How to Judge or Score Images
A judge evaluates or scores each image on its own merits and lets the numbers fall where they may! The descriptions following provide judges with a consistent understanding of what scores mean, and you, as a member, can see how your images are scored. Some images may fit one of the descriptions following but also have other strengths or weaknesses, including how well a special image fits the Special Category. In the end, judges will use their judgement!
Score 1 to 3: Badly flawed. The image would be unacceptable for most uses. The image has such serious technical flaws that most photographers would find it unacceptable.
Score 4: Somewhat flawed. Usable, but with significant technical flaws. It might be underexposed, overexposed, out of focus, or poorly composed.
Score 5: A good record shot. A good, clear image of a recognizable subject. It might include more than one subject without a clear center of interest. Technically competent, if not perfect. Adequate lighting and composition, though perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing.
Score 6: A nice snapshot. The sort of picture you might stick on your refrigerator. A good images of an interesting subject, with pleasant lighting and composition. Technically good, with at most minor flaws. The sort of picture you would be happy to show your friends and relatives to explain some aspect of your life.
Score 7: A pretty picture. The sort of picture you might hang on the wall. A beautiful (or otherwise engaging) photograph of an attractive or interesting subject. Technically excellent, with very good lighting and composition.
Score 8: Especially good. The image causes you to pause and linger. It has all the virtues of the previous category plus some additional element which motivates you to spend a few more moments looking at the image to appreciate its merits. The technical excellence might have been achieved under particularly difficult circumstances. The image might be described as "intriguing", or cause you to wonder how they achieved that effect.
Score 9 to 10: Strong impact! "The Wow Factor!" A picture you wish you had taken. It has all the virtues of the previos category, and also creates an immediate emotional reaction. This image grabs your attention. Excellent in every respect. On a busy evening with 50 images, a judge might use these top scores between one and five times.
