In shock this morning (in a good way!!)

[bozmansax]

I was somewhat curious when the postie came to my door with a padded envelope this morning from SWPP, I assumed it was some sort of promotional thing but when I opened it there were 8 rosettes for my 20x16 entries that had scored over 80 out of 100 in the 2011 20x16 print competition........wow how happy am I!

Now I had left the convention (which was amazing my the way Dave Beckstead & Gordon Jovic Superclasses were a real highlight and worth every penny!!) felling a little despondent that none of my entries had reached a Merit standard as I was under the impression that all merits were displayed but it seems speaking to someone at the SWPP (Terrie is away until Monday) that the ones scoring upwards of 85/100 were the ones on display. I think this is fair enough but I think this should have been explained in the rules as there are probably lots of other people who left the convention feeling a little disheartened who had actually done really well...........

I enter these things as a way of trying to progress my photography, I was really disappointed to have missed the judging as I made a special trip down on Thursday afternoon getting there just after 2pm to be told the judging had finished but I would love to have some feedback from anyone judging of what did well and why (I guess I'll just have to get there a day earlier next year) and to try and put into context what a Merit actually means in terms of how many prints were entered and how many Merits given. I'd also love to know who the judges were, I saw a few speakers wandering around with a "Judge" badge including Denis Orchard etc but it would be great to know who was actually judging the 20x16 awards as I'm sure they are all great photographers that we already know and respect.

Obvioulsy I am delighted and can't wait to get my prints back to see which ones hit the 80+ mark and which didn't but it's given me a real New Year boost and renewed enthiusiam to try and win one of the categories in 2012!!!

A big thanks for everyone involved in the judging process (whoever you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 

[Bev Downie]

I saw the majority of the judging as I was helping Terrie with the print handling so I hope she won't mind me answering.  The standard was incredibly high and there were so many images scoring 80+ that a decision had to be made to display only 85+ scores due to space.  It wasn't possible to publicise this until the numbers were known but any of the Societies Staff would have been able to find the answer on the day.  There was a large panel of judges who were rotating between panels and 20" x 16" so there wasn't one particular panel but the scoring was incredibly consistent throughout.  I can't name them all but the 20" x 16" judges included Dennis Orchard, Trevor and Faye Yerbury, Barrie Downie, Tracey Harper, Craig Minielli, Amy Cantrell, Gordon McGowan, Margaret Salisbury and other amazing talents who I can't remember (I am so sorry to anyone I have missed...!)

The length of time the judging takes is impossible to say exactly as it depends on the number of entries and the number of challenges.  Judging of the prints was finished by around 1pm after which the final judging took place but this is not public.  I would definitely recommend getting there on the Wednesday as it is so worthwhile getting there to watch it.

[Claire Ann Woodland Hill]

I second what Bev says as I also helped with print handling on Wednesday.  All the judges were extremely fair in their appraisal and very passionate about doing a good job.  Michael Ayers made and excellent Chairman and I can honestly say that each print was given the care and attention it deserved before, during and after the judging process.  All who were involved know the hard work and cost involved in entering a competition of this nature.

Wow and what an amazing achievement to attain so many merits!

Claire

[bozmansax]

thanks for the reply guys........that explains things a little better......now need to see my prints to see what got what!!

[Bev Downie]

thanks for the reply guys........that explains things a little better......now need to see my prints to see what got what!!

Did you pay the return postage for them? If so the score will be on the back of each.

[Iain Gomes]

I also attended on the Thursday for print handling and can only agree with Claire regarding the passion the judges had for every image. The standard was so high I dont remember a score lower than above average in the wedding category.