Understanding The Judges

On Tuesday 18^th November the guest speaker was Wayne Davy, who explained the rules that are set down as part of the training of judges for The East Anglian Federation of Photographic Societies. (EAF)

Wayne explained the criteria used and the way they are applied by EAF judges that we use for our competitions. He told members how he looks at images and how they can lose or gain points when shown mounted or projected as Projected Digital Images (PDI’s). Several members raised issues that they felt had caused them to have points added to or deducted from their images.

Members then gave Wayne a selection of images on USB sticks that had not been processed and were still RAW. Using his laptop and a projector, Wayne showed how he would process the image using mainly Adobe Lightroom or, after opening the photograph in Photoshop.

It soon became clear that his extensive knowledge of photo image processing was much greater than many members. Using sections of the two programmes that were able to change images that the photographer felt were, at first glance, ordinary, into a much more impressive photograph that could even be used in competitions   mounted or as a PDI.

As each adjustment was made Wayne explained how the section of the Lightroom or Photoshop programme could be accessed. When the final adjustment was in place members were able to compare the original with the final photograph.

The number of questions and comments from members was a clear indication of the success of the evening. All agreed that a meeting with such an interesting and knowledgeable speaker was what members, both old and new really enjoyed.