Role of a Camera Club Judge

Over the years, I have entered many competitions. Occasionally, a judge would suggest some modification that I might make to improve it, or point out an area of the image that is weak or has a problem. I think in every case, to the best of my recollection after making the suggested changes, the image would score some points at a later competition. I feel those were the best moments and most beneficial aspects of competition.

Stealing the words of Terry Barrett from his book "Criticizing Photographs," I believe that criticism is a means toward the end of understanding and appreciating photographs. The philosopher, Harry Broudy, refers to criticism as "enlightened cherishing." The term informs us that criticism is not a cold intellectual endeavor but one that requires thought and feeling.

I prefer to think of myself as an appraiser rather than judge or critic because of the negative connotations of the later two. The process of elimination that I will use to evaluate the images will be based on Joe Miller's recommended criteria of the 4C's (Composition, Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Communication). I also believe that the presentation and matting should be included in the total score.

I think it is especially important for the novice to realize that an appraisal is ultimately an opinion and odds are that any group of judges will not be in total agreement on what stays in and what goes out. Having a reason is important to be classified as a good judge. I will make every effort to have a meaningful reason for all my decisions.

I have decided to try the difficult task of judging because I believe that the intense emotional and intellectual awareness that the job demands will be beneficial to my own development.