I do appreciate feedback on my photography entries. And this year’s Competition Season has proven extremely fruitful.
Several of my photos have earned prizes and silks, with two pieces – the macro shot Herbie Jr. :v) Was Here and the railroad composite shot A CO Railfan’s Dream having the most success.
With that in mind, the Big E sent me the judging results yesterday. Since the Big E awards their ribbons on the Danish system (you’re scored against a standard, rather than against other competitors), it’s possible for an entrant to receive high marks for several photos.
And in judging, I found out that of the seven photos I entered in competition … if there were room to show them in the New England Center … they could have all appeared on the walls. But all seven images were judged independently; and I have the scores and results (and, in some cases, judges’ notes) for all seven entrants. Plus judging notes and scores for the latch hook rug I submitted as well.
Here are the criteria the judges used:
- Technical – Main subject should be in focus and sharp. Note the depth of field and evaluate if the depth of field focus enhances the overall photo. Use of lighting enhances and balances the photo and creates the overall effect. Lighting should not distract from the overall composition. There should be adequate contrast in the photo.
- Composition & Design – The arrangement of the forms within the photo should be pleasing to the eye. All areas of the photograph contribute to the overall visual effect. Consider rules of composition- ‘Rule of Thirds’, Bottom right or left. Does the photograph flow easily? Is the color and contrast well balanced?
- Impact – How well does the photo meet technical requirements or exceeds them. Does the photograph make an impact on the viewer? Does it grab the viewer’s attention and hold it. Does it have a “wow” impression?
- Family Oriented – In keeping with Eastern States’ family orientation, items of an offensive, controversial or objectionable nature or subject matter will not be accepted.
So here’s the seven photos I went with for 2026.
Let’s start with this bad boy … or, more specifically, this “Big Boy.”
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 9 |
| Composition and Design | 9 |
| Impact | 9 |
| Family Oriented | 9 |
| Overall Score | 9.0 – BLUE |
Judge’s Comments: Great photograph of Big Boy. Assuming this is its 250 Anniversary tour. Has impact and details. There are some hotspots but all very good.
Okay. So if there was room to show it, it would have earned a ribbon. But it was a blue nonetheless.
This is good. One down, six to go.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 9 |
| Composition and Design | 9 |
| Impact | 9 |
| Family Oriented | 8 |
| Overall Score | 8.75 – BLUE |
Judge’s Comments: Good group portrait. Macro perspective allows for great detail. I not really sure if there is one specific subject or the group was the subject. Could have had a little more background for depth and perspective which is one of the hard things to accomplish.
My my. That’s two for two.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 9 |
| Composition and Design | 9 |
| Impact | 9 |
| Family Oriented | 10 |
| Overall Score | 9.25 – BLUE |
No Judges’ Comments.
Well, we’ve already claimed a blue on that one, so that’s three blue award winners, and this was one of the two that actually was strong enough to show up on the walls of the New England Center. I’ll take that for sure.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 8 |
| Composition and Design | 8 |
| Impact | 8 |
| Family Oriented | 10 |
| Overall Score | 8.5 – BLUE |
No Judge’s Comments.
Okay. I can live with this. This was my Arlington church-and-covered-bridge macro shot, which in hindsight doesn’t seem as strong as I would like. But I’ll take it nonetheless.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 8.5 |
| Composition and Design | 8.5 |
| Impact | 8.5 |
| Family Oriented | 10 |
| Overall Score | 8.875 – BLUE |
Judge’s Comments: Intriguing image combining past and present images. The color frames act like a time portal but in reverse.
I’ve had some success with horse racing photos at the Big E, and this one seems to add to the list.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 7.5 |
| Composition and Design | 7.5 |
| Impact | 8 |
| Family Oriented | 10 |
| Overall Score | 8.825 – RED |
No Judge’s Comments.
Ouch.
Yeah, I know. As much as I really hoped this picture would dazzle, it seems to have instead fizzled. I think this photo’s bigger problem was that without it being a lenticular capture, where you could see the star streaking across the sky, the photo has no oomph. But it was a noble experiment anyway.
| Judging Standard | Score |
| Technical | 9.5 |
| Composition and Design | 9.5 |
| Impact | 9 |
| Family Oriented | 9 |
| Overall Score | 9.25 – BLUE |
Judge’s Comments: Good composition and details in the record. Good tones, sharp. Like the image.
And the non-photo? The latch hook rug of the Woodstock, Vermont covered bridge?
Yeah, that received its own set of judges’ notes with its own set of gradients and its own set of judges’ notes.
Entries were submitted this morning.
Now I can kick back and wait for the results.
Here we go.
| Category | Maximum Points | Points Awarded | Comments |
| Workmanship | 10 | 10 | Beautifully done |
| Creativity | 9 | 10 | Truly remarkable! |
| Finishing – as Applies | 9 | 10 | Always hard to bind this backing, you did a great job! |
| Design | 8 | 10 | I wish I knew whether this is an original pattern – it’s stunning! |
| Color | 7 | 10 | Your impressionist blending of color is extraordinary! |
| Materials | 7 | 10 | Perfect choices |
| TOTAL POINTS | 50 | 60 – BLUE |
Judge’s Comments: – This is one of the largest latch pieces I’ve ever seen & it’s certainly the best. The feeling of autumn is so evocative and romantic. This piece features a wonderful play of light and the invitation to cross this beautiful old bridge. It’s got a historical and nostalgic vibe while still being super artsy and creative. The balance of color is rich & thoughtful & the flecks of lighter pastel color are a genius touch that make the whole piece pops. Really extraordinary!
Wow. You think the judge liked it?? 😀
This is what makes Competition Season so worthwhile. I challenge myself to creativity and energy. I keep refining the shot until it’s as perfect as I can make it. Then I enter it in shows and galleries and competitions to see of what I’ve created is correct. To see if I’ve achieved the diamond that was in my imagination’s forge.
Okay. We ready for Competition Season 2027??
I know I am.
