Qualification Structure -Notes

Notes for submissions

Information on submissions for Qualification

Qualifications must conform to the following criteria:

All submissions must be accompanied by a completed application form, and the appropriate fee. Each print must have the appropriate label attached to the rear as supplied by head office. Cheques should be payable to SWPP The Qualification that you are applying for must be clearly marked on the outside of the packaging or inner packaging where applicable. Adequate packaging and return postage must be included if you require your prints to be returned. Your submission will be judged “as it is presented”, so please ensure that it is adequately and securely packed. If your entry is to be judged as a panel, an appropriate diagram should be included. Each print in the panel will also be examined in isolation. Presentation will be taken into account and the photographer is expected to have mastered the chosen effect, technique, or process that is selected. The submission should comprise examples of the member's own commissioned work, in which they themselves have made an obvious contribution to the end product, over and above the directions and services provide by third parties. Each print must be numbered on the back. Each print (excluding mount) will be a minimum of 10"x 8" in size. All prints in the submission must have been taken within the eighteen months prior to the submission date. The identity of the photographer must remain anonymous except by way of the application form. The decision of the chairman of the Panel of Judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. However, all applicants will receive a critique indicating and outlining any major failure points Failed panels may be re-submitted within six months at a reduced fee.

Image requirements for the Mentor Me Programme:
20 jpeg high res (300 dpi) aprox 10 x 8

Topics:
Freelance, Photojournalists, Weddings, Portraits, Children, Animal, Equestrian, Digital, Commercial, Fashion & Glamour, Landscape, Nature, Sport, Medical, Scientific, Press, PR, Architectural, Industrial, Forensic, Natural History, Research,

Return of prints
Second class/recorded delivery return postage must be included with the submission.

Board thickness
Board thickness may be from 1/8 inch thick to 1/2 inch thick, with the average thickness being 3/8 of an inch. This allows mounting on mount board or Fome-Cor™ materials.

Mounting
All photographs should be securely mounted to a board not to exceed 1/2 inch thickness. The entry may not be framed or boxed in any other fashion for viewing. All photographs should be securely mounted to a board.

Good Taste
All prints will be viewed by staff and judges and therefore need to offer a basic level of professionalism

Print surfaces
Glossy, matte, or canvas surfaces are allowable. The image may be printed conventionally, using photographic materials, or the print may be output digitally, using a digital output device.

Packing your prints
We highly recommends sending your prints in hard-shell print cases. These will provide the safest environment for your entries. • All prints should have a divider/separator between the boards so they do not stick together or damage each other. Foam rubber inserts make ideal print dividers.

What the Judges are looking for in your submission
The judges will base their decision on a combination of the following: creativity, impact, storytelling, technical excellence, lighting, posing, expressions, print quality and composition.

Technical aspects
Highest quality technical execution

Proper exposure for the mood and subject matter conveyed. Flawless presentation—excellent spotting, retouching and finishing technique with clean, professional mounting and matting.

Creativity
Fresh and imaginative approach to the subject matter.

Impact
Does the photograph have strong visual impact?
What elements hold the viewer’s eye within the confines of the print?

Composition and posing
Is the placement and arrangement of subject matter handled well?
Is the posing believable and flattering?
Are the fine points of the posing, hands and feet, for example, handled well?

Style
What makes this photograph different from the other entries? What makes it stand out?

Is the image uniquely different?
Does the image possess individuality and originality?

Presentation Tips
Use of creative mounting can enhance the impact of your photograph.
Matting or submount colors should enhance and modify the print image.
Print presentation should be flawless; mounting, spotting, retouching, matting, etc.

Use of creative mounting techniques can amplify the quality of your print.
Mounting and presentation techniques should never overpower your print.

Lighting
Excellent control of the lighting with full range of tones and detail throughout.

Good modeling on the subject.
Does the light create a mood?

Communication value
Does the print communicate a message or impart information in a visually interesting way.

Does the design of the image support the subject matter?

Strong story-telling statement should be apparent.

Interpretive

Print Quality

Excellent range of tones and optimal print contrast.

Colour fidelity and true color quality of skin tones.

“Unnoticeable” burning and dodging

Back to Qualifications overview

Photo Quote: The magic of photography is metaphysical. What you see in the photograph isn't what you saw at the time. The real skill of photography is organized visual lying. - Terence Donovan

Distinctions

Photography Seminars

Competitions

Qualification Structure -Notes