TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONTEST ENTRY The following tips are intended to help budding photographers understand why some photos may win and others don't. These guidelines consist of a brief introduction into the judging criteria that is used for the BAPC and are by no means comprehensive and should give you a start in the right direction. The winning photographs you will see posted on the arboretum's web site feature a strong combination of the assets we seek in an image. These include: thoughtful attention to lighting, eye-catching color, balanced composition, sharpness, correct exposure, and a host of other elements. An explanation of our judging criteria - used as a guideline during the voting process - follows. THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP IS "READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES" First and foremost, read Contest Rules. These rules reveal much to the discerning contestant. For example, our brief and simple terms state that only one image can be entered into the each category each contest. Therefore, if you enter many images consecutively, only the first is judged in the contest. Secondly, we evaluate the image against traditional standards of sharpness. We generally notice two levels of "unsharpness" in the images submitted: Some photos are obviously, and unintentionally, blurry. The picture, above all, needs to be in focus (or, if the picture features some blurriness, it has to be a clearly intentional, artistic use of blur by the photographer). Photos that suffer from camera shake or other focus mistakes and it is detrimental to the photo will be eliminated very early in the judging process. There are many other photos, which are just slightly out of focus, or soft. When this appears to be unintentional and dissatisfying, the picture receives a lower score. Only when other elements of the photo - such as its uniqueness - are remarkably strong do we continue to leave it in the running. Remember: sometimes softness is an attribute and not a problem. Picture Perfect Exposure We understand at BAPC that images look different from one computer to another. What may be dark on a PC may appear extremely light on a Macintosh, for example. Therefore, judging exposure takes a back seat to judging sharpness. But it is still important. Is it underexposed? Is the snow blue instead of white? Is the image faint and hard to see? Does it look like it may have been a nice image before it was poorly scanned? Does the photo show pleasing color with clarity and correct exposure? Can you make out the details in the shadows? Clarity and resolution of the photo - being able to enjoy the details of an image - mean a lot to the judges. We look at how well exposed the image is and, unless the photo is black and white, how well is the color captured. If you shoot film, learning the art of scanning is essential. The image must look excellent on the Web. Dust, scratches, hair, and any other distracting elements need to be eliminated. If your software features a Rubber Stamp (or Cloning) tool, learn how to use it. You will also benefit by learning how to keep contrast from increasing too much during the scanning process. If the lights get too light while the darks get too dark, you have a problem and need to take steps to increase color range. Also, make sure that you scan the area of your image and not its surrounding borders. Try to not be overly concerned about getting every single square millimeter of your picture, to the point where you actually end up including white or dark lines around the photo. If you do, crop them before submitting the photo. Lastly, the photo should be balanced in composition (e.g. by use of the "Rule of Thirds" or another compositional principle). Move in closer if you need to. Make sure the horizon is level. Whenever possible, eliminate any extraneous elements - such as annoying spot of glare, an unwanted tree branch or camera strap. Overall, we are looking for beautiful, truthful, and creative images. Read Contest Rules Return to BAPC home page.