Raid Photographic Training Photographic Judging of Competitions

Darren’s judging style is unique, and is the only way true judging should be done. Being a photographic tutor Darren understands a variety of subjects, how they should be photographed and how they should be post processed, therefore the judging is well rounded and fair to all members specialisms.

Trained and Accredited as a Kent County Photographic Association (KCPA) and South London Federation (SLF) judge. References are available from the secretaries of Parkwood or West Wickham camera club.

The Judging Process

as it should be done

1) Introduction – Darren will introduce himself and what he does, being one of the youngest judges on the circuit he likes to tell a few jokes and give some advice for the newer members when it comes to competitions.

2) First run through – For prints Darren will look through all images quickly before commenting. With DPI it is asked that a quick slideshow is shown before judging commences, then on the second run through he will comment, Hold or Mark.

3) Darren will look at the image in great detail to understand what story the photographer is trying to tell, he will always give a positive comment about each image.

4) Darren will look at the technical abilities of the image, composition, exposure, sharpness and post production, pointing out the areas that need improvement.

5) Darren will explain how to improve the mentioned points either through techniques in camera or in post production.

6) The final step is to look at the atmosphere, emotion and personal connection that the image gives. If an image is very strong in emotion or atmosphere this can outweigh that of an image which is better technically and therefore may score higher.

KISS - SLAP - SOOTHE - KISS

Darren believes it is important to explain his judging and why a certain image attaind a certain mark. The evening becomes what is should really be called, a “Constructive Criticism” evening and not just a competition. Far too many judges are critical but do not offer suggestions technically on how to improve that image. Darren believes that you need all 4 parts to successfully judge a competition.

1) Kiss – tell them something good about their image.
2) Slap – tell them what is wrong with their image.
3) Soothe – tell them not all is lost and offer suggestions of how to correct the image in camera or in post.
4) Kiss – finish off by saying something nice again.

The Final Decision

The final decision over the top 4 images if very close will always be down to the personal opinion of the judge. Images may receive different marks in different competitions due to the quality of the other images in that competition. If the overall quality in the first competition is low then the image will probably be marked higher, whereas in a competition where the overall quality is much higher it may receive a much lower mark.

Judging Training Download

Please find in this download a guide to judging by Darren Woolway of which was presented at the KCPA Judges Training 2016. DOWNLOAD HERE

Testimonials

I just want to say a personal thank you for your judging tonight at Orpington. I thought your approach and comments were fair, kind and informative all wrapped up together and easy to understand.

RIchard Waterman, Orpington Photographic Society
It was good to hear your explanation of your judging process, and I thought your criticism of the images was both informative and constructive. All too often judges will say what they think is wrong with an image, but give no clue as to how the photographer could improve or correct it. So thanks again for your efforts tonight, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

David Cooper, Malling Photographic Society
All members present said how they enjoyed your company and comments on their work. With a refreshing change in the style of judging using the full range of marks. The hints and tips you gave us were thought inspiring as some of our members are not proficient in Photoshop.

Colin Brownett, St Mary's Bay
I so wish I had been able to see you judge our Landscape competition. So many members have expressed how they enjoyed your style and learnt from your comments.

Eileen Wilkinson, Herne Bay
We were much impressed with your perhaps unique style in ‘arbiter elegantairum’ in our first print competition of the season. Your in depth criticism was helpful for all levels of ability, without being stale and repetitive, and (thank goodness) without corny, tired jokes. Definitely a breath of fresh air.

Martin MacGibbon, Gravesend Camera Club
It was a great way to get the competition season off to a successful start. It was a large entry, but you still found time to access and comment on every image. I am sure that your constructive comments will help members’ to improve their work in time for the next competition and appreciated both the care you took and your enthusiasm.

Malcolm Hedges, Tonbridge CC
The enormous depth and breadth of your experience and knowledge of photography is reflected in the expert way you handled the judging of our entries. You showed your superior technical competence in the vast range of criteria you mentioned in your critiques and in the equally vast range of suggestions you offered us on how we might even improve the best of our images. You spoke clearly without repeating yourself and you held our attention throughout the evening because what you had to say was really worth listening to. You had something good to say about every one of our images and couched your advice in such positive terms that we did not feel let down.

Colleen Willis, Folkestone CC

How to book

To book Darren to judge at your club please contact him on 07849 385 331 or email studio@raidphotographic.co.uk

Below is a list of the evenings that are already booked for judging or talks:

14th July 2017 – Talk on Artificial and Mixed Lighting at Selsdon
21st August 2017 – Talk on Compositing at Bexleyheath
18th September 2017 – Judging Prints at Parkwood
25th September 2017 – Talk on Compositing at Whitstable Photographic Society
28th September 2017 – Judging at Bromley
11th October 2017 – Talk on Compositing at Greenwood
23rd October 2017 – Judging at Bexleyheath
1st November 2017 – Judging Imagination Trophy at Deal
7th November 2017 – Judging at Malling Mono Open
22nd November 2017 – Juding at Croydon Camera Club PDI 2
27th November 2017 – Judging at South London Colour Prints
29th November 2017 – Talk on Compositing at Faversham Camera Club
11th December 2017 – Judging at Folkestone
24th January 2018 – Judging prints at Greenwood
25th January 2018 – Prints at Reflex Camera Club Rainham
30th January 2018 – Judging at Malling PDI’s
6th February 2018 – Judging panels at Herne Bay
27th February 2018 – Judging at West Wickham
1st March 2018 – Talk on Compositing at Bromley
13th March 2018 – Judging Colour Prints at Orpington
22nd March 2018 – Judging Landscapes at St Mary’s Bay
29th March 2018 – Judging Leigh V Southend on Sea
11th April 2018 – Larter Cup at Bromley vs West Wickham
12th April 2018 – Judging Open at Gateway Dover
25th April 2018 – Talk on Artificial and Mixed Lighting at Canterbury
10th May 2018 – Talk on Compositing at Reflex Photographic Club Rainham
16th May 2018 – Judging Portraits at Deal
1st November 2018 – Talk on Compositing at Gateway Dover
6th November 2018 – Talk on My Journey at Orpington (Barrie Duffield)
26th February 2019 – Judging Mono Prints at Orpington (Barrie Duffield)