Photograph does not relfect the intended element, principle, or technique. Assignment goals were not met. 

Image shows little choices and thought behind the photograph to reflect the intended element, principle, or technique.

Image shows some clear choices and thought behind the photograph to reflect the intended element, principle, or technique. 

Image shows obvious choices and thought behind the photograph to reflect the intended element, principle, or technique. 

Image is grossly over exposed or under exposed rendering the image unidentifiable 

Tonal quality is flat; very little contrast in color and neutrals makes the focal point blend into the background.

Tonal quality is fair; little contrast in color and neutrals.

Tonal range is good overall; some parts of the image could use more contrast.

Image is excellent with good contrast and range of light to dark tones to enhance the focal point.

Subject matter is not defined due to complete lack of focus. 

Photograph is very pixelated and/or blurry; image was obviously photographed incorrectly OR Photoshop tools were used incorrectly. 

Fair detail in image; proper use of depth of field could enhance some parts of the image. 

Good detail in image; proper use of depth of field will enhance parts of the image. 

Excellent detail in highlights, shadows & midtones makes a good, clear image. Initial photo was obviously taken with proper camera settings selected. 

The color/value completely distracts from the subject matter making the image ineffective. 

An obvious color cast or unusual color tone in some parts of the image ruins the quality or distracts from the focal point. If image is B&W, a full range of values is not represented. 

Fair range of color tones; photograph would benefit from changes in color in one or more areas. 

Good range of color tones; photograph might have benefited from a change in color in one area but is still OK overall. 

Excellent range of color tones; colors work well together based on color scheme theories; no distracting colors to take away from focal point. If image is B&W, a full range of values is represented. 

Photograph does not show a creative approach to the assignment. 

Minimal representation of assigned objectives; lacks originality and shows no evidence of trying anything unusual. 

Fair representation of assigned objectives; some creative intent and shows little evidence of trying anything unusual. 

Good representation of assigned objectives. The student has explored creative solutions to the assignment. 

Image demonstrates a very creative approach to the assignment; student has expanded on the basic requirements. It is clear that the student explored several choices/solutions to the assignment. 

Subject is not well defined. 

Photograph does not demonstrate visual interest and creativity in composition, balance, camera angle, and subject matter. 

Photograph demonstrates little visual interest and creativity in composition, balance, camera angle, and subject matter. 

Photograph demonstrates some visual interest and creativity in composition, balance, camera angle, and subject matter. 

Photograph demonstrates exceptional visual interest and creativity in composition, balance, camera angle, and subject matter. 

No visual impact 

There is little, if any evidence of successful visual communication with the viewer. 

Work shows effort with moderate sense of visual communication 

There is adequate and successful visual communication. Photo engages the viewer. 

Shows obvious evidence of thinking skills. Addresses fairly complex visual or conceptual ideas. The image effectively communicates with the viewer. 

Inappropriate use of editing techniques 

Poorly executed, little regard for quality 

Technique a bit weak with little sense of challenge 

Most technical aspects are successful 

Excellent quality, use of tools, and attention to detail 

Photograph was not taken. None of the assignment requirements completed. 

Photograph was saved with the wrong name and in the wrong format. Finished assignment with minimum effort. 

Photograph was saved as the wrong name but in the correct format. Finished assignment with average amount of effort. 

Photograph was saved in the wrong format but with the correct name. Above average effort given fulfilling the assignment. 

Photograph was taken and turned in on time. Photo was saved with correct file name and format. Also, file was saved in the correct location. Stretched the limitations of the assignment by adding something unique and creative. 

Project turned-in late (after deadline) 
-5 points per day late. 

Project turned-in before deadline.
+5 points per day.