How Are Images Judged?

One of our newer members had some great questions. Since we've had several recent new members - and some of our current members could use a quick update on the mechanics of our competitions - here goes:

I really enjoyed the print competition last night and may get up the courage to submit something at the next print competition.

When I first entered photos I got several 18's (6-6-6). A "6" means it is a basic entry level photo. When/If you get a "5" it means the judge is telling you that "this isn't really a competition image". It may be a great photo for you - don't stop taking those photos, but they won't hold up in competition. The judges may not have liked the image, but I have at least one 17 or 18 hanging on my wall because "I" liked it. The competitions are meant to help you improve - not scare you away from taking images.

I went to the CACCA site and read the Competition info and the Judges document but I have a number of questions, most probably very remedial...

Good idea - http://www.chicameraclubs.org/handbook.htm is a good place to start. It also has a good explanation of the scores.

I noticed the prints are all mounted on dark poster-board material. Is there a preferred material to use? Best source to purchase?

For small prints, the image must fit on an 11x14 matte board. The best place to purchase these are from the club - we purchase them bulk and sell them for $0.75 - a pretty good price and the club makes a few bucks to help pay for incidentals. Some club members are usually at the meeting by 7pm or so - if you come early anyone would be happy to help you get going. Bring some double sided tape - I personally use double sided photo corners - something like $5.00 for 1000.

Generally the photos with a thin white border (1/16" or 1/32") seem to do better. You can add the border when you print, or stop by the auto supply store and get some pin striping.

I notice the shots that seem to get the highest scores are nature/scenic from mainly "exotic" (not local) locations. Are local shots considered passe' or just not usually providing unique looks?

We have some amazing photographers in our club. Keep in mind that our "A" photographers tend to score higher which is to be expected. They also tend to travel a lot - HOWEVER, there are plenty of great subjects locally. I would say the local shots aren't passe' - rather photographers locally are blasse'. We get used to our surroundings and don't always seek out great images in our local surrounds. Fortunately there are some exceptions in our club and they inspire all of us to get out there and shoot!

I felt this way also when I first joined. I love to shoot portraits and used to think there was no way a portrait could get 9-9-9, like a mountain scenic could, but I have learned that isn't true. I've also improved my images
striving to have one of my local portraits score higher than a foreign scenic. Its fun and I improve. For me, Winning isn't everything - improving and making great images is. I would love if our club could award a "most improved" award - I just haven't figured out how to determine such a thing.

I have some water-drop macro shots - would that be a suitable subject
COOL!

or has it been overdone in the past and everyone would roll their eyes in disgust?

No way! There is a reason you took the shot. Even more of a reason you blew it up to 8x10, 8x12 or whatever (any size as long as it fits on the matte board). So share it with us.

I noticed everyone had labeled their entries - is there a office label you need to do and entry?
Yes - for the entry form you can go to:
http://www.galifree.com/photog/component/option,com_weblinks/task,view/catid,2/id,17/

They are also available at the meetings. It is best to have them filled in before the meeting, but it doesn't take too long to do before the meeting (just get there a little early). Coming up with a title is the hardest part.