Welcome to the Judging Page. Just below this text is the criteria that Image Makers uses for judging images.  Please review them as they have been provided to the entrants on the website.  There are four factors and you will assign a score from 5 – 10 for each factor (10 is best).  The average of the totals for each judge will determine the overall score for the image.  Instructions on how use the system are found below but essentially, you sort with the arrows (you will see a little blue arrow beside the word Category), usually the category so that you are judging the category images together, click on the thumbnail to see the image (if you can move the image to one side of your monitor and still have the scoring sheet visible that is perfect), click the drop-downs to enter your score and then save them with the last button.  When you are completed, please press the “Finished” button (you can make any changes you wish to the sores until you have selected “Finished”  In fact, you can score some images (making sure you save them) leave the form and then return later to continue. If you have any questions you can contact Jim Hardiman.

1. IMPACT

This is defined as the impression and impact the image has on the viewer, the quality it expresses and how the photographer achieved the feeling.

Is the viewer attracted by the image and compelled to look at it?
Does the image have staying power to maintain the viewer’s interest?
Does it provoke strong emotion or convey a sense of place?
Was the image taken at a decisive moment?
Does it show a subject in a new or unusual way? If the subject is ordinary, is it shown in an interesting way?
Would you hang this picture on your wall and if not, why not?
Components of the picture’s message can include but not be limited to:
A statement or story-telling aspect
An Idea or unique creativeness
An interpretation of beauty
2. TECHNICAL QUALITY

In assessing the technical merits of a picture, judges should consider and decide on the appropriate weighting of the elements listed below.

The choice and control of light. No areas too dark or too light OR use of shadow and brightness is intentional, creative and effective.
Free of Lens Flare unless it is an effective element in the image.
Handling of tonal range and color – Is it realistic or appropriate?
Proper exposure; or overexposure/underexposure should be intentional, creative and effective.
Correct focus: Focus should be sharp on the center of interest OR soft focus should be dreamy, not muddy.
Other considerations: Depth of field; Contrast; Cropping; etc.
3. CONTENT/COMPOSITION

Assessing the choice of subject and how it is presented is important. It is often the uniqueness of the manner in which the elements in an image are arranged that makes the image stand out. Consideration should be given to:

Effective arrangement of elements ‐ what is included and excluded.
The choice of background of setting for the subject.
Choice of format – horizontal vs. vertical.
Does the image have a dominant center of interest to hold the viewer’s attention or does the image have a pattern, texture, line or form that holds the viewer’s attention?
Does the eye travel through the use of leading lines or perspective? Are the lines, shapes, colors, form or textures selectively placed to achieve harmonious arrangement? Is it balanced?
No distracting elements.
Proper image alignment.
Exploits a perspective.
4. CREATIVITY

This criteria allows you to assign score for an image based on the creative nature of the image. You should consider:

Does the image have drama; beautiful lighting or that unusual creative element?
Use of imagination ‐ a unique way of thinking or a unique vision of the subject.
Freshness of approach.
Image goes beyond predictable techniques and treatments.
Subject revealed in an extraordinary way.