How to hold a photo show - Judging the show

The first day of judging is here. After incorporating any last minute entries, you're ready to judge. (Depending on the show rules, entries received after judging has begun may be returned unopened or incorporated into unjudged classes.)

Judging a class

This is how I have judged classes in photo shows. If some other method works for you and fits into the show rules go for it.

First, take the photos for the class and count them (back side out), confirming the class number on each photo (and that the proper breed or whatever entered; perhaps a photo for a Thoroughbred got stuck into the Arabian class by number as an old class number was written on the photo). Record the number of photos in the class (for results).

Next, lay out all the photos in the class on the judging surface.

If judging a "mixed" class (more than one breed or performance activity), grouping the "likes" together and judging them individually and then comparing the "best" of one type versus the "best" of other type(s) for final placing.

If there are more entries that table space, lay out as many as will comfortably fit. Then you can judge a row, column or whatever and order them, stacking them up and then laying out more photos in the now empty places. Once all photos are in piles, each stack can be compared to determine final placing.

Once a class is judged, record the results. (I often judge right next to the computer and immediately type in the class results.)

Finally, sort through the photos for their next class (if any). If it's their last class, sort by owner. If running a show train, leave the photos in their last class for the next judge.

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