A Guide to Judging PhotoArt Images
Ever Wonder how your images end up on display or how our judges choose the winners? We ask that judges bring an open mind and reward the images that provide the most impact and stand out from the crowd. One of our local judges sheds some light on the process:
I start every image with a perfect score (10) and deduct for errors... I look at...
Three judges score each image out of 10 which is added together to give a total out of 30. The images that score in the 8-10 range (24+) from each judge typically are the images that end up on display. The image in each category scoring closest to 30 wins that category. The highest scoring image out of all the categories wins Best in Show.
PhotoArt (as with many competitions) does not announce or publish image scores.
I start every image with a perfect score (10) and deduct for errors... I look at...
- Composition - is the image well composed, nothing cut off, in the frame oddly (unless on purpose), not centred, proper use of depth of field in near and far objects. Is there a central focus point or object, straight horizons!
- Is the image well exposed and sharply focused, or if not was it clearly on purpose and does it work for the image.
- Did the maker capture something beyond technical proficiency... I look more for moments executed in a thoughtful way that leave a lasting impact. An image that evokes a strong emotional reaction can override any minor technical problems. Sometimes the most technically perfect image is devoid of any feeling.
- Did the maker use a unique method or viewpoint to take the image, or is it done in a difficult situation that makes it a harder image to get ... ie - a picture of the fall colours is beautiful but can be just like every other picture of the colours, did the maker include objects I wouldn't have thought of, used a high/low viewpoint, or done something artistic (blurring or bokeh) to show off the colours in a new way?
- Does it tell a story or is it static? What is the maker trying to tell me and do I get it esp. with the help of the title?
- Wow factor! Bonus points if I would hang it on my wall or it makes me go "wow" when I view it, even if it has minor errors that don't affect the overall image.
Three judges score each image out of 10 which is added together to give a total out of 30. The images that score in the 8-10 range (24+) from each judge typically are the images that end up on display. The image in each category scoring closest to 30 wins that category. The highest scoring image out of all the categories wins Best in Show.
PhotoArt (as with many competitions) does not announce or publish image scores.