‘EVERYONE’S a Judge.’ Surely this is true of any competitor in every competition anywhere and definitely true for photographers.

This was the title of a most interesting and informative evening led by Dianne Owen FRPS and Gordon Jenkins APAGB, both well experienced competitors and judges themselves.

Certainly not an evening to sit back, this was truly interactive with members judging images brought in by Dianne and Gordon.

This proved to be both entertaining and challenging – especially being charged with providing two positive comments before saying what it was we didn’t like. It’s much easier to criticise than to praise.

Dianne and Gordon began by outlining to us their thoughts on good judging for us to try and emulate. We agreed with them that competitive photography is all about getting an impartial opinion; receiving constructive criticism and encouraging us to move forward in our photography.

However, it’s also all about getting marks and awards and trying to beat the others.

Working within club rules is a key starting point for judges and there were no surprises for us in hearing that composition is one of the biggest issues along with quality and presentation.

An interesting discussion took place about the role of the title for an image in a competition. These can guide, amuse, distract and even disqualify. At the end of the day, good judges need to care about photography.

They also need to be able to put up with travelling to a variety of venues, meeting lots of people and listening to moans and groans about their comments – spare a thought for the judges; it’s not an easy job!

To find out more details about Northwich Photographic Society and see a gallery of photographs go to the website at www.northwich photographicsociety.co.uk. The site also includes contact details and the programme of meetings.

Visitors and potential members will be made welcome at the Society’s meetings which are held on Thursday evenings at the Castle Community Church (formerly the Methodist/United Reform Church), Beeston Street, Castle, Northwich, from 8pm until 10pm.