Photo Contest Judging Criteria

Photo Contest Judging Criteria – Things to Consider

Photo contests are a great way for brands to engage their audience, while providing a unique opportunity to have fun with a brand. Here at RAVEN5, we often talk about contest marketing and the many benefits running a contest can bring to your business. Photo contests provide a different experience from the traditional enter-to-win contests, so let’s talk about photo contest judging criteria.

What Makes a Good Photo?

Photography is subjective, but there are a few recommendations most professionals will offer to improve. These range from simple shooting mistakes to more advanced photographic techniques. Bill Katzenstien of Iconic Photo discusses how Judges Score Photo Submissions and provides a list of issues  that can take away points from your photo contest submission:

1. Out of focus – is it blurry?
2. Vacant space – is there too much space?
3. Objects cut off – are there objects cut off?
4. Excessive contrast – too much contrast?
5. Bright spots – is it too bright?
6. Weak colours – are the colours effective?
7. Over-saturation
8. Overuse of HDR
9. Over or underexposed
10. Glare
11. Unlevel image
12. Special considerations – specific to the contest

Of course, there is the discussion of “artistic considerations” which can vary from judge to judge. Bill also offers some characteristics of what artful photos often have:

1. Character
2. Creativity
3. Focus
4. Colour consideration
5. Composition
6. Light Balance

As you can see, photo contest judging criteria can have quite extensive requirements. If you are planning on running a photo contest, you might feel overwhelmed with setting the rules and regulations. RAVEN5 specializes in contests and sweepstakes and can help set up your next photo contest for success. Contact RAVEN5 today to get started!

For more about contests and contest marketing, check out Effective Marketing With Contests. Photo contests also produce user-generated content that build a conversation around your brand.

Sources

https://revsquare.com/en/article/10-great-reasons-run-online-contest/

http://www.iconicphoto.com/pdf/how-judges-critique-photo-competitions.pdf

https://www.dpmag.com/how-to/shooting/photo-contest-tips-from-the-judges/

http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles1003/bs1003-1.html

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