12 Elements of a Merit Image
Jan 21, 2012 12:16:12 #
I just got this from a fellow PPA member and thought some of you my find it interesting.
The 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.
Lightingthe use and control of lightrefers 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.
The 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.
Lightingthe use and control of lightrefers 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.
Jan 21, 2012 14:07:24 #
Why I did found the list to be of interest, I also took note that I believe all of them are subjective - very hard to define. The first example "impact", I would venture that several could look at the same picture and react differntly. "Creativity" may be one of the harder ones to define as one may think it so and next one may have no apprectation for it at all. Some seem to think that a picture of a tree, cloud, or a rock may somehow meet all of those standards. To me, like many rules or lists it is very good to keep in mind, along with the fact that not all sees the world the same - and as long as I am shooting for my own pleasure, others are not such a concern. Thanks for sharing as they are all good points.
Jan 22, 2012 13:39:53 #
I'd say, the merrits of any photo are in the eyes of the viewer -- how can that be anything but subjective. As with the "Rule of thirds" and any other "rules", the end result tells the tale, whether it satisfies all the rules or not, and many 'nots' are fine photos, often enough, great! Use as guidelines based on your 'subjective' feelings. The leaders in photography often change the 'rules' for their own subjectivity, and so they become the leaders.
Jan 22, 2012 13:50:07 #
Not every one is going to see things the same way or find a particular photo ot subject appealing....some like it warm and fuzzy, some like it stark, some like color and some like monochrome. A photo that can stand up to those l2 items..or at least if the photograper thinks it does is worth seeing.
Jan 22, 2012 13:54:06 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
Two points of interest or maybe not. 1) I only see 9 elements not 12 and 2) it surprises me that lighting would be last on the list.
Jan 22, 2012 14:01:28 #
Yes, of course these are subjective. That is why PPA judges are trained and evaluated - to be sure they are evaluating the 12 elements within their respective backgrounds. And PPA print competitions have 5 or more judges. If any one judge feels that the announced score (the average of the 5) is way outside his or her score, that judge will challenge the scoring and the judges must then justify WHY he or she gave it their score. If scores are too far apart, there is a mandatory challenge.
This spreads the subjectivity across 5 or more opinions and pretty much eliminates any one judge's bias.
Viewing a PPA print competition is one of the best photographic educations you will ever receive. We may not agree with the score on a particular image, but we will at least understand WHY it was scored the way it was. You will also see some incredible images.
This spreads the subjectivity across 5 or more opinions and pretty much eliminates any one judge's bias.
Viewing a PPA print competition is one of the best photographic educations you will ever receive. We may not agree with the score on a particular image, but we will at least understand WHY it was scored the way it was. You will also see some incredible images.
Jan 22, 2012 20:24:40 #
Having sat thru many photographic PPA sanctioned competitions is such a strong learning tool. when a panel of judges get into the critiques of an image that is presented to them you hear and see the good and/or the not so good of an image which certainly will raise your expectations on doing better on your next project. and YES the images are incredible!!!!!
Jan 22, 2012 20:45:38 #
I agree with Captain C. I have been a PPA member since 1969 and have entered and sat through many competitions. You will learn a lot from their critiques and advice. Subjective yes, but,also educational. You get to see judges fight to get a red ribbon to a blue.Just a little detail missed can bring down a score. In the end though, a photographer benefits from the judges likes and dislikes of your work.
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