We're Judging You

Okay, it's not realllly like that. We were judging a print competition at the Baltimore Camera Club. 

Photos from this event were shot by our assistant, Jess. :)

2014 marks our sixth year serving as guest judges for the Club, and this time the talent proved to be quite fantastic, as always! Nathaniel & I judged four sets of prints: Novice Monochrome (black & white); Novice Color; Unlimited Monochrome and Unlimited Color. We had favorites, as did the third judge, who is a Service Photo employee in Hampden. There were ties for first, second and third almost every time!

As usual, the judging was done in a darkened room where the only light is from the area displaying the photographs. Judges do not talk to each other; instead, we voted silently using and electronic button attached to a score-keeping box. Images were awarded first through fifth places, and there was one honorable mention. 

Here Nathaniel is awarding someone 1 point. 

After each category, judges were allowed to give feedback to the winners. There were many examples of exceptional creativity, technical skill and innovative composition. In fact, I had to track one of the winners down - his image of a cat in a windowsill was so original, I have to have a print of it! Sorry, we can't share it here, that image doesn't belong to us ~ but here is link of the winners - the 1st place Monochrome Novice - that's the one!!!

That's Nathaniel and I in the middle. 

The Club has been around since 1884 and is the oldest Camera Club in the United States today. They embrace all photographers - from absolute beginner to seasoned expert and offer something for everyone. Meetings are free to attend, however to enter competitions or attend lectures, there is a $50.00 membership fee per year. It's a steal, really! Check out  upcoming programs on their website schedule. Noted landscape photographer Marc Muech will be presenting to their group on March 15th - worth attending for those into landscape subject matter!  

The Baltimore Camera Club meets every Thursday at Mount Washington United Methodist Church, 5800 Cottonworth Ave. Baltimore MD 21209. It's just near the Whole Foods in Mt. Washington and there's plenty of free parking.

We love the Baltimore Camera Club - it's exciting to see the passion other photographers have for our art form and encourage them to grow and keep learning more of their craft.

Thanks for having us back! ~ Rissa