Posted by Merle Cook on October 13, 2009 at 8:19 AM
I have been asked to be one of three judges for a photography competition held by a local Performing Arts Center. Last year they had 400 entries overall in several catagories.
I have never judged a competition before and will appreciate any and all suggestions and advice from those who have experience in this. All entries will be from non-professionals and for whatever reason, entries are limited to 8X10 only....
The PAC has set all day Friday for the judging with the gallery showing on Saturday afternoon.
Thank you for your help.
Posted by Larry Fischer on October 13, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Heck, I'd review some the methods suggested on this website. I think they are listed below one of the menu bars. I think I remember "home".???
Composition, color, contrast, technical aspects, negative/positive space, etc.
the fisch
Posted by Mike Spivey on October 13, 2009 at 1:31 PM
The articles I've read from the opposite perspective (submitting images for judging) usually mention "impact"
Posted by Merle Cook on October 13, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Larry, Thanks for the suggestion. I've already reviewed the "Critique" articles. I was hoping for some personal insight from someone who has judged a competition.
Mike, you are right. Impact is one of the important factors for submission.
I've judged a few and one of the hardest things I've found is not being swayed by the opinions of other judges. Obviously you don't want to be the "troublemaker" of the group but you also want to be prepared to share clearly why you think one photo should be placed above another when your opinion might differ from the other judges. In most contests I've seen there is usually no "clear cut" winner so it comes down to being very clear about what you see in one photo that sets it apart from the others for you. Clearly you're seen as someone who knows the fundamentals of what makes a good photograph so don't be afraid to state your opinions.
In addition, it's very easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of entries. In the contests I've been part of all entries were displayed en masse for viewing. When you're confronted with 300-400 pictures to work through there is sometimes a problem "seeing" them as individual works. Just take your time as you do your initial walk through. The cream WILL rise to the top.
I appreciate the fact that you're taking this seriously. As all who have entered contests understand, people don't really mind losing a contest as long as they know their works have been given due consideration and those who win consider it an even greater honer when they understand that the judges have taken their work to heart.
Have fun!
Dave Hatfield
Posted by Joe Rogers on October 13, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Merle,
The criteria used by PPA for judging is a twelve step process.
1. Impact
2.Creativity
3.Style
4.Composition
5.Print Presentation
6.Center of interest
7.Color Harmony
8.Lighting
9.Subject Matter
10.Technical Excellence
11. Technique
12.Story Telling
Hope this helps.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Merle Cook on October 13, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Dave, Thanks for the information and suggestions. I hadn't thought about the possible peer pressure from the other judges. I appreciate the idea of the first "walk through" and just observing.
Joe, I am going to print out the 12 steps (why do I feel like I'm in rehab??) and take them with me for guidance.
Thanks to you both for taking the time to assist me. I appreciate it.
Discussion
6 repliesI have never judged a competition before and will appreciate any and all suggestions and advice from those who have experience in this. All entries will be from non-professionals and for whatever reason, entries are limited to 8X10 only....
The PAC has set all day Friday for the judging with the gallery showing on Saturday afternoon.
Thank you for your help.
Composition, color, contrast, technical aspects, negative/positive space, etc.
the fisch
Mike, you are right. Impact is one of the important factors for submission.
I've judged a few and one of the hardest things I've found is not being swayed by the opinions of other judges. Obviously you don't want to be the "troublemaker" of the group but you also want to be prepared to share clearly why you think one photo should be placed above another when your opinion might differ from the other judges. In most contests I've seen there is usually no "clear cut" winner so it comes down to being very clear about what you see in one photo that sets it apart from the others for you. Clearly you're seen as someone who knows the fundamentals of what makes a good photograph so don't be afraid to state your opinions.
In addition, it's very easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of entries. In the contests I've been part of all entries were displayed en masse for viewing. When you're confronted with 300-400 pictures to work through there is sometimes a problem "seeing" them as individual works. Just take your time as you do your initial walk through. The cream WILL rise to the top.
I appreciate the fact that you're taking this seriously. As all who have entered contests understand, people don't really mind losing a contest as long as they know their works have been given due consideration and those who win consider it an even greater honer when they understand that the judges have taken their work to heart.
Have fun!
Dave Hatfield
The criteria used by PPA for judging is a twelve step process.
1. Impact
2.Creativity
3.Style
4.Composition
5.Print Presentation
6.Center of interest
7.Color Harmony
8.Lighting
9.Subject Matter
10.Technical Excellence
11. Technique
12.Story Telling
Hope this helps.
Joe Rogers
Joe, I am going to print out the 12 steps (why do I feel like I'm in rehab??) and take them with me for guidance.
Thanks to you both for taking the time to assist me. I appreciate it.