P3D Re: PSA judging

[boris@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Boris Starosta)]

>From: Derek Gee <73157.2172@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
...
>Why am I the only person trying to define the phrase "new ideas", which
>you [A.Blair] introduced to this thread?  Neither you or Boris has given your
>definitions of this vague phrase.  I was trying to put something
...

Here's a "new idea:" let's judge entries for their innovativeness and
artistic content!  Technical excellence should be a given - it is qualities
beyond technical excellence that should matter most among the highest
scoring images.


>A judge is not supposed to consider personal preference when judging -
>period.  ...          ...  It's fair to judge on
>stereo effect, composition, lighting, etc.  Please leave your
>personal preferences at the door when you enter the judging room.


Technical merit and artistic content are two different things.  The first
can be judged "automatically," that is, by application of rigid guidelines.
(For example, you could literally run software to judge the sharpness of a
given image.)  The latter is far more subjective, and so relies upon the
personal reaction that a judge may develop with the image - I believe a
judge cannot leave personal preferences at the door, and still be able to
judge artistic content.

My own experience with the PSA competitions, limited though it may be, has
been a disappointment overall.  And this is not just because I'm not
winning awards all the time.  On the contrary.  The thing that I seek in
competition, or even just looking at exhibitions, is a challenge - what
challenges me is seeing art that I recognize as being beyond my present
means, either because I still need to grow as an artist, or because I've
not been creative enough, or whatever.  I seek examples of artistic
novelty, challenging messages, beauty.  A few of the stereoviews honored by
the PSA Stereo Division have these qualities.  But most do not.

As I have written before in this forum, sometimes when I look at what has
won awards in the PSA, I just have to shake my head, and I wonder what were
they thinking?!   I had the same experience judging at the PSSP Salon -
during discussion of the stereo cards in particular.

I think other photographers feel as I do about the PSA competitions - that
too often the work is being judged by technicians.  Nothing can be more
discouraging to an artist who wants to present work that transcends
technical challenges.


>Actually yes, I would have your judges review either articles, or the
>PSA slide program on judging prior to your Exhibition judging.  If
>your judges are disagreeing by four and five points, there is a problem.
>I usually schedule that PSA program about every other year to refresh
>our current members and teach our new ones about the art of judging.

And this is indeed the problem.  It appears that the PSA encourages judging
heavily weighted towards technical excellence.  If the PSA wants to
encourage technicians, not artists, this is the way to do it.

>Could anyone elaborate on just what "enthusiastic, innovative and
>fresh ideas" were talking about here?  I see a need for improving

This whole thread has been about innovation.  Innovation in Salon
procedures, innovation in photography.  So far as I can tell, the PSSP is
trying something innovative by inviting persons outside of the "PSA mold"
to judge.  This may help innovative photography to receive some
recognition.

Sincerely,



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



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