WHAT MAKES A GOOD PICTURE ?  

I am a wedding photographer and have my own photography business. After getting the correct exposure, I'd say the important points for making a good picture is composition and expression. Observe artwork. Most of the time the subject is off-center and there is something in the fore ground. This gives the artwork depth. The same is true for photography. Now, with people, the expression needs to match the pose; serious pose, serious expression. Take a look at my website if you'd like. www.perryphototx.com

i would say that focus and exposure are NOT the most important things about photography, but then again, it depends what type you do. in the case of the typical wedding photogrpaher, these 2 points stand out as being important due to the subject matter.

however, what if you are not working with human models? what if your models are posed and not participating in an event?

for me, the things i watch for are composition and framing. i look for silly things that can ruin a perfect shot, such as pole-growing-out-of-head-syndrome, or 'antler ears' (tree branches coming out of either side of the model's head!).

color/tone/contrast and depth of field are also important.

contrary to common belief, a subjects' pose and facial expression do NOT have to match if you are doing something artistic or paticularly expressive.

you might WANT there to be an incongruity. idiosyncrasies often enhance photos!

for me, a blurry photo might hold water if there is a REASON for the blur. that's why i say that focus is not always key (though i DO prefer seeing things focused where they should be!)