Guest Judge Guidelines

Guest judges anonymously review, and critique images submitted for our monthly challenges. The judges come from various professional photography disciplines. Judges evaluate both subjective and objective criteria and provide us with honest feedback. As a result, different judges evaluate images in sometimes contrary ways, and we learn about different perspectives. Club members learn to understand what constitutes exceptional images from listening to the judge’s perspectives. We improve our photography, both composition and post processing approaches. Independent judging prepares members for future photo challenges as well as photo competitions outside the club.

The goal is to help every member become a better photographer. It is sometime difficult for people to receive objective criticism of their work. The anonymous nature of the critique helps mitigate what might otherwise feel harsh. The following is the club’s judging process.

1. All photos submitted in each category are silently and quickly displayed to the judge.

2. After the photos are displayed the Digital Coordinator displays the photos one at a time and announces the photo title.

a. The judge takes a moment to study the photo.

b. For the assigned category, the judge can decide the photo does not meet their view of the category. In this case if the judge allows the image to be judged in the open category, the image cannot be awarded a merit.

c. The judge will provide critique and comments and may note the image’s artistic and technical merit, as well as the creativity and presentation. They also often note how photos can be improved.

d. Judges announce the image score using our 5 -10-point guidelines below.

e. When an image receives a score of 8, 9, or 10, it is a merited image, and the name of the maker is announced to the audience.

f. All merited images will be submitted to the annual year end competition.

g. The judge may question the maker during the review. Members should NOT question judges’ image ranking or comments during the review. These questions and comments are allowed only after the judging is completed.

h. All judges’ decisions are final.

3. Judges photo challenge scoring guidelines.

“10” - Photos exhibiting exceptional technical skill and impact. Has wow-factor! — MERIT

“9” - Photos with very high technical skill and impact. A well seen image. — MERIT

“8” - A good photo. Needs only minor improvements. — MERIT

“7“ - Average quality photos.

“6” - Below average photos, needing improvement.

“5” - Below average photos with serious defects.