Here is a description of how we judge images at our competitions. Scores can number from 3 to 9 with points from this criteria. For those acting as judges for our competitions, here is the link to the Photo Contest Pro scoring app:
http://www.photocontestpro.com/Scoring.aspx
1 to 3 points for impact
Impact is what emotional response an image evokes in a viewer:
- Is a strong mood displayed?
- Has an old idea been presented in a new way?
- Has the photographer shown us unusual lighting color or arrangement?
- Is the image creative?
These factors are important to make a winning photo with the judges.
1 to 3 points for composition
Composition is the word for how the photographer chose to design the image:
- Does the subject arrangement interest the viewer?
- Has the photographer used shape, lines, or color in a way that compliments the photo?
- Is the rule of thirds used appropriately?
- Does the image keep the viewer's eye in the frame?
- Are there any distracting or unnecessary elements in the image?
Composition can have a big effect on impact.
1 to 3 points for technical
Technical means the photographer has used his/her camera correctly:
- Is the image in focus?
- Has the correct exposure been used?
- Has the photographer used the right combination of shutter speed, aperture for the image?
- For digitally optimized photos, has the image been rendered without digital artifacts (over-sharpening, obvious cloning, etc.)?
- In the case of creatively manipulated images in the digital projection format, have changes to sharpness, color, placement, or form of elements in the image been done in a technically competent manner?
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All of these factors are important to think about when composing a winning photograph, as well as when judging images in competition.