Judges' Guide
Thank you for agreeing to judge a St. Louis Camera Club competition. Your experience and thoughtful feedback help our members grow as photographers, and we truly appreciate you volunteering your time.
Quick Start Checklist
✔️ Receive your STLCameraClub.com username and password.
✔️ Complete judging by Tuesday evening.
✔️ Join the competition meeting (In-Person or via Zoom ) on Wednesday evening.
✔️ Provide constructive verbal commentary for each image.
✔️ Contact your Competition Manager if you have any questions.
Don't worry if this is your first time judging for the St. Louis Camera Club. Your Competition Manager will guide you through the process and is available to answer questions before and during the competition.
The Purpose of Our Competitions
While recognizing outstanding images is an important part of every competition, the primary purpose of our competitions is education. Members value thoughtful, constructive comments that help them improve their photography. Your observations—what works well and where an image could be strengthened—are often the most valuable part of the evening.
The Competition Format and Timeline
Our members compete in three levels (Class B, Class A, and Salon) resulting in three separate competitions. Class B entries are from members new to the club but not necessarily beginning photographers. Class A and Salon entries are from members who have been successful in competitions over time and have advanced up through the levels.
One Week Before
- Your Competition Manager will contact you with judging instructions and answer any questions you may have.
Monday
- You will receive the number of images entered and the number of awards that will be presented.
- Judging can begin
Tuesday
- Complete the judging
- The competition manager will follow up to make sure there were no issues and to confirm awards given.
Wednesday - Competition Night
- Join the competition meeting (in person—sometimes referred to as Hybrid meeting—or via Zoom).
- The Projection Team will display each image.
- Provide verbal commentary (Let the projectionist know when to advance to the next image)
- Awards are revealed after commentary for each level
We ask that the judging be completed by Tuesday night prior to the Wednesday competition.
Meeting Information
Our meetings begin at 7:00 PM with a presentation followed by the competition and judging. Many gather around 30 minutes ahead of time to help set up and socialize before the evening's program begins.
In-Person Meetings:
Ethical Society of St. Louis
9001 Clayton Road
St Louis MO 63117
Zoom Meetings:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/92523514322?pwd=MzRpKzNwazdDL25MSUVDazVEOE5jQT09
Meeting ID: 925 2351 4322
Passcode: 670544
Judging Resources
Competition-Specific Rules:
- Travel Rules - Rules that apply specifically to our Travel competitions
- Nature Rules - Rules that apply specifically to our Nature competitions
- Photojournalism Rules - Rules that apply specifically to our Photojournalism competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good critique?
We encourage judges to begin by identifying what works well in an image before offering one or two constructive suggestions for improvement. Our members value educational critiques that explain why an image is effective and provide ideas they can apply in future work.
How are "panel" judged competitions different?
For some competitions, we have more than one judge. This is called “panel” judging. The judging process is different from the individual judging process because we combine the scores and rankings of all of the judges and then make the awards . The above video describes how a panel judging works. (See the above link to the video "How we judge on our website" and start at minute 4).
Here is a written description of the panel judging award giving process – How Panel Judging Awards are Given
Can I provide written commentary for Images?
The ability to provide written commentary is available, and greatly appreciated by our members. Although not required, we have streamlined the process if the judge would like to provide comments. See the video titled, Easily provide written image comments.
If a judge provides written comments we can provide a copy of the comments to be used as part of your Zoom meeting commentary.
How Many Awards Are Given at a Competition?
Each competition level (B, A, and Salon) recognizes First, Second, and Third Place, along with Honorable Mentions. The number of Honorable Mentions is based on the total number of entries, with approximately 40% of the images entered in each level receiving an award, unless there are fewer than eight entries. For a detailed explanation of the award calculation, see Calculation of Awards in Competitions.
I'm new to ZOOM. How can I get a brief tutorial?
New to Zoom? Here's a brief Introduction to Using Zoom. This covers everything you'll need before the meeting. The link to the club's zoom meeting is available further up on this page, as well as on our Events Calendar and in the newsletter send out to our members.
Who can I contact with additional questions?
Each judge will be contacted prior to a competition by a Competition Manager to provide details on the Competition and to answer questions. Feel free to contact that person to answer any questions.
If you are unsure who to contact, you may call Bob Rickert at (314) 302-1830.