INPPA Print Competition
PRINT CATEGORIES
1.PORTRAIT – Portrait of one subject only
2.Child’s Portrait – one subject only
4.Group Portrait – two or more subjects, including pets
5.Unclassified – scenic, landscapes, still life photographic art, animate objects not fitting the portrait category, and commercial.
6.Weddings – pertaining to brides or candid weddings
7.Classical- minimal retouching. (color correction and blemishes).
8.Master Artist – created, manipulated, or enhanced by electronic/digital means
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS FOR EXHIBITIONS
There should be a minimum of three (3) images per category and a minimum of two (2) different makers per category in order to hold competition for that category.
Entries will be judged for the quality of the photographic image including composition, technique, lighting, subject interpretation and presentation. All entries must be “original work.”
JUDGING
Entries will be judged by a panel of qualified photographic experts. Submissions are judged against a standard of excellence using PPA’s 12 elements of a merit image. The 12 elements are Impact, Creativity, Technical Excellence, Style, Composition, Presentation, Color Balance, Center of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, Technique, and Story Telling.
The point system is used with scores ranging from 100 to 0 as follows: Exceptional 100-95, superior 94-90, Excellent 89-85, Deserving of Merit 84-80, Above Average 79-76, Average 75-74, Acceptable 73-70, and Unacceptable 69-0. The final score shall be the official score on these and on any challenged Image.
Entries will be disqualified if the photographer’s name, studio name or title appears on the image entry. No two images shall be of the same subject (i.e., same model, models, subject, etc.) Each entry must be distinctly different. This includes the same model in different clothing or in separate sittings. All entries must be titled to be eligible.
General and Masters Exhibitions will be judged at the same time, but will be separated for awards and trophies. Work done under the supervision of an instructor or mentor is not eligible. Entries previously entered in an INPPA Exhibition are not eligible. Judges may discuss any Image entered; however there will be a two (2) minute time limit placed on each print. If a score is challenged, the print will be given an additional two (2) minutes. Judges may leave the judging table to view the image closer. Members and guests may attend the judging but must remain silent. If for any reason a judge disqualifies himself, an alternate judge will sit in for the judging of that image only. The print chairman will have final ruling in the interpretation of the competition rules.
Awards
The best entry in each category in the General and Master’s exhibition will be awarded a First Place trophy in the following categories; Portrait, Child’s Portrait, Group, Unclassified, and Wedding. One trophy will be awarded for classical, Master Artist and Photographer of the Year (awarded at the Christmas party). The judges may also, at their discretion, give a Distinguished and as many Honorable Mentions as they desire in each category in the General and Master’s exhibition. If the judges wish not to award an Image regardless of score, they have that right. Awards will be given to the best entries of the various categories and divisions by the majority vote of the judges in closed session.
12 Elements of a Merit Image
1. 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. There can be impact in any of these twelve elements.
2. Creativity- is the original, fresh, and external expression of the imagination of the maker by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
3. Technical Excellence- is the print quality of the image itself as it is presented for viewing. Retouching, manipulation, sharpness, exposure, printing, mounting, and correct color are some items that speak the qualities of the physical print.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Presentation- affects an image by giving it a finished look. The mats and borders used, either physical or digital, should support and enhance the image, not distract from it.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Subject Matter- should always be appropriate to the story being told in an image.
11. Technique- is the approach used to create the image. Printing, lighting, posing, capture, presentation media, and more are part of the technique applied to an image.
12. 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.