COUNTRY IMAGES CAMERA CLUB
              JUDGING PROCEDURE                  September 2006

To allow for maximum creativity we give limited instructions to our camera club members about how to
photograph any subject, except in the NATURE category and the instruction here is basically "No hand of
man."

We recognize that this is a learning experience for those entering their work in the competitions, and while it
is necessary to identify how best to improve each image, we also want the competitions (which at times may
be intimidating for some), to be a positive experience. We, therefore, ask the judges to preface their
comments with positive remarks. Also, please do not use phrase "in Photoshop you could have...", rather
explain the changes that would have improved the image.

GENERAL

1.There are two Categories that are judged: Images comprising of Slides and Digital Images, and
Prints.

2.Each entry is judged out of 10 points by each of three judges, for a maximum total of 30 points,
using an electronic voting device. The average "good" image is awarded 6 points by each judge for a
total of 18 points.

3.Judging round: All entries are shown for judging without titles or the photographer's name being
given, except during the Nature competition when the title is given prior to the judging. In this round,
the judges enter the points without comments.

4. Comments Round: The entries are then shown for a second time, with titles given. Comments are then made in turn by one judge (one positive comment and one constructive comment at least), unless the other judge(s) have a quite different opinion. If there is a difference of 2 or more points between the individual judges'scores the highest scoring judge and the lowest scoring judge, both would provide reasons for their score.

5.If necessary, any ties within each Category and Level are resolved and ribbons are given for 1st, 2nd
and 3rd place. In rare circumstance where there are more than 3 outstanding images for a Category
and Level, "Honourable Mention(s)" can be awarded to the 4th or higher placed image(s). The
Competition Director will advise the judges if less than 3 ribbons would be awarded for a Category
and Level due to an insufficient number of individual entries.

6.All points awarded during the judging round are final and cannot be changed. The exception is if in
the judging round, it becomes obvious that incorrect keys have been entered into the voting device.
All key pads are then reset and the image is immediately re-judged

IMAGES

1.Images are entered in four Levels: AMATEUR, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED and MASTERS.

2.Images for all Levels are mixed up and are judged as one group with no distinction between the
various Levels of expertise. The points awarded are for the image quality only.

3.Slides are projected using a slide projector; the digital images are displayed using a digital projector.


PRINTS

1.Prints are all judged at two Levels: Amateur and Advanced. Again, the entries are mixed up and
judged as one group. Colour and B&W prints are judged together. No preference is given to "wet"
processed and digitally processed/printed images nor is there a preference for home processed or
commercially processed prints.

2.Judges are asked to view the prints from a reasonable distance with proper lighting in order to judge
the overall image and not just a few grains or dots. The method of printing should have no bearing on
the final judging outcome and all judges are informed of this club's policy.

3.Prints compete in the same subject Topic as the slides. 

4.The display area of a print (ie. the visual area showing through the matt, not the actual picture size)
must be a minimum of 35 square inches. Note: a 5" X 7" print when matted will be considered to be
too small and may be rejected from the competition by the Competition Director.



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