We hold digital photo competitions (Salons) throughout our season and host a year-end awards program in May
The months we do not have a salon are dedicated to educational topics and activities
Judging for competition gives members helpful evaluation and commentary on their submitted images.
Competition judges comment on each image and score the images on a scale from 8 to 15 total points. Accepted images are those that score between 12-15 points and mentioned by name during the monthly meeting and showcased in the online photo galleries each month. These images are then considered for the annual award ceremony in May.
Images submitted monthly will be reviewed by an outside judge who reviews and critiques the images based on industry standard criteria.
There may be times when three club members form a judging panel.
Images are scored from 8 to 15 points. Judges use their own criteria but generally they are looking for Composition, Technique, and Impact
Composition is the arrangement of all elements within the picture area so the subject matter is presented as a harmonious, well-balanced photograph.
Technique is the technical aspect of the photo – focus, lighting, color rendition, exposure, print quality, and mounting.
Impact (or interest) consists of originality, imagination, interpretation, subject, impact, mood, humor, etc.
Images that earn 12, 13, 14, or 15 points are considered “Accepted” and will be included in the “End of the Year” competition.
“Accepted” images may not be submitted again at North Metro Photo Club competitions in the future; but they may be submitted elsewhere (N4C, PSA, Interclub, etc.)
Any images scoring below the “Accepted” level may be submitted at future North Metro Photo Club competitions.
Images that have received acceptances from the judges of the monthly contests move on to the End of Year Competition, and are eligible to receive awards such as "Image of the Year" and others that indicate a high level of achievement by individual members. Additionally, members with the highest accumulated point scores from the monthly competitions receive certificates for their accomplishment. All are recognized at our End of Year Banquet Event.
We hold digital photo competitions (Salons) monthly from September to April with our year end in May.