Photography Guidelines

Each school is allowed to enter 2 students, male or female, per Division.

Each student may submit 1 entry only.

The entry must be framed with the student’s name, age and school name as well as the sponsor’s name attached. Any entries without this information will not be judged.

The photography should reflect an appropriate Christian theme and not be associated with the world.

EACH ENTRY MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SIGNED NOTE FROM A SPONSOR (PRESENTED AT CONVENTION) VERIFYING THAT THE ENTRY WAS TAKEN BY THE STUDENT.

Please bring 2 copies of the Judge’s Form for Photography with you to Convention. Be sure to fill it out in its entirety. If the Judging Form is not filled out, you may not be judged.

TYPES OF ENTRIES

There are two classifications: colour and monochromatic (black & white; sepia; greyscale). Contestants may enter any of the classifications in the following categories.

Contestants may use any camera for all categories.

Scenic – a picturesque outdoor setting
Still Life – a picturesque indoor arrangement of objects
Animals – a picture of living animals, birds, insects, etc., taken in their natural or unnatural habitat (zoo pictures are permitted).
Plants – a picture of living flowers or plants taken in their natural or unnatural habitat (botanical gardens are permitted).
Special Effects – Trick photography using objects, lighting, lenses, or other equipment to create an illusion or unusual effect. Include a detailed description of how you created your special effect. Computer software may be used for editing purpose only.

COLOUR AND MONOCHROMATIC

Entries must have been taken after the completion of the previous Student Convention.
Entries must be the sole work of the student.
Entries should be a minimum of 5 x 7.
Entries must be brought for judging in satisfactory exhibition condition.
Subjects in entries must conform to Student Convention Dress and Appearance Guidelines.
Each photo may be entered in only one event.
Students may use any camera for all entries. Computer software may be used for red eye, cropping, rotating, colour balance, and tonal adjustment (lightness, darkness, and contrast – not enhancement), and printing only. AI is not allowed. Do not add elements that were not originally present when the photo was taken.

PHOTOGRAPHY JUDGING CRITERIA (Download PDF)

Areas of Evaluation	Possible Points
Impact
A. Uniqueness: selection of subject shows creative effort	(1-5)
B. Perspective: angle and distance between camera and subject is ideal	(1-5)
C. Intensity: immediately captures the viewer’s attention	(1-5)
D. Resonance: evokes an emotional response	(1-5)

Composition
A. Positioning: subject location(s) within the composition is pleasing and balanced	(1-5)
B. Isolation: subject is obvious within its setting (breadth and depth)	(1-5)
C. Isolation: subject is captured in a manner that eliminates distractions	(1-5)
D. Orientation: choice of portrait or landscape format is ideal	(1-5)
E. Difficulty: capturing this image required extra physical effort	(1-5)

Exposure
A. Focus: the focal point and depth of field capture the entire subject	(1-5)
B. Brightness: whites are not “blown away” and darks are not without definition	(1-5)
C. Contrast: full dynamic spectrum ranging from highlights to shadows	(1-5)
D. Clarity: strong resolution free from noise, pixilation, artifacts, and dust spots	(1-5)
E. Colour: correct white balance with good saturation and appropriate vibrancy	(1-5)

Presentation
A. Colour: choice of mount enhances image rather than detracting from it	(1-5)
B. Texture: print paper choice and mount texture complement the composition	(1-5)
C. Quality: print and mount are flat and well-adhered to one another	(1-5)
D. Condition: print and mount are free of scratches, stains, and scuffs	(1-5)
E. Conformity: subject matter conforms to Student Convention guidelines	(1-5)

Proper documentation submitted	(1-5)

TOTAL POINTS	(100)