Photo Contest Reduction Phase

[Brad]

This thread was created to help explain the criteria used during the reduction phase. Only a limited number of photos can become finalists, and the reduction phase is the process that reduces the original entry count down to the maximum finalists allowed. A number scoring system that covers photo quality and composition is used. I'll try to improve this post over time.

1. Photo Subject
Except for possible health issues, the chameleon itself is of little concern. However, during member voting the photo subject is important.

2. Photo Quality
This is important. Two aspects worth mentioning are focus and visible artifacts.

3. Photo Composition
This is important. By composition, I refer to all elements of visual design. Most people know a good photo when they see one, but may not be aware of the various elements that make that photo appealing. Below is a link I found that explains many of these elements.
http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm

 

[Syn]

Great post, hopefully it will be read before questions are asked.. but if they ask anyways at least we can redirect them here.

 

[Todnedo]

This thread was created to help explain the criteria used during the reduction phase. Only a limited number of photos can become finalists, and the reduction phase is the process that reduces the original entry count down to the maximum finalists allowed. A number scoring system that covers photo quality and composition is used. I'll try to improve this post over time.

1. Photo Subject
Except for possible health issues, the chameleon itself is of little concern. However, during member voting the photo subject is important.

2. Photo Quality
This is important. Two aspects worth mentioning are focus and visible artifacts.

3. Photo Composition
This is important. By composition, I refer to all elements of visual design. Most people know a good photo when they see one, but may not be aware of the various elements that make that photo appealing. Below is a link I found that explains many of these elements.
http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm

If focus is so important then why is last months winner 90% out of focus?

 

[VonSockthroat]

Hehe, well the focus is on the face/eyes, so it is in focus. Photog could have shot with a smaller aperture and had the whole thing in focus, but I think that shot works much better how it is. Just an opinion of course.