves as my main guiding principle, shaping the shot in my brain. This anchors the emotional connection that distinguishes an outstanding photograph from an ordinary snapshot. I believe that approaching photography with clear intent and a solid idea creates the foundation for viewers to engage on a deeper level. While we can’t control how others interpret or feel about our images, the best approach is to create something meaningful to ourselves—something authentic. If it resonates with us, then it checks a box. Hopefully, it will then capture the interest and attention of others as well. And if it doesn’t, at least we are happy in the process of creating it.

Moving on to the technical part, I rely heavily on analyzing the remaining criteria, such as lighting quality, subject choice, and composition of an image. While the quality of lighting is a pretty straightforward criterion, the other two require some level of knowledge and experience that comes with years of practice to know what you are looking for.

When assessing the quality of light in an image, I often start by asking myself a few key questions. Is the subject lit in a way that highlights its best features? Are there directional lights creating unwanted shadows that disrupt the balance of the composition? These questions help me determine whether the light is working for or against the image.

Put it this way: light is the foundation of photography. Without it, there’s no image. But for an image to stand out, it’s not just about having light; it’s about having light that works in your favor. Even the most ordinary subjects can be transformed into captivating images when illuminated in a way that emphasizes their texture, shape, or color. Shadows, while most of the time overlooked when we talk about lighting, play a critical role in providing spatial and depth cues. In other words, shadows help project our three-dimensional world into a two-dimensional photograph. Shadows also enhance contrast, texture, and micro-contrast, adding a sense of realism and dimensionality to the frame. Without them, images can feel flat and lifeless. This interplay of light and shadow forms the backbone of creating photographs that are visually engaging and full of life.

When it comes to composition, I tend to look for the amount of balance and tension in an image, which are the key elements that hold the viewer's attention. As I have shared in my previous article, these two elements can make or break an image. Personally, composition is about making deliberate choices—carving out the frame from the chaos of the world, deciding what to include, and, more importantly, what to exclude. This conscious exclusion is what gives a photograph its clarity and focus. Often, I ask myself questions like: Are the subjects well-isolated? Is there enough layering to create depth? These considerations help me assess whether the image effectively conveys my message.

Composition, at its core, is simply a spatial arrangement of elements within the frame and the relationships they imply. For instance, when two objects appear close together, our minds instinctively link them, creating an implied relationship. As photographers, we have the power to control this narrative by adjusting the placement of elements or changing our camera’s position—whether by physically moving the subjects or altering the camera’s perspective—shaping how the image reads to the viewer by deciding which subjects take priority and how their eyes flow through the frame.

Finally, while there will be endless debate when assessing compositional technicalities, the ultimate question I would ask myself is: Do I like the way it looks? Personal preferences and biases will always play a role, but if an image feels right to you, it’s likely to resonate with others too.

Meanwhile, in terms of subject matter, it is, in my experience, the most challenging element to align with your intent. Unlike lighting or composition, which can be honed through practice, understanding and conveying the essence of a subject is a lifelong pursuit. It demands not only a clear vision but also a deep understanding of the subject matter in the story you want to tell. The key question here is, “Do you truly understand your subject?” If you don’t, your audience likely won’t either, as your ability to isolate and emphasize the subject relies entirely on this understanding.

Beyond identifying your subject, the real challenge lies in isolating it effectively. This can be achieved through light and contrast, color separation, depth of field, texture, or motion blur. Each method serves to guide the viewer’s eye; however, when overused, it may cause the image to fall short without the right context or supporting elements.

The ability to recognize unintended subjects that could potentially distract the viewer is equally as important as recognizing the subject. Striking the balance between emphasis and distraction requires a fine-tuned awareness of how all elements in the frame interact. Ultimately, your assessment of the subject matter in your image isn’t just about isolating what you want to showcase—it’s also about curating an image that delivers your initial intent, and, most importantly, one that resonates with both you and your audience.