Note: Click here to download Judging Guidelines as a PDF file.

Judging Guidelines

Value judgments concerning art are always very subjective and the opinion of every club member has worth. Therefore, in order for the club judging to be consistent and fair, we offer the following Judging Guidelines for consideration.

What is a good photograph?

It must be interesting to the viewer and sometimes challenging. Some photographs cry for the photographer to answer the question, "how did he do that?"

It should be a sharp image and the subject should stand out from the background. This can be accomplished by either "depth of field", focus or color contrast. A soft focus on a person's face or a flower may still be considered sharp. This may have been the photographer's intention when they made the photo.

The photograph should tell a story, make a statement, or set a mood. This may be that it's easily understood as seen in a landscape image, or may be abstract, as seen in creative or contemporary work.

It should be properly exposed to show what the photographer's lighting intensions were. It should be done so that the viewer can understand what the intentions of the photographer were at the time when the photo was made.

It should have a good color rendition of the subject. This may be natural colors or colors that have been reversed or altered, but they must be complementary to the viewer's eye and to each other.

Scoring

Each judge will award each image between 1 and 20 total points based on judging criteria described below. The scores from the three judges will be averaged for the final score on each image. Judges are encouraged to utilize a wide range in scoring. In other words, images that satisfy only a few of the criteria can score 7 or below. Images that satisfy some of the criteria will score between 8 and 14. Images that stand out in all three categories will score higher.

Basic Judging and Critiquing Criteria

The following is a list of basic judging and critiquing criteria for photographs from FCCC, Florida Camera Club Council.

Judging criteria are intended to give makers and judges common ground for what constitutes a high quality photographic image. Factors to consider are grouped into three main categories, 1) Overall Impact, 2) Composition of Elements, and 3) Technical Aspects. Although an image can sometimes defy specific factors, its impact, composition and technical aspects should still work together to create a compelling result. Criteria should be given serious consideration but it is acknowledged that subjectivity will also play a role. Judges’ decisions are final.

Overall Impact

The image evokes emotion in the viewer. It compels the viewer to return to the main subject again and again. A mood may be projected and the image may make a statement or tell a story. Impact can also be achieved through an original presentation using unique lighting, use of color, interesting perspective or by featuring an unusual subject.

Composition of Elements

The main subject or subject area is clearly presented by thoughtful placement in the frame. The maker might use the rule of thirds, golden ratio, or less often, center-placement to achieve his or her intent for the image. Leading lines, interesting lighting and well-done cropping contribute to a cohesive image that leads the viewer’s eye to the main subject. Other elements in the image support the main subject and invite the eye to move around the image and back to the main subject without detracting from the subject. Artful use of these techniques create dimension and depth in the image.

Technical Aspects

The image is in focus, although selective focus may be used to create a mood. Exposure, contrast and color balance (white balance) are suited to the subject and inviting to the eye. Color combinations may suggest a color scheme that is exciting or restful, warm or cool. Post-processing succeeds in enhancing the image without unwanted artifacts, such as haloes, noise, etc.

Additional, for Print Competition

Translating an image to print can be a challenging and worthwhile process. The maker might consider calibrating the computer to the printing equipment they are using in order to match the colors and tones accurately. Because a digital image can show more depth and contrast than print paper, the maker might also enhance the image prior to printing or work with the printer in order to achieve the desired results. Minimizing scratches and fingerprints on the print will contribute to the print’s overall presentation. Makers can prepare their print with a border and/or a narrow stroke line in post-processing to create a frame if they wish. See print guidelines for preparing prints for competition.