Well, it’s almost that time. In a few days, I’m headed to Vegas for the annual photographers conference. A place where I meet people, take classes and cram my brain full of as much information as I can hold for the next year.
As with any profession, it’s important to stay current. I have gotten some really great information in the past. Everything from simple technique tricks, to realizing that I know just as much as the million dollar photographers (only they are making the money and talking in front of people).
I also get to see how my images are judged.
Judged.
I love that word……
Judging is all subjective. I posted a few of my images online and asked for people to vote for one to submit. I was CERTAIN that they would pick my personal favorite….and I was wrong. So I decided to submit both. I am anxious to see what the judges have to say.
I was in a judging room once and some pictures got panned while others got nicer accolades. They are judged from 1 – 100 based on what criteria, I have no idea. But most score between mid 70s-high 80s. If you get above that, then you are doing well!
As I watched each image displayed and the panel of judges judging, one image came up that paused the room. It was great content, well lit, and evident and well portrayed mood…and it got 100. ………… and then they moved to the next image….. ugh….. I would have hated to be that image, because literally, it’s score would be directly affected by the 100 before it. I always wondered what if it were scored just BEFORE the 100 print?
The thing that stuck out the most to me was I heard one of the judges on the panel say quietly; “Be fair to this one!”
Nope….they were screwed!!!
Do you ever wonder how people feel about you and if it’s based on things that affected their lives?
We all judge from a personal perspective. If I’m having a good day, then I love everyone. If I’m not, then I will pick someone who annoys me apart like a piece of string cheese.
So though I’m excited to see my scores, I know I won’t be getting 100, simply because it is my first print competition. But more than anything I’m more interested to see which print gets a better score. My guess would be it would be the image that I would have originally chosen. But based on the poles, it was 90-10 to the image I wasn’t going to submit!!!
The bottom line is; you never know! I just know that my first competition will be out of the way and I’ll be glad that I submitted at all, because in the end, it is a learning experience!
I also know I won’t get 100 because my images is only slightly photoshopped while others are a shadow of what they started out from, being photoshopped into oblivion.
And as a photographer, I have to say, I’m holding out as much as possible for the most authentic image. What I submitted was authentic with only subtle corrections.
Hopefully my judges will be in a good mood; but the competition is only part of the journey. I have a lot to learn and a lot of walking to do. I’ll be making sure I have some good walking shoes and come comfortable clothes to sit in; because that is mostly what I will be doing!!!
Very little down time in the next few days. But I’m looking forward to it!
And I’m sure I will be posting my results on facebook!!
I can’t wait. One way or the other!
Happy Thursday
Mom of two grown ass girls and married to a short guy who is funny and cooks really well! I’m a photographer by trade, so you can say I’m a bit “peopley”. My favorite sessions are the one on ones where I just get to chat and find out about my clients. I’m blessed with what I get to do every day! Blessed by the support of my husband and kids, and blessed by the ongoing support and encouragement of my friends who are always lifting me up.