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Judging
Darren’s judging style is unique, and has been developed through listening to club feedback about what they want to see from judges. Having worked professionally in the field for over 16 years 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 Premier Judge for the Kent County Photographic Association (KCPA) and Federation of South London Photographic Societies (FSLPS).
The Benefits of Photographic Judging as a Skill Enhancer
Judging Based on 15 Years of Feedback
Become a Judge with the KCPA
The Judging Process
1) Introduction – Darren will introduce himself and his judging style, laying out exactly what it is he is looking for in a specific competition as this will vary depending on if it is a print, PDI or set subject competition. If time permits Darren will explain the differences in marking of the same image between different judges on different evenings and why the marks will vary.
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. This is the preferred method by the judge to make sure that marks are consistent with the comments, however if the club wishes all marks to be done at the end then the judge will accommodate, please bear in mind that this style is more suited to evenings with a lower amount of imagery.
3) Firstly the technical abilities of the image will be judged, what did you do right in camera, what did you do wrong in camera and then you will be given some suggestions on how to correct this.
4) Secondly your post production ability will be judged, what did you do right in post, what did you do wrong in post and where possible you will be given some keywords to help you research methods for correction.
5) Now the technical aspects have been marked, which form a very small part of the process the judge will look at your image title. What are you trying to tell the judge of the reason you took the image? Be very careful with the titling as if you give a latin name it will be judged as a natural history shot and not pictorially. From your title you will be judged on how successful your image was to tell this story.
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.
Presentation – For clubs that have tiered groups presentation will be marked down for the higher ability groups but not the beginner groups. On print evenings paper choice and mounting will be considered and for PDI’s borders will be considered.
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
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:
19th September 2024 – Tonbridge CC PDI Open COMPLETE
25th September 2024 – Canterbury CC COMPLETE
24th October 2024 – Reflex Rainham Prints COMPLETE
28th October 2024 – Parkwood Rainham COMPLETE
13th November 2024 – Tenterden CC COMPLETE
21st November 2024 – Romney Marsh CC DPI/Print Mono COMPLETE
22nd January 2025 – Dartford Annual PDI – COMPLETE
23rd January 2025 – Tonbridge CC PDI Open COMPLETE
11th March 2025 – Orpington Prints – COMPLETE
29th April 2025 – Herne Bay Prints – CANCELLED
23rd June 2025 – Eastbourne DPI – Pre-Recorded
9th July 2025 – Dartford Annual Prints
30th September 2025 – Carshalton Photographic Society (May need to change as due in Portugal)
10th October 2025 – Motorsport Talk at Seaford Photographic
16th October 2025 – Motorsport Talk at Ashford
4th November 2025 – Behind The Lens – Witney Photo Club – ZOOM
5th November 2025 – Beckenham PS PDI
20th November 2025 – Isle of Thanet Prints
21st November 2025 – Seaford Photographic Print
2nd December 2025 – Aperture Woolwich Finals
10th March 2026 – Maidstone PDI Set Subject
24th March 2026 – Photofold CC, Billericay, PDI
7th April 2026 – Orpington Print Finals