P3D PSA Salon judging - Detroit

[boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Boris Starosta)]

Derek Gee responds to Andrea Blair's suggetion that using new and unproven
judges may not be a bad idea:

>From: Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
...
>At the DSS, we like new ideas, we just don't believe that a prestigious
>International Salon is the place to be debating them.  These things need

I can't help but read this as "we just don't believe that a prestigious
International Salon is the place to be judging them [new ideas]."

I'm not sure who in the Potomac Society of Stereo Photographers (PSSP)
suggested that I be asked to judge at this year's Potomac Salon, but I am
sure it was not based on my experience judging.  Instead, my apparent
accomplishments as an artist were a factor.

My own experience at the judging compels me to join this little thread.
Although I cannot vouch for other inexperienced judges, or for the Salons
that have chosen to deal with them, I can say that my inexperience in
judging caused me no trouble - at least not where I (or Mr. Gee) expected
it.

To my surprise, I had no trouble with making the "critical distinctions
between first and second place entries in a field crowded with
distinction."  My biggest problem was with being in almost complete
disagreement with my fellow judges on what I thought were some of the most
creative stereo views.  Indeed, despite my best efforts (read: arguing with
the judges), stereoviews that I strongly felt deserving of high awards did
not get them - indeed, some of the best views were not even accepted!

Two things that should be considered here:

1.  Despite my voting, which in retrospect was often contrary to the
"experienced wisdom" of the other two judges, I don't believe that the
Salon results were very much influenced by my apparently "new
interpretations."  In other words, I doubt a novice judge could do much
damage.

2.  If new ideas _are_ to be judged well in International Salons, you've
got to take a chance on some younger judges who are active in the arts.  My
guess is that precious few of these will qualify as "experienced" under Mr.
Gee's criteria.  (That's because they have careers and families, and what
little time they have left for art, they will not spend on club activities
such as judging - or even competing.  Instead, they prefer to create new
art.)

I believe it is to the credit of the PSSP, that they will take the chance
on an inexperienced judge - in this way furthering the rejuvenation of this
venerable art of stereo photography.

Respectfully submitted,




Boris Starosta            boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx
                          http://www.starosta.com
usa 804 979 3930          http://www.starosta.com/3dshowcase



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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 3133
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