FROM THE CHAIR
November 2024
My First Experience as an Observer at the Judges’ Table
As someone planning to apply for the JAP course next year, I never imagined I’d be invited to observe judging sessions at our club. When the invitation came, I was excited but also a little intimidated. It was surreal, being a newcomer to the process and trying not to feel like an imposter among these seasoned photographers and judges.
The judging session kicked off at 7:30 pm and didn’t wrap up until nearly 11 pm—a thorough, thoughtful process that felt much shorter than the clock suggested! Keith had already set up the projector and screen, and the judging panel—consisting of Jane, Keith, Peter, Lorne, and Geoff—were ready to dive in. Ceridwyn and I were the lucky observers, trying to absorb as much as we could.
The judging began with the theme images, and it quickly became clear just how detailed and nuanced the process is. The theme for the evening was “narrative,” which proved to be a particularly challenging one. The judges debated how the story within the image was perceived by the viewer, with one pointing out that while the story might be open to interpretation, there should still be enough visual cues to guide the viewer toward the intended narrative. The theme images were discussed at length, with each image thoroughly dissected.
The judging of the digital images followed, and the atmosphere shifted. Here, the process was much quieter, with most of the evaluation done in near silence. The judges scored the images without much verbal exchange, except when their scores differed substantially. When this happened, the debate really heated up, and it was clear that the judges were not shy about sharing opposing viewpoints. Yet, despite the robust discussions, it was evident that each judge’s opinion contributed to a holistic view of the image, that allows for constructive, balanced feedback to the photographer.
The discussions included both artistic and technical aspects. Artistically the impact, message and content of the images were discussed, and technically they looked at sharpness, exposure, light and shadow, depth of field, horizon lines, processing, etc.
One thing I really appreciated was how the anonymity of the images was maintained throughout. The names of the photographers were hidden, until after the scoring, allowing the judges to focus solely on the work itself. The judges scored using number cards that they held up, and the final score was calculated by removing the highest and lowest ratings.
What stood out most to me was how, despite differing opinions, the judges always came together to offer constructive feedback. They work as a team to provide balanced, insightful critiques, which are aimed at helping photographers grow. Listening to their discussions, it is clear that the goal is not only to judge but also to inspire improvement and learning.
My first experience as an observer at the judges’ table was both fascinating and enlightening. It gave me a new perspective on the balance between creativity and technical skill in photography. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned to my own photography journey in the year ahead!
Warm regards,
Betzi
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Why do we Judge? What does it take to be a Judge?
There is a lot of opportunity these days to post your photographs for everyone to see, garnering the likes and hearts and claps. So why do photographers join a club? It’s evident that some photographers don’t join a club because they are uncomfortable having a critical eye caste over their work. However, a positive common denominator of those who do join is the willingness to learn, to improve, to accept new ways of “seeing”, to extend and share the love of photography. And while the enjoyment of a photograph is very personal, to achieve growth we accept the need to have our photographs discussed in an intelligent manner and judged with an experienced eye.
I found an article posted by David Travis on the subject of judging which was amusing and informative – please have a read. (https://davidtravisphotography.com/blog/on-photography-judging.html) Meanwhile I have reproduced the basic checklist below, with his comments and permission.
“Although the following checklist won’t give your photograph impact, it will make it harder for the judge to reject it on purely technical grounds. It’s my way of listing what “good” looks like to a photography club judge.
These seem to be the technical criteria that judges use:
- Are there any blown highlights? If so, it’s likely to get marked down. I imagine that specular highlights that go to pure white are OK, but I don’t know for sure.
- Is there detail in the shadows? It’s OK to have some blacks, but if there are large swathes of shadow (like a black jumper in a portrait) then there needs to be detail in it.
- Are there any “weeds” or is there any clutter in the image that distract from the subject? If so, can you clone them out or remove them with a different crop?
- Look at the edges of the picture. Are there any highlights (like clouds) near the edges of the frame? Is there anything bright or distracting (like a path) that leads the viewer out of the picture? If so crop it out or clone in something less distracting.
- Keep looking at the edges of the picture. Ensure that nothing is part in or part out. Either get it all in or get it all out.
- At the same time, you should crop intentionally. Don’t have large swathes of white space that add nothing to the image.
- Is there adequate contrast between the subject and the background?
- Is the image sharp in the right places with appropriate depth of field?
- Is the choice of viewpoint correct with no overlaps (like a branch growing out of the subject’s head)?
- If the image has a leading line, does it lead to something interesting or does it just fizzle out?
- Is the horizon level?
- Does the picture give an impression of depth? For example, if the subject is posed in front of a brick wall, the wall should recede into the background rather than be shot straight on.
- Studio portraits against a seamless background tend not to do well, no matter how well they are lit. Judges seem to prefer environmental portraits that tell a story (especially composites).
- Studio still life images of objects tend not to do well: judges argue that the the creator of the original object was the artist, not the photographer. A good flower still life is OK. Perhaps a more constructed still life might work too.
- Architecture shots need to be more than a straightforward picture of a building. Otherwise, judges argue that “it’s someone else’s artwork”.
- Is the main subject of the photograph on one of the thirds? Judges tend not to like a subject in the centre of a frame.
- If it’s a black and white print, is there a subtle colour cast? (“I can see magenta in there,” as one judge said).
- Are there any “Halos” around the subject because of excess use of clarity or sharpening?
If you use this checklist, at least you’ll make the judge suffer a little as they struggle to articulate their reasons for rejecting your image.”
David has recently updated his list of criteria, published for the Royal Photographic Society and it can be found here
Be a Judge
PSSA run a Judges Accreditation Course (JAP) course every year (https://pssa.co.za/judging-accreditation-programme/) and the criteria, guidelines and procedures are there for everyone to interrogate. Once you have a 4 Star rating you are eligible to take the course.
Regards
Margaret
Evaluation of Digital Images – November 2024
| Title | Category | Author | Star | Score | Award | Points | Pic of Month |
| Autumn copse | Nature | Lynn Toms | 3 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| Call to Alms | Street | patrick cardwell | 3 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| Canola Hills | Scapes | Derek Goldman | 4 | 10 | Silver | 2 | |
| Carpenter Bee | Macro | Ceridwyn Jamieson | 4 | 8 | Bronze | 1 | |
| Flight path | open | Margaret Silk | 2 | 9 | Gold | 3 | |
| Floral exuberance | nature | marielouise cardwell | 3 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Focussing on the water | Wildlife | Peter Franklin | 4 | 10 | Silver | 2 | |
| Harmony in Nature | Wildlife | Betzi Pierce | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| Hypnotising | Portrait | Lynn Toms | 3 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| Joy to the world | nature | MarieLouise Cardwell | 3 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| Klipspringer | Photojournalism | Patrick Cardwell | 3 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| Making a living | Open | Geoff Jamieson | 4 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| Malachite pose | Widlife | Didi Franklin | 3 | 11 | Gold | 3 | |
| Mangrove heron | open | Geora Zadok | 2 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Mimic | Open | Ceridwyn Jamieson | 4 | 10 | Silver | 2 | |
| Moment of impact | Wildlife | Didi Franklin | 3 | 13 | COM | 4 | Yes |
| Monastry angles | Architecture | Marian Shinn | 2 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Morning reflections | Street | Peter Franklin | 4 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| on the way to the ark | wildlife | Lorne Sulcas | 4 | 13 | COM | 4 | Yes |
| On the way | Open | Mike Wesson | 3 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| penitents in the cave | travel | Peter Brandt | MB | 13 | COM | 4 | Yes |
| pie lady on a break | portrait | Peter Brandt | MB | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| Safe passage | open | Margaret Silk | 2 | 9 | Gold | 3 | |
| Sailor’s Moon | Open | Derek Goldman | 4 | 11 | Gold | 3 | |
| serious business | wildlife | Lorne Sulcas | 4 | 13 | COM | 4 | Yes |
| Shedding the caylyx | open | Marian Shinn | 2 | 9 | Gold | 3 | |
| Strandfontein Flamingos | Nature | Cecil Walker | 2 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Strandfontein Ibis | Wildlife | Cecil Walker | 2 | 12 | COM | 4 | |
| Taking it easy | Open | Geoff Jamieson | 4 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| The Gentleman | Protraiture | Betzi Pierce | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| The Written Word | Open | Keith Lyle | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| To the limit | Sport | Keith Lyle | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | |
| Washed up | Open | Mike Wesson | 2 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| yes dear | nature | geora zadok | 2 | 11 | Gold | 3 |
Winners of Digital Image of the Month – November 2024
Please click on images to enlarge.
Evaluation of Theme Images – November 2024
| Title | Author | Star | Score | Award | Points | Pic of Month |
| A world of wonder | Betzi Pierce | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | Yes |
| Alfresco ontbait | MarieLouise Cardwell | 3 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Best friends | Margaret Silk | 2 | 9 | Gold | 3 | |
| dreaming | Lorne Sulcas | 4 | 10 | Silver | 2 | |
| Eyes in boot | Marian Shinn | 2 | 7 | Silver | 2 | |
| Fatal Accident | Geoff Jamieson | 4 | 10 | Silver | 2 | |
| gone swiming | Geora Zadok | 2 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| Hot Sunday afternoon | Didi Franklin | 3 | 10 | Gold | 3 | |
| Jubilation | Lynn Toms | 3 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| Lacking Inspiration | Ceridwyn Jamieson | 4 | 11 | Gold | 3 | |
| Loss | Coral Surtees | 4 | 12 | Gold | 3 | Yes |
| my big banana | Peter Brandt | MB | 11 | Silver | 2 | |
| Peering into the dark | Peter Franklin | 4 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| Sugarman | Patrick Cardwell | 3 | 9 | Silver | 2 | |
| The car guard | Mike Wesson | 2 | 8 | Silver | 2 | |
| The Circle | Derek Goldman | 4 | 8 | Bronze | 1 |
Winners of Theme Image of the Month – November 2024
Please click on images to enlarge.
January Theme – Repetition
Some guidelines for theme
- capture repeating shapes or repetitive patterns.
- patterns can be found in nature, or in man-made objects such as architectural details, fences or lamp-posts.
- the patterns can be broken to add interest, but the repetition must be a clear part of the composition.
- use perspective to emphasize the vanishing point and give depth to image.
- complex patterns are acceptable, however, simple repetition may give a more pleasing example of repetition.
- repetition may include colours or textures.
The due date for submissions for theme, and your digital images, is midnight Monday 20th January 2025.
Our next meeting will be at False Bay Yacht Club, 7.30pm 27th January.
Click here to view our themes and outings for 2025.
Salons
A full list of competitions can be found on the PSSA website under the tab Salon Calendar and Results for the Year Ending June 2024 or from www.photovaultonline.com
All the brochures containing details are available on both the PSSA and Photovault websites.
Please see our record-keeping page for information on how to submit your salon acceptances to our club records.
Special December Edition
A round up of our year end celebrations and winners
Plus some insight on submissions from past and present members.
