My Critique Session with Morten Krogvold
[June 14 2026] Every photographer knows that moment of mixed anticipation and dread when you hand your work over to a master for a critique. Recently, I had the privilege of having the legendary Norwegian photographer Morten Krogvold look at one of my images.
Morten is known for his uncompromising eye, deep understanding of classical composition, and his ability to see details most of us miss. Here is what happened when he dissected my photograph—and the invaluable lessons I took away.
1. The Rule of the Short Sleeve (and When to Break It)
One of the first things Morten pointed out was the subject’s clothing. In the image, a woman is wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt.
"When I photograph a woman in a short-sleeved t-shirt, I try to avoid it," Morten explained. "Because it creates a visual break. It doesn’t mean it’s completely forbidden, but I try to steer clear of it."
This was a classic "Krogvold moment." It’s not about rigid rules, but about being aware of how skin tones and fabric cut-offs can disrupt the visual flow of a portrait. It made me realize how even the smallest wardrobe choice impacts the final narrative.
2. The Power of Burning and Vignetting
We then looked at the exposure, particularly a bright highlight—a "bliss"—in the frame. Morten noted how a post-processing adjustment completely transformed the mood.
He pointed out that the image became significantly more beautiful once it was "burned down" (darkened). By deepening the tones, a subtle shape or shadow was created between the bright spot and the subject's light arm. Instead of being a distraction, the highlight suddenly worked in the image's favor. It was a masterclass in using contrast to guide the viewer's eye.
3. Composition: Horses and Harmony
It wasn't all tough love, though. Morten highlighted two elements that he felt truly anchored the photograph:
The Subject Matter: "What I like best is the wonderful shape of the horse," he said. Capturing the form of the animal correctly gave the image its core strength.
The Sense of Space: Morten complimented my framing, saying, "You are very good with space." By including just a bit of the ceiling and balancing the two highlights on one side, the image achieved what every photographer strives for: true harmony.
My Takeaway
Sitting down with Morten Krogvold reminded me that photography is a game of millimeters and micro-adjustments. A composition can go from "good" to "harmonious" just by darkening a shadow or being mindful of a sleeve line.
I’m incredibly grateful for his sharp eye and constructive critique. It has given me a whole new checklist to think about the next time I look through the viewfinder.