The Rubric Bank — with all five levels

Using editing to serve the image without excess that ruins its authenticity

Building a figurative meaning linking the image to an idea beyond its frame

Reading where light comes from (front/side/back/top) and its quality (hard vs soft), and using it to build volume and mood.

The relationship between the lit and shadowed sides of the subject, using contrast to separate it and build mood.

Capturing the instant where elements and motion intersect to make a relationship and meaning that won't recur.

Using colour treatment (temperature, saturation, curve) with intent that serves the image's mood and honesty, not mere effect.

Distributing visual weight (mass, colour, contrast) across the frame so it rests or tenses by intent.

An idea that leads the image and precedes the shot, going beyond documentation to say something about the world.

Using scene elements (doors, windows, arches, shadows) to frame the subject, focus the gaze, and build depth layers.

Building story according to: setup, confrontation, resolution

Building main character with motivations, problems, and transformation

Creating anticipation making reader want to know what happens

Dialogue revealing characters and advancing story simultaneously

Goal main character pursues must be specific and clear

Building external and internal conflicts that intertwine to enrich the drama

Conveying the real meaning beneath the surface of dialogue and action

Entering a scene late, leaving early, and cutting whatever doesn't serve

Moments that shift the story's course and raise its stakes irreversibly

The central idea echoing beneath the story's events and granting it unity

Controlling the speed of event progression to serve tension and respite

Progressively raising what the hero stands to lose to deepen reader investment

Planting early details that pay off later satisfyingly and logically

Revealing state and meaning through action and detail rather than direct telling

The ending's ability to close the story and leave a lasting impression