What Makes for Good Entries to Photo Contests?
from the
SEA 2003 Judges Comments
Here are some helpful comments about improving images submitted for contests as published by the SEA 2003 judges (Berkley White, Ken Howard, and Monte Smith).
Here are some suggestions for entrants interested in improving their images for future contests.
Better use of negative space
Negative space should add value to the image rather than detract from it. Confusing or distracting negative space is a major reason images didn't make the top cut.
Use of Vertical vs. Horizontal Format
This contest was no different from others in that the use of the vertical format was common in the advanced skill entries, but rare in the novice and intermediate categories. Use of the vertical format can often help giving an image more impact.
Camera Angle
Jim Church is often quoted about shooting low, close and up. Shooting from a low angle, close to the subject and at an upward angle most often yields images that have more impact than downward shooting angles.
Unique vs. Technique
Many images were unique in that they captured predatory or mating behavior. While these subjects were strong, the composition and lighting on many reduced their potential. An image can't win on uniqueness alone. Rare subjects are appreciated, but more weight was given to the impact, quality and overall excellence of the image (common subjects done uncommonly well). The definition of unique or rare subjects also changes over time. For example, if you had underwater photos of Great White Sharks or Pygmy Seahorses only five years ago, you could have won photography contests or been published in National Geographic. Now such images are so common that they no longer automatically get moved into the winner's circle.
Sharpness
Many images suffered from lack of sharpness. Some may have been the unfortunate result of a poor dupe. Many strong images were eliminated for this reason. Check your viewfinder and your dupes. Bracket for focus when working with extreme macro subjects.
Composition
The strongest images had compositional elements that cycled the viewing eye around the frame. Diagonal lines and off-center subjects were the most powerful. Centered subjects have a bull's-eye effect and trap the viewer in the middle. Some were cropped a little too tight on the subject and stuffed an interesting element into an edge of the frame. These images aren't destined for fish identification books... they should be art. Attention should be made to artfully frame the subject and avoid cookie-cutter identification shots and bull's-eye targets.
Exposure
Most images had a well-exposed subject, but far too many lacked shadows and depth and were literally washed with light as if they were a product shot. Shadows add depth and drama to the image. The negative space (background) on many suffered from distracting highlights. The most common of subjects can be a winner if the lighting is well executed. Great care should be used when making duplicate slides to insure good exposure.
Digital
Most competitions are still learning how to deal with the new digital categories. Entrants should use great care when submitting an image. Good preparation will insure that the image displays well on the various monitors, projectors, and platforms used for judging. Set screen size and resolution as described by the entry guidelines to avoid automatic scaling which can soften an image when displayed. Gently apply an unsharp mask to the image at its final size... not to the full size file or at high resolutions. Use caution as too much sharpening will emphasize the grain and noise in the image. When saving the file, be sure to tag the file with the correct color profile. This will help to keep your colors and tonal ranges as accurate as possible when viewed on different displays. Use a high quality setting when saving a jpeg file and always work from your original when making new jpeg versions of the image.
Congratulations to everyone that entered... not only the winners. There were many images that were very close. Keep up the great work!
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