Tuesday, 3rd November

Competition Night 

A Different Approach to Judging

 Our next meeting is another competition night, with Alan Lomakin joining us to cast his experienced eye over our entries and provide his critique.

 There are three competitions on the agenda: the Portraiture competition (prints), an Open Theme print competition (maximum A4), and the Rawlinson digital competition, this time with the set theme 'Out of Context'.

 Word on the street, courtesy of a reliable source who managed to sneak a peek at the print entries on Tuesday, is that there are some absolute crackers in the mix. So, all the ingredients are there for a very enjoyable evening.

 We're also trying something a little different with the judging format this time around. As these are stand-alone competitions rather than part of a continuing round, there will be no numerical scores. Instead, Alan will offer his thoughts and constructive critique on the images, before selecting his first, second and third places in each competition.

 The idea is to give a little more time to the judge's comments and observations, rather than getting bogged down in the difference between an 18 and a 17. It also removes the rather less appealing prospect of a bottom image (figuratively speaking, of course).

 We're hoping this approach will be welcomed by members and, perhaps more importantly, encourage a little more experimentation and risk-taking with future entries. After all, trying something different doesn't always guarantee a winning image, but it can be a great way to learn.

 Without numerical scores, there's less concern about being marked down for having a go at something new. You'll get some constructive feedback, hopefully take something useful away, and who knows, perhaps even pick up a first, second or third along the way.