External competitions are generally judged by people who have been SPF (Scottish Photographic Federation) trained. There are certain types of photos that do well and certain flaws that can be heavily penalised.
When judging a photo there is a lot more to it than whether you like the photo, although of course that should come into it too.
It is possible to correct some of these issues after the photo has been taken. Therefore, they should not stop you from choosing the photo if you like it.
1. Technical correctness
If the photo is not technically good it will not be chosen by the selection panel even if it is an amazing capture.
- The point of focus MUST be totally sharp. Also consider the depth of field – is the correct amount of the photo sharp and the background sufficiently blurred.
- The photo must be exposed correctly There should not be areas that are over exposed with no detail and likewise these judges generally don’t like large areas of black with no detail. There may be exceptions to the black rule, but not the over exposed rule.
- Check that there are no harsh shadows that spoil the photo.
- The colour balance must be correct without a colour bias – though it is usually possible to alter this in post processing.
- Is the image free of noise and artifacts such as sensor spots which should be removed. These things can be improved in post processing.
- Black and White photos need a good tonal range from white to black.
- The photo must not be over processed, in colour and in sharpness (no sharpening haloes in areas of high contrast)
2. Composition
The photo must be pleasing to the eye and this generally means a good composition
- Notice where your eyes travel in a photo – are there any leading lines to guide you to the main subject? Photos without a main point of focus generally don’t do well even though they might be interesting. If your eye does not know where to settl, the photo is unlikely to score well.
- Look at the edges of the photo – are there any light areas taking your eyes out of the shot. Is there anything cut off by the edge of the photo.
- Look at all areas of the photo – although negative space can sometimes be used well, also consider whether there are large areas of a photo that do not contribute and consider cropping. Is the photo visually balanced?
- Look out for distracting elements. These should be sufficiently blurred, or maybe remove altogether.
3. Interest
You must like the photo and want to look at it.
- Is the colour palette good?
- Does the photo tell a story?
- Is it original? – especially with this competition the same subjects and almost the same photos keep being entered. If you are entering a puffin, a squirrel, The Kelpies, The Forth Rail Bridge etc it must be an exceptional shot.
- Does the photo evoke an emotion?
Visions Photography Club 