How I view the role of a camera club judge

I see the primary role of the camera judge as providing fair, honest and objective feedback on the images submitted, and to select the most exemplary images from the pool of entries. A judge should provide comments on his/her rationale for the evaluation and subsequent ranking of images, in accordance with the rules of the sponsoring organization, and in a positive and respectful manner which supports the ongoing development of the individuals involved in the competition. In my view, a camera club competition should be an educational event, both for the individuals submitting the entries, as well as for others in the audience. I believe that competitions provide an excellent opportunity for continued development of technical skills, visual design, creativity, and photographic vision for the membership.

The criteria I use as a judge

I evaluate images based on artistic impact, visual design, and craftsmanship.

An evaluation of artistic impact would take into account the feelings/emotions generated by the image, the photographers creativity in expressing the subject matter, and the ability of the photographer to "see" and make an image that's extra-ordinary.

Does the image create an emotional response, tell a story, or create a mood? Does the photograph reveal a "new" way of looking at the subject?

An evaluation of visual design would include assessing the photographers composition and use of the picture space, his/her use of interesting camera angles, as well as his/her use of the elements of visual design (shapes, rhythm, texture, proportion, etc.) in order to communicate visually.

In order to evaluate craftsmanship, I would take into consideration whether or not the image had the appropriate depth of field, lighting, exposure, balance, and separation, as well as the presentation of the image (i.e., was the slide dust-free, the print appropriately matted, etc.). I would also discuss the presence or absence of distracting elements such as background and contrast range, or elements that inappropriately draw the eye.

If all technical criteria were equal, I believe "artistic impact" would determine the final outcome of the competition. Does the image have "soul"--does the photograph have the ability to touch the viewer, to make an impression, and to hold interest over time?