Criteria for Judging
A thorough understanding of technique, composition and basic aesthetics are paramount to the proper reading of a photograph. All photographs have merit and the judge as evaluator has the responsibility to acquaint him or herself with as much work as possible through the studying of monographs, historical dissertations on the art of photography and frequent visits to exhibitions of all calibers. It is only through much looking that a person can learn to see through the shortcomings and appreciate the merits, whether they be technical or aesthetic.
The ‘judge’ should develop the talent to instantly read and elaborate his or her personal interpretation, clearly and with full justification. A good judge may need to spend hours in front of a mirror or before a receptive audience, practicing his or her technique to perfection. It does no justice to a group of artists, be they novices or professionals, to be anything less.
Biography
Clarence has been a member of several camera clubs in the Washington area as well as a member of ASMP and MPPA and was President of the Greater Washington Council of Camera Clubs for two years. He served on the board of the Maryland Federation of Art for thirteen years and was President for one. He holds a BFA from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in Fine Art Photography and has taught at Howard Community College and served as technical advisor at the college for 6 years. He has been a teaching assistant for John Sexton with whom he has studied extensively. He has been Adobe certified to teach Photoshop and has co-authored “Fifty Fast Photoshop Techniques”. He is Founder of the Maryland Photographic Alliance and has facilitated monthly critique sessions for that group since 1991. His byline has appeared in The Civil War News for the past 10 years. His recent book The National Road …a photographic journey is available from Amazon.com.