What do judges look for in photo contest?

So here is a loaded question, can anyone suggest to me what criteria judges use when judging a photo contest? I'm thinking about getting into some contest and just curious what do the judges look for?

12 Elements of a Merit Image


The Photographic Exhibitions Committee (PEC) of PPA uses the 12 elements below as the “gold standard” to define a merit image. PEC trains judges to be mindful of these elements when judging images to the PPA merit level and to be placed in the International Print Exhibit at Imaging USA, the annual convention. The use of these 12 elements connects the modern practice of photography and its photographers to the historical practice of photography begun nearly two centuries ago.

Twelve elements have been defined as necessary for the success of an art piece or image. Any image, art piece, or photograph will reveal some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior example will reveal obvious consideration of each one

The Twelve elements listed below are in accordance to their importance.

Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride, wonder or another intense emotion. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.

Technical excellence is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak to the qualities of the physical print.

Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.

Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.

Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of the image maker.

Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.

Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.

Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively serves as the center of interest.

Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.

Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.

Technique is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.

Story Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might collect his own message or read her own story in an

I have posted this before, but these are the guidelines for Professional Photographers of America, many other judges use this also.

Usually if they can use the photo to make money or not.

Is this an online contest? Or is it a local contest? It makes a difference. Most online contests are scammers looking to get free images with full rights. The ones that charge are still scammers and are doing it to gain revenue as well as free images with full rights to use as they see fit. Read all contest rules fully and see the rights sections, the good contests say you retain your rights, the other take your rights.

Joves wrote: Is this an online contest? Or is it a local contest? It makes a difference. Most online contests are scammers looking to get free images with full rights. The ones that charge are still scammers and are doing it to gain revenue as well as free images with full rights to use as they see fit. Read all contest rules fully and see the rights sections, the good contests say you retain your rights, the other take your rights.

Correct.

The PSA (Photographic Society of America) also has guidelines for judging. I have not been able to find the criteria (found the mechanics light light box, etc.) but I know one of the "rules" is that a "nature" category can have NO man-made object in it. I will keep looking.

Baydream wrote: The PSA (Photographic Society of America) also has guidelines for judging. I have not been able to find the criteria (found the mechanics light light box, etc.) but I know one of the "rules" is that a "nature" category can have NO man-made object in it. I will keep looking.

I joined PSA about a month ago. I know they judge differently. I haven't entered anything yet. I also belong to the Pacific Northwest Nature Photographers and they have the No hand of man but now it is a certain percentage I think.

I would think it could vary from judge to judge, contest to contest.

When I worked at the photo lab we'd get a lot of 4H parents in to get prints of their kids' photos for the county fair 4H photo contest. They would often ask me to look them over, and tell them which one was best. My reply was "Which one I like best? Or which one I think would do well in the contest?" They usually weren't the same.