In this post we will share some considerations to help you improve your photo entries. More information on the video and chapter newsletter contests will follow! The photo contest submission rules along with judging criteria are listed below. Paying attention to them can help you up your photography game in this popular contest. You can view all 2023 submissions and 2023 winning submissions here.
The Rules:
Our contest is divided into the 12 Level III ecoregions in Texas. Members may enter one photo in one or all of the ecoregions. Photos may have been taken at any time of year. Photos must have been taken within the ecoregion in which they are submitted, and the subject plant or plants must be native to the ecoregion in which the photo is entered. Photographers must be members of the Society and may only submit their own work. Contestants must submit their entry within the submission window, which is still TBD; we are working on an improved website submission process and look forward to launching soon! Entries will be judged in four categories by a panel of your Society peers (judges are not eligible for contest entry).
The Judging Criteria:
Basic Technique
- Is focus appropriate for the subject? Is depth of field appropriate?
- Is it exposed in a way that works for the image?
- Does the lighting show off the subject well?
- Is the contrast level appropriate?
- Is there lighting that would work better for the subject?
- If the lighting is controlled, is it well controlled?
- Are the colors accurate and true?
Composition
- Is the composition skillful and dynamic?
- Is the image balanced or unbalanced? Is the balance level appropriate? If there is a main center of interest, is it well placed in the frame/rule of thirds?
- Are there distracting elements in the picture that could be eliminated?
- Are there too many unrelated elements? Too few elements?
- Does the composition make effective use of leading lines?
- Is depth used (or not used) to good advantage?
- Does the composition make use of repeating forms?
Subject/Interest
- Does the subject have interesting connotations or associations?
- Are the colors and patterns effective?
- Interesting textures?
- Interesting juxtapositions?
Story/Mood/Showcases Plant
- How well does the photograph capture or illustrate the plant or plants?
- Does the image effectively tell a story about the plants or the ecoregion or convey a mood or value?
Winners will be announced during the 2024 Fall Symposium in New Braunfels. You’ll also be able to see them on our website and our social media channels.
Questions? Contact Bill Hopkins
