Have you participated in a photo contest or a monthly photo competition and wondered how the judge sorts through and assesses the images?

In this article, I am going to unveil the mystery and explain my process. Click the video link above watch me explain the process or listen to the podcast via the link at the bottom of this page.

Entering a photo competition or camera club monthly photo competition is a great way to have your work recognised. It is also a great way to receive some educated and experienced feedback from someone who does not know you.

If you only receive biased feedback from your friends and family, they will likely tell you to start selling your images at the local market. For us passionate photo enthusiasts that sounds amazing, because we want everyone else to enjoy our photos a much as we do.

As a smartphone photographer educator, I deliver presentations and workshops at camera clubs. I also have the absolute privilege of judging monthly photo competitions – either for a smartphone category or open theme. I love doing this because I too am a student of photography and analyzing images helps me to better analyse an image.

As a human, I am aware that I come with prejudices and that my assessments, interpretations and assertions are subjective. I also understand that submitting your images for assessment and review can leave you a little vulnerable.

"Mike James is an enthusiastic, energetic and passionate presenter with many years of experience using both cameras and phones. It is often hard to find good judges that can give positive and constructive comments about the images they are asked to judge."

"Mike has judged our photographic competitions in the past and his detailed comments, in jargon-free language, was well-received by all members. His comments enabled them to feel they could improve their photography in areas he highlighted. After the judging, Mike freely gave his time to talk to members individually when approached to gain further information in regard to their images"

"We arranged smartphone photography training with Mike for tourism businesses, which truly delivered on our goal of giving people simple tips and tools to help them capture more engaging professional photos using their phone."