Knutsford Photographic Society
Judging Photographs
This guidance accompanied a taped lecture which was
presented to the club in 2001. The lecture was circulated by the
L&CPU (see link on the KPS home
page) and gives a few brief pointers on this to consider when judging
photographs in a competition forum.
Judging Photographs
Technical Detail:
| Focal Point: |
is there a clear focal point (or
several)? |
|
Focus: |
is differential focus required? |
|
Framing: |
is the picture well contained within
tire frame? |
|
Range of toner: |
Mono: Black to white and in
between |
| |
Colour: Light and shade or Colour Contrast are brilliant,
saturated poster colours needed or gentle gradations? |
Record Shots:
-
Technical aspects are most important.
-
Information about subject is next (include materials)
-
Pictorial appeal is a bonus
-
Natural History shots are records
-
How important is the
background?
Landscapes:
- Viewpoint
- Lighting (time of day)
- Weather
- Atmosphere (tranquil or dramatic)
-
Composition (design)
Portraiture:
- Does it succeed as a character record or as a pretty shot (glamour)?
-
How has the lighting been used ?
-
Is the background (stage props) important?
-
Do the details relate to each other?
Still Life:
Remember that everything is under the control of the photographer!
General:
It doesn't matter how hard or difficult it was to make the
picture nor what technical tricks were used - only the finished
product should be judged.
- What does the author communicate?
- Does the picture provoke thoughts in the viewer?
- Was the idea a good one?
- How might it be improved ?
- Do I like it ? (Try to be open minded about methods and subjects)
Knutsford Photo. Soc.
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