Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

Judging Photo Art #3 Creativity

I am starting twelve new discussions for judging photo art. One at a time.
I am hoping that these 12 discussions go slow but become helpful for me and I hope for others. Many photo clubs judge members artwork. Many believe that all judgements are subjective and can not be qualified. The PPA and I think that you can vote by informed people on work. I believe that most of the new photographers can improve their picture taking when they know how to judge. The PPA has established the 12 elements, in order, to judge with.

Many clubs judge the creation of artwork and how the photographer captures an image with new perspective, new subjects, new ideas. Then polishes his finished art piece with post process.
Feel free to post pictures to illustrate creativity. Again you are not judging whether you like the artists work, you are judging his ability to show you something new.


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

1. IMPACT
2. TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
3. CREATIVITY
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.

4. STYLE
5. COMPOSITION
6. PRESENTATION
7. COLOR BALANCE
8. CENTER OF INTEREST
9. LIGHTING
10. SUBJECT MATTER
11. TECHNIQUE
12. STORY TELLING

daplight Loc: Kansas

Very informative list, thank you for posting. I haven't been on HH long--have you been analyzing each of the twelve, (re:#3)?

Robinson5577

I am very much interested in the subject of photography judging. I have judged before, but limited it to IMPACT, TECHNICAL AND COMPOSITION. I've found if you study an image too long, you tend to find fault with the work in question. I've also found that many people that do judge others work, have difficulty in understanding their own biases and often fault the work because of the subject matter. I have found that those who do judge photography often become better photographers themselves. In any case I would be willing to hear more from you on the subject.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

There are no new perspectives; just new combinations.

Here's two looking up a plant's skirt.

senad55verizon.net Loc: Milford, NJ

As to #3, how can you possible know what "idea, message or thought" the maker was using the medium to convey, unless he/she explained it to you? Even with an explanation, could you be sure?

Most people like their own pictures because they convey a feeling or a invoke a reminiscence of some sort, but that's an individual reaction not likely to be experienced by all viewers.

I have a sense of what you're trying to get at, but the language in Criterion 3 misses the mark by a long distance.

How about "To what degree does the image have the power to elevate the level of interest, evoke a strong emotion, convey a clear message or display great beauty?"

For my money, really great photographs just jump off the page at you, and you have trouble taking your eyes off them.

Thanks for the chance to comment.

pfredd

Probably belongs in "Impact" cause what has more of that than B & W", but just found you had started the 12 steps.

Moonlight on the delta

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

The first element Impact was well viewed. The interest is tapering off already. I hear the same thing. "It's all subjective". I believe it can be qualified and become objective and our bias can be somewhat put aside. Perhaps not on each element, but if you total all elements with a group, you can agree on the top winners.

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

When I judged before we had the same 3 elements as you. Accept we had a subject catagory with slides, but not prints. I hope every group is using digital projectors now. I have never judged with all 12 elements and am learning as we look at each. Thank you. David

Sher Loc: Colorful Colorado

I would find it helpful, if some of the more professional members on this forum would post pictures for us novice critiques to analyze and critic, and then let us know how we are doing on critiquing...Does that make sense?? I have many times wanted to offer my thoughts but refrain because I am not sure, or afraid to hurt someone's feelings.....

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

no pro but you need images so here are some - fire away

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

I would find it helpful, if some of the more professional members on this forum would post pictures for us novice critiques to analyze and critic, and then let us know how we are doing on critiquing...Does that make sense?? I have many times wanted to offer my thoughts but refrain because I am not sure, or afraid to hurt someone's feelings.....[/quote]

I agree with you. One thing I didn't do is ask photographers that are in clubs to post a copy of their judge papers so we could start to rate real work. Thanks

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

I would find it helpful, if some of the more professional members on this forum would post pictures for us novice critiques to analyze and critic, and then let us know how we are doing on critiquing...Does that make sense?? I have many times wanted to offer my thoughts but refrain because I am not sure, or afraid to hurt someone's feelings.....[/quote]

no pro but you need images so here are some - fire away[/quote]

Docrob, On a scale of 1 poor to 5 best, I would vote that your picture (1) 3, picture (2) 2, picture (3) 5.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

no pro but you need images so here are some - fire away[/quote]

Docrob, On a scale of 1 poor to 5 best, I would vote that your picture (1) 3, picture (2) 2, picture (3) 5.[/quote]

ahhh but now you have to go further and explain your scores based on what or which criteria?

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

Your moon reflection would be a great impact picture. The impact thread is still open. I am trying to hit all 12 elements and I find many are making comments that I believe would be better spent on a different topic. Thanks for your interest. David In Florida

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

I would find it helpful, if some of the more professional members on this forum would post pictures for us novice critiques to analyze and critic, and then let us know how we are doing on critiquing...Does that make sense?? I have many times wanted to offer my thoughts but refrain because I am not sure, or afraid to hurt someone's feelings.....[/quote]

Sherrie, When you judge right you have to be honest. You can negatively criticize one element and praise another. I might gather as much info as I can in a short time then start the 12 with a judges scoreboard. Thanks