Judging Rules

Here is a description of how we judge images
at our competitions. Scores can number from 3 to 9 with
points from this criteria:

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?

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.  

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?

All of these factors are important to think about when composing a winning photograph, as well as when judging images in competition.

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