Originally posted by slowpez I just got one accepted and I honestly don't know why after reading the comments
@ slowpez
Sorry if the process was traumatic and left you feeling somewhat dissatisfied. I don't believe it should be anything other than a pleasant experience, whether the image is accepted or not. All ratings and comments should be fair, even if they are not exactly what you want to hear. They should agree with one another as well. At a minimum you should learn from the comments what the judges thought was wrong with your submission and the reasons why it got the rating score it did. Even if you do not personally agree with those comments or ratings. Criticism of the submitted photograph, even if harsh, is permissible if it is fair. Criticism of the photographer is, for me, always totally unacceptable.
I remember your owl picture - it was excellent although the focus on one side was a little softer than on the other. That did not detract from the overall image as the real subject was not the entire owl, but its eye.
Overall images should be judged purely on the categories of technique, composition and the originality/creativity = artistic appeal.
You have outlined some of the comments from what appears to be six judges. If that is what their comments said, then I fully understand your feelings.
Obviously a majority of the judges thought your image rated highly enough for it to be accepted. That's great because it was a very good image and you are to be congratulated for taking and submitting it. Well done!
What I would really like to know is:-
> How many judges in total rated your owl photograph?
> What the average scores were by category?
> What the lowest and highest scores were by category?
> Were the comments, in your opinion, generally in line with the scores given?
> How many judge's comments & ratings seemed (to you) fair, reasonable and helpful?
> How many judges gave their name, and do you prefer this or not?
I know its asking you to take some time to answer these questions, but this information may just help to put into perspective some of the judging problems.
Thanks.