Comments on 2009 New Mexico State Fair Professional Photography Scenics Category Winners

By Glenn F. Hohnstreiter, Ph.D., M. Photog. Cr.
(©Glenn Hohnstreiter - With permission)

General Comment
The judging of photographs is always subject to criticism. Some seem to think the attitude is too regimented, some think the process ignores the creative process involved with the making of a photograph and the inherent process or difficulty involved. Since photography means many things to many people with a myriad of styles and methodology, evaluating the merits of a photograph is indeed a complex issue.

Professional Photographers of America has been judging thousands of photographs every year for over a hundred years. They have evolved into a process that involves 12 elements by which they establish the criteria of a meaningful photograph. These are listed below (copied directly from the PPA website www.ppa.com)

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.
Creativity is the original, fresh, and external expression of the maker’s imagination by using the medium to convey an idea, message or thought.
Technical excellence is 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 to qualities of the physical print.
Composition is important to design of an image, bringing all 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 intent of the image maker.
Lighting—use and control of light—refers to how dimension, shape and roundness are defined in an image. Whether light applied to an image is manmade or natural, proper use of it should enhance an image.
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 characteristics of how a specific artist applies light to a subject. It can impact an image in a positive manner when subject matter and style are appropriate for each other, or it can have a negative effect when they are at odds.
Print Presentation affects an image by giving 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.
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 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.
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.
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.

Obviously, a great deal of thought and effort has gone into this evaluation process. In my own journey to become a better photographer by creating better photographs, I studied many concepts by which my own photography could improve and also how I could better explain these concepts to other photographers. As a result of my personal work, I wrote an article in View Camera Magazine, November/December 2002. In this article I assumed that professional photographers were well aware of the very important but basic concepts of composition, clarity, center of interest, and presentation. I then described in detail the advanced concepts listed below:
Image Intent: One clear strong message. Too often, as our photographic experience grows, we become so intent on technical aspects of our work that we forget the importance of communicating a message to the viewer. The image must be well enough defined if it is to communicate a clear strong message to the viewer. One of PPA’s claims is “The Worlds Best Storyteller.”
Left-Brain/Right-Brain Balance: The left brain controls analytical functions, while the right brain controls artistic functions. When balance is achieved in an image the left brain reacts to the inherent meaning while the right brain appreciates the artistic expression.
Emotional Appeal: A great photograph always generates and communicates an emotional response to the viewer. I like to concentrate on finding what attracted me to a scene in the first place, and then try to understand the emotion that I feel about it so that I can communicate that emotion to the viewer.
Originality: Originality and individual style are essential for creating prize-winning photographs. It is necessary to make a photograph “new” by your choice of location, your particular photographic technique, or your individual style.
Impact: Impact in a photograph is difficult to describe, but you know it when you see it. It is that riveting quality that demands attention and is impossible to ignore.
Perhaps these comments will aid in explaining the process by which images are evaluated at the professional level, and also, how I personally evaluate images that I see. Note that I do not believe in “rules,” but rather common-sense rationales for outstanding photographic images.

“Wisdom of Trees” by Peter Davies
Judging Result: Best of Show, Professional Category, First Place, Professional Scenics




What a wonderful image! Clearly this photograph has the advanced elements listed above and expresses them in a meaningful and beautiful manner. Note the compositional elements of power-point placement of the lit center of interest, the diagonal trees framing the center, and the overall single message conveyed. Under the bright judging lights this image simply is stunning with very strong impact and beauty. One simply cannot look anywhere but the lit area for long. There was no debate in the judging as to naming this image the Best of Show. Congratulations Peter on an exceptional contribution to the world of photographic art.

“Shiprock” by Joe Bridwell
Judging Result: Second Place, Professional Scenics




“Shiprock” is a most wonderful image. When I first saw this image I was stunned by the clarity, the originality, and the deep rich colors. This is clearly an example of originality in that Shiprock is photographed often, but this image, for the first time that I have seen it, combines all these factors. The photographic location, the time of season and day, and the presentation all combine to produce this exceptional photograph. The use of HDR in a photograph, like all techniques, should be an adjunct to the photograph and not be dominant or even noticeable. This image clearly uses HDR, but its use emphasizes without domination of the image. Congratulations on your hard work, Joe and your dedication to producing such an exceptional image.
“Sand Dune” by Bob Barton
Judging Result: Third Place, Professional Scenics




Again, “Sand Dune” is another stunning and wonderful image. As a lover of both sand dunes and black and white photography, I was very impressed with this image. This image is striking in the detail, the impact, the beauty, and the overall impact of the dune shimmering in the morning sun. John Sexton stresses “luminosity” in his workshops, and this image is a perfect example of luminosity. Digital photography has come a long way in its ability to render such an image with the clarity, depth, and impact that this image portrays. Congratulations Bob, on seeing the dune, on driving to the location without getting stuck in the sand (as I have done more than once at other sand dunes), and for producing such an exceptional image.

“Morning Glory” by Leslie Davis
Judging Result: Honorable Mention, Professional Scenics

“Morning Glory” is another exceptional image. Leslie is to be congratulated on this example of the importance of dawn photography. This was most emphatically demonstrated by this image. I doubt if this image could have been taken a half-hour later. The Grand Tetons are always difficult to photograph well because they are so often photographed that the element of originality is usually missing. Leslie has produced an image that is very definitely original in the use of dawn lighting, impact of scene, breathtaking beauty, and composition. The minimal use of Photoshop results in a sense of “being there.” The added bonus of lake reflections simply “nails” this image as a truly outstanding image. Congratulations, Leslie on providing this image for the photographic community.

“Orange Creekside” by Jim Gale
Judging Result: Honorable Mention, Professional Scenics




Here is another exceptional image. What makes this image outstanding is the clear intent as defined by the title. Note the left-brain/right-brain balance of the image: vivid orange rocks are most definitely a rarity in nature; they are seen here in a manner that is pleasing to both the left brain in trying to understand the rocks unusual color and to the right brain in relating strongly to the beauty of the scene, the background, the creek and the portrayal. Composition is excellent, and the impact of the image is clear. Taking images on a backpacking trip is always a problem, but this was done very well indeed. Congratulations, Jim on this outstanding image.

Editor’s Comments
The depth of Glenn Hohnstreiter’s comments is clearly strengthened by PPA’s 13 Guidelines. Having both watched Glenn Judge at State Fair and listened to Glenn’s ELCC talk, I know his dedication and insight are deep and abiding. I think mention of PPA rules and elaboration on each image quality places our 2009 Scenic Class Winners, Professional Category, in distinct perspective…

Thanks, Glenn, Peter, Bob, Leslie, and Jim … I consider it an honor to stand among you and sincerely applaud both your individual images and our combined efforts!

Enjoy…