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PhotoZAP!

Constructive criticism to help you become a better photographer. Everyone can use a good ZAP!

By Mason Resnick - October 19, 2009

Welcome to PhotoZAP!

Welcome to PhotoZAP, where reader-submitted near-masterpieces are subjected to the slings and arrows of our team of photography experts. Read our scathing critiques and unmitigated praise! The goal, of course, is to learn something about composition, technique and those little details that can make or break a photograph.

Every week, we select two or three photos to critique. Those whose photos we use get a $25 gift certificate that can be used to buy stuff from Adorama.com. Want to submit a shot to be considered for a ZAP? Read our Call for Entries for all the details.

Think we're full of it, and that our comments are way off base? Let us and the world know! Leave your response in the comments section of each ZAP.

Our thanks to the hundreds of readers who have contributed sometimes outstanding and sometimes ZAP-worthy images for our consideration so far. Only a small percentage are actually critiqued but we appreciate every entry. Keep 'em coming!

Bookmark this page, add it to your RSS feed, and come back often. Your photos and comments are always welcome!

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Showing 10 of 16 results

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PhotoZAP 15: Lost in a Fog

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama News Writer, 1 day ago

“The fisherman was placed dead center, and the image lacks punch.”—Mason Resnick

TAGS: landscapes, photoshop, scenics, scene mode, lake, photoshop techniques, PhotoZAP, curves

PhotoZAP 14: HDR Overload

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 3 days ago

view Comments (2)

“I feel like I’m looking at a psychodelic interpretation of this scene…it’s too much!”—Mason Resnick

TAGS: photoshop, HDR, high dynamic range, HDRI, photoshop techniques, PhotoZAP

PhotoZAP 13: A Whole Lot of Sole

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 5 days ago

view Comments (2)

“This photo is strange and unsettling, and at the same time it is peaceful and familiar.”—Jack Howard

TAGS: canon, PhotoZAP

PhotoZAP 12: Wedding Belle Blues

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 8 days ago

view Comments (1)

“This image...expresses, visually, the opposite of what I think a wedding photo should say: The bride is isolated, lost in an oversized space. Has she been abandoned at the altar?”—Mason Resnick

PhotoZAP 11: On The Road Again

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 10 days ago

“Re-shooting on an overcast day would take care of the washed-out colors at the end of the road.” —Mason Resnick

TAGS: PhotoZAP

PhotoZAP 10: Flower Power

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 12 days ago

“The vibrant blooms of the azaleas fill most of the picture, especially in the foreground, and overwhelm her face.”—Monica Cipnic

TAGS: portrait, people, posing

PhotoZAP 9: A Grave Situation

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 15 days ago

view Comments (13)

“For a humor shot, this one is dead-on.”—Jack Howard

TAGS: photo tips, PhotoZAP, photo critique

PhotoZAP 8: Tilt Shift

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 17 days ago

view Comments (1)

“This shot simply doesn't jazz me at all.”—Jack Howard

PhotoZAP 7: Game Changer

Our critics praise and pan your pictures

ArticlePhotoZAP! Techniques and How-Tos - by Adorama Learning Center Editors, 19 days ago

view Comments (1)

“Most of us 'see' an image, but often feel the need to explain what it was that we were going after in the picture. If that's the case, we need to do a better job.”—Monica Cipnic

TAGS: sports, sports photography, PhotoZAP