Beyond the Lens: What Judges Are Really Looking For in Competitions

Participating in a photography competition can be thrilling yet stressful. You've selected your top photos, refined every highlight and shadow, and either sent them to the club secretary or clicked "submit" for an online contest. But what comes after that? What causes one photo to shine while another goes unnoticed? Here’s what judges consistently seek when evaluating entries in club and regional competitions — and how you can make your photographs stand out.

A Clear Idea and Purpose

Every successful image begins with intent. Judges are drawn to photographs that express a clear idea or emotion — whether that’s wonder, humour, intimacy, or tension.

Ask yourself: What am I really trying to say here?

A strong photograph doesn’t need to shout. Simplicity paired with purpose often makes a far greater impact than an over-complicated scene. Judges can instantly sense when an image feels deliberate rather than accidental.

Composition That Serves the Story

Composition is more than following rules — it’s about directing attention. Judges appreciate when every element within the frame contributes to the story.

They look for balance, visual flow, and a sense of intent. Strong composition doesn’t always mean symmetry; it might involve tension, asymmetry, or creative use of negative space. What matters most is that the arrangement supports your idea and feels purposeful.

Technical Competence — Used with Restraint

Indeed, technique is important. Proper exposure, sharp focus, and effective light control are the essentials of quality photography.

Nonetheless, technical accuracy is only part of the equation. Judges often favor an emotionally impactful image with small imperfections over one that is technically flawless but lacks soul.

Utilize post-processing to enhance, not overshadow. Overdone sharpening, excessive HDR, or unnatural colors are some of the main reasons why otherwise excellent photographs receive lower scores.

Originality and Personal Vision

In club competitions, judges frequently encounter familiar themes: sunsets, portraits, birds, and waterfalls. What truly captures their interest is freshness — an unusual perspective, a unique interpretation, or a moment viewed in a novel way.

Originality isn't necessarily about discovering new locations to photograph; it’s about bringing your own way of seeing, your own perspective, to whatever you photograph. Eventually, this evolves into your signature style — something judges recognise, acknowledge and admire.

Emotional Connection

A great image goes beyond being looked at — it’s felt. Judges respond instinctively to mood and emotion.

Whether your work evokes joy, awe, nostalgia, or even discomfort, what truly matters is authenticity. Avoid over sentimentality or excessive dramatization; focus on genuine emotion.

As one veteran judge put it:

“A technically correct picture is admired, but a picture with emotion is remembered.”

Presentation and Professionalism

How your image is presented says as much about you as the image itself.

For prints, ensure clean mounting, accurate colour, precise backing/labeling and thoughtful borders. For digital entries, double-check sizing, file names, and display settings. These details signal respect for the process - and for the viewer.

A concise title or short description can add meaning, but avoid telling the judge what to think. Let the photograph do the talking.

Consistency and Growth

Judges notice patterns over time. Consistent quality across your entries - or visible growth from previous rounds - speaks volumes about your commitment to developing as a photographer.

If entering a themed series, ensure the images work together in tone and purpose. Cohesion suggests maturity and thoughtfulness, both of which judges reward.

Final Thoughts

Judges don’t expect perfection. What they’re really looking for is intentional photography - work that demonstrates thought, craft, and a genuine connection between photographer and subject.

Before submitting your next entry, ask yourself:

1. Does my image have a clear purpose?

2. Have I used composition and technique to serve that purpose?

3. Does it make the viewer feel something?

If the answer is “yes,” you’re already showing the qualities that judges value most. Good luck with your next submissions.

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South Shields Photographic Society Encouraging creativity, learning, and photographic excellence in the North East and beyond.