Last week Dave and I drove up to Phoenix for the Arizona Professional Photographers Association Print Competition that occurs twice per year. We are honored to have received 6 merit prints out of the 8 prints that we submitted (see the images below). There was a panel of 4 Master Photographers who judged and gave feedback on the 79 prints that were entered, of which only 14 received merit awards. To give you an idea of what the judges are looking for in a merit print, I have included the 12 Elements as defined by the National Professional Photographers of America:
Twelve elements have been defined as necessary for the success of an
art piece or image. Any image, art piece, or photograph will reveal
some measure of all twelve elements, while a visually superior example
will reveal obvious consideration of each one. They are:
- Impact is the sense one gets upon viewing an image for the
first time. Compelling images evoke laughter, sadness, anger, pride,
wonder, or another intense emotion.
- Creativity is the external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message, or thought.
- Style is defined in a number of ways as it applies to a
creative image. It might be defined by a specific genre or simply be
recognizable as the characteristics of how a specific artist applies
light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when
the subject matter and the style are appropriate for each other, or it
can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
- Composition is important to the design of an image, bringing
all of the visual elements together in concert to express the purpose
of the image. Proper composition holds the viewer in the image and
prompts the viewer to look where the creator intends. Effective
composition can be pleasing or disturbing, depending on the intent of
the image maker.
- Print Presentation affects an image by giving it a finished
look. The mats and borders used should support and enhance the image,
not distract from it.
- Center of Interest is the point or points on the image where
the maker wants the viewer to stop as they view the image. There can be
primary and secondary centers of interest. Occasionally there will be
no specific center of interest, when the entire scene collectively
serves as the center of interest.
- Lighting—the use and control of light—refers to how
dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether the
light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it
should enhance an image.
- Subject Matter should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
- Color Balance supplies harmony to an image. An image in
which the tones work together, effectively supporting the image, can
enhance its emotional appeal. Color balance is not always harmonious
and can be used to evoke diverse feelings for effect.
- Technical Excellence is the print quality of the image
itself as it is presented for viewing. Sharpness, exposure, printing,
mounting, and correct color all speak to the qualities of the physical
print.
- Technique is the approach used to create the image.
Printing, lighting, posing, film choice, paper selection, and more are
part of the technique applied to an image.
- Story-Telling refers to the image’s ability to evoke
imagination. One beautiful thing about art is that each viewer might
collect his own message or read her own story in an image.
Michelle's Merit Prints:
"Cocoon"
"Cautious Contemplation"
Dave's Merit Prints:
"Quality Time"
"Life Light"
"Dancer's Dream"
"Claiming the High Ground"
Thanks so much to all of our amazing clients who trust us with capturing the fleeting moments of childhood, the incredible bonds they have with one another and for allowing us creative freedom to create our vision - as crazy as it may initially sound sometimes! ~Michelle & Dave
