Guide to Judging

The purpose of the clinic is to provide instruction through constructive critical comment and evaluation. Remember, it is not a competition, although proficiency is rewarded.

Judges comment using 3 categories:
1. Pictorial or Artistic Merit (IMPACT)
2. Technical Skill
3. Interpretation of Subject

1. Pictorial or Artistic Merit (IMPACT)

This is a measure of the SUCCESS of the COMPOSTION.

Factors include the “RULES OF COMPOSITION” :
• Rule of Thirds
• Balance
• Lighting
• Framing
• Tonal Range & Texture
• Pattern & Rhythm
• Lead-in Lines

2. Technical

Here you measure the skills of:
• Exposure
• Depth of Field
• Focus
• Shutter Speed
• Filters
• Panning
• Mounting, spotting (prints)

3. Interpretation

Here you evaluate how well the photographer interpreted the topic photographically.

CONSIDER:

• Is the subject matter appropriate?
• Has it been chosen carefully?
• Has it been captured in an interesting way?

VISUAL COMMUNICATION is important:

• Does the subject communicate itself clearly without distraction?

Note: a TITLE may or may not assist in this process. It is only one factor to be considered.
(some titles are merely labels, and are therefore neutral).

Awarding Points

Each of the above 3 categories are rated from 1 to 10. The best score you can get is a total of 30.

If a photograph is worthy of HONOURABLE MENTION, the total adds up to 22 or more points.

Image Evaluation

10. Outstanding, flawless
9. Dramatic, beautiful, strong impact
8. Excellent, minor flaws only, photographic mastery
7. Very good, just short of excellent
6. Competent, technically OK, lacking impact
5. Average, unmemorable, lots of room for improvement
4. Below standard, one or more specific faults
3. Many faults, badly composed
2. Unacceptable, slide or print should not have been entered.