Print Show and Competition
  Planning to enter a print in state or national competition? Enter it in our competition first. See how your print scores and find out if you need to make improvements to your print.  
 

Rules:

The competition is open to all PCPPA members.
Maximum 4 prints per member.
Entry fee $10.00 per member (i.e enter 4 prints for $10.00 or enter 1 print for $10.00).

Prints must:

  • Be at least 8x10
  • Be mounted to a rigid 16"x20" surface of any thickness (cardboard, foam core, whatever).
  • Not have frames or glass
  • Have model release if needed
 
  Prints will be judged based on PPA competition rules except as noted above. Work prints are judged as they stand and not for their potential.  

Competition Categories:

Unclassified

Wedding

Portrait

Commercial

  Scores of 75 points or higher will receive an award and qualify for the hanging display. This display is for PCPPA's and the photographer's publicity. Category winners will need to provide a digital file for the publicity committee. Images will be displayed in the PCPPA website and possibly in the local news media. Once we have arranged for a physical display, the category winners will need to provide a 16x20 print to hang in that display.
 
  The 12 Print Judging Criteria

1. Impact - Impact is the first reaction when a print is observed. It is the most important of the 12 elements. Does the print grab your attention? Does it make you want to look at it further? Does the title complement the image?

2. Creativitiy - How novel is the image? The most creative images are totally unique. Use your imagination in creating images, and to share your ideas with others. You want your imagination to spark the imagination of others.

3. Style - Style separates one's images from others. You can borrow elements from established styles to help develop your own unique style. Examples of well-known broad styles include realist, cubist, impressionistic, scenic, documentary, glamour, and renaissance.

4. Composition - Composition, how the image is framed and its elements arranged, is often a matter of how well you follow (or break) the "rules." Create rhythm in your images through repetition and symmetry. Use the rule of thirds to place subjects. Use lines to create design and interest. Don't allow horizon lines to cut through subject heads, and watch for objects "growing" out of subject heads.

5. Presentation - This is the style with which you present your images. Cropping, mounting, and underlays. Dare to be different. But, don't do anything that doesn't enhance your image. Use a color from the main subject as the border to help direct viewer attention. Don't use borders that are too bold. 1/16 to 1/8 inch border is a good rule of thumb. Refer to print competition rules for thickness and print sizes.

6. Color Balance - This element is the use of color harmony in an image. Light against dark, strong against weak. Do the colors of your subject harmonize with the background? Does the background de-emphasize or compete with your subject?

7. Center of Interest - Use design and leading lines to draw the viewer's eye directly to your subject. Your design should hold viewer attention, leaving them free to explore the entire image, but always returning to the center of interest. The fewer distractions, the better.

8. Lighting - This means the correct quantity of light to convey the mood of the image. You should always have direction of light, otherwise the image will appear flat and lifeless. Proper lighting of the five views of the human face is essential to a great image.

9. Subject Matter - A correct and clear interpretation of your subject should be conveyed to the viewer. Your subject should correlate to its surroundings.

10. Print Quality - Color negatives should be of proper density for prints to hold detail in both highlight and shadow areas. Camera angle, lighting, contrast, and color will also effect overall print quality. Avoid matte sprays and any spray that lessens the brilliance of the photographic print. High gloss prints score best.

11. Technique - This is the foundation of photography, but art principles are necessary and should be studied.

12. Statement - Every image should tell a story. Make sure that the story is easy to read. Again, your title can make or break your story.

You can create a merit print by including a majority of these 12 elements in your image. Personal experience may tell you that this is difficult to achieve. But, with experience, the goal may be more easily attained. Don't get emotionally involved with your work. You need to be able to accept criticism. To learn, you need to enter competitions. Through subjective analysis, we all grow and become better photographers.

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