Review Image Batch

Sub-agent skill for reviewing images and outputting layout blocks to an isolated file.

Philosophy

Apply Szarkowski's Five Characteristics when assessing each image:

This vocabulary helps explain why an image deserves a particular layout.

Key Design: Isolated Output

Each batch writes to its own file - no shared state, safe for parallel execution.

/tmp/gallery-batches/{folder}/
├── batch-00.json  ← from batch 0
├── batch-01.json  ← from batch 1
├── batch-02.json  ← from batch 2
└── ...

Usage

Invoked via Task tool from /gallery workflow:

Task(
  subagent_type: "general-purpose",
  prompt: "Review batch {N} for {folder} gallery..."
)

Inputs

The sub-agent receives:

• •folder: Gallery folder name
• •batchIndex: Which batch (0, 1, 2, ...)
• •batchSize: Images per batch (default 8)

Workflow

1. •Read manifest at src/data/gallery-manifests/{folder}.json
2. •Read layout guide at ~/.claude/skills/review-image-batch/references/layout-guide.md
3. •Calculate image range: startImage = batchIndex * batchSize
4. •View images using Read tool on each image file
5. •Create layout blocks following the guide (80%+ single-image!)
6. •Write batch file to /tmp/gallery-batches/{folder}/batch-{NN}.json
7. •Return text summary only (no image data in response)

Output File Format

{
  "batchIndex": 0,
  "startImage": 0,
  "endImage": 7,
  "blocks": [
    {
      "layout": "FullBleed",
      "images": ["DSCF9023.jpeg"],
      "props": { "priority": true },
      "notes": "Hero opener - kid with binoculars",
      "visualWeight": "high"
    },
    {
      "layout": "Spacer",
      "images": [],
      "props": { "size": "small" },
      "notes": "Breathing room after hero",
      "visualWeight": "rest"
    },
    {
      "layout": "WideImage",
      "images": ["DSCF9029.jpeg"],
      "props": {},
      "notes": "Joyful portrait - strong frame, decisive moment",
      "visualWeight": "medium"
    }
  ]
}

Layout Types

RARE (use sparingly across entire gallery):

Visual Weight Tracking

Track the weight of each block to ensure rhythm:

Rule: Never place consecutive high or medium blocks without a low or rest between.

Critical Rules

1. •Default to single-image layouts - 80%+ should be WideImage/OffsetImage/FullBleed
2. •Multi-image layouts are RARE - only with EXTRAORDINARY reason
3. •"Related" is NOT enough - images must lose meaning if separated
4. •Vertical images → OffsetImage, not forced into pairs
5. •After FullBleed, add Spacer for breathing room
6. •Look for Chapter breaks - location/time/theme changes

Lyons's Juxtaposition Test for TwoUp

Only pair when juxtaposition transforms meaning:

• •Truly simultaneous moment?
• •One frames the other?
• •Formal echo (lines, shapes, colors)?
• •Emotional contrast/reinforcement?

If unsure, don't pair.

Block Schema

Required fields:

Optional fields:

Example Response

Batch 2 complete. Reviewed images 16-23.

Created 7 blocks:
- WideImage: Street scene with pink building (strong frame, environmental)
- OffsetImage(left): Vertical portrait of vendor (intimate vantage)
- WideImage: Market stall with fruit (rich detail)
- Spacer(medium): Transition pause
- Chapter: "Uxmal" - location change detected (timestamp gap: 3 hours)
- FullBleed: Pyramid establishing shot (decisive moment, low vantage)
- WideImage: Carved stone detail (the detail characteristic)

Visual rhythm: medium → low → medium → rest → (break) → high → medium

Wrote to /tmp/gallery-batches/merida-2026/batch-02.json

Composability

This skill is atomic and reusable:

• •Used by /gallery for batch review phase
• •Can review any set of images independently
• •Output format works with merge-gallery-batches.ts script

Reference

For detailed layout guidance, pairing rules, and rhythm patterns: → Read references/layout-guide.md