It is one of the greatest pleasures I have – there is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing some of the most incredible work up close and personal – but it is not without its challenges. It is, after all, a huge responsibility that we take on.
At the end of every session, you can’t help but replay some of the assessments that the judging panel made, and, hand on heart, you want to know that you made the best possible decisions.
One thing we’re often asked about – likely by someone who thought they might win but didn’t – is what criteria we use to grade each image. The answer, of course, is as nuanced as the different styles of photography: impact, creativity, originality, composition, colour balance, storytelling… the list goes on. Every organization has its set criteria for assessing each image, and each judge will have referenced those as they work.
But notice one thing: impact is always at the top of the list. That indefinable ‘wow factor’ that winning images have is always at the front of every judge’s mind.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2
The original version broke the mould for ‘trinity' standard zooms. The G2 enhances handling and performance further still
Nikon D500
Nikon's flagship DX-format DSLR is a modern classic. And while it hasn't been out of production for long, it left a hole in Nikon's camera line-up that's never been filled
Laurence Griffiths
With so much sporting action this summer, Laurence Griffiths of Getty Images reveals how to catch every goal at the Euros, details Getty Images' 24/7 Olympics coverage and why he always has a wide-angle ready. Keith Wilson managed to grab him before kick-off...
Ghost town
Adam Waring uses ND filters to subdue the hustle and bustle when shooting busy cities
Creative cities
Experienced travel photographer Matt Higgs provides top tips for stunning shots of city sights
If at first you don't succeed...
Tom travels to the other side of the world to have another go at shooting an elusive image and displays the power of his perseverance
Shoot the summer of sports
Have the Olympics and Euros inspired you to photograph sport? Mike Harris shows you how to score a portfolio of top shots
Osprey & prey
Birds of a feather Gary Jones and Leigh Pugh photograph ospreys from a purpose-built hide
Superzoom lenses
These lenses will have you in for a long stretch, some more than others in the wide-angle to telephoto stakes
Nikon Z 6III
With a revolutionary 'partially stacked' full-frame sensor, the Z 6III fits flagship camera features in an compact enthusiast-level body