Written by You Be the Judge – A Different Kind of Evening at Dunchurch Photographic Society
Last night’s meeting at Dunchurch Photographic Society was something a little out of the ordinary – and it proved to be one of the most engaging evenings we’ve had in a long time.
Instead of welcoming an external judge to critique members’ images, we turned the tables. The theme for the night was “You Be the Judge.” Rather than having our work assessed from the front of the room, we were divided into small groups and given a selection of external images to discuss and critique ourselves.
What followed was fascinating.
The Same Image, Completely Different Reactions
It didn’t take long to realise just how subjective photography really is. One group would be full of praise for an image – admiring the composition, the storytelling, the bold creative choices – while another group, looking at exactly the same photograph, might say they would have deleted it without a second thought.
Some members were drawn to strong technical execution. Others responded more to emotion and atmosphere. A minimalist composition that one group described as “beautifully simple” was labelled “too empty” by another. A heavily processed landscape that one table admired for its drama was considered “overdone” elsewhere.
And that was precisely the point.
The exercise highlighted how varied our tastes, experiences, and perspectives are. Every photograph is seen through the lens of our own preferences and biases. There is no single “correct” reaction.
Stepping into the Judge’s Shoes
Critiquing images ourselves also gave us a renewed appreciation for the role of a judge. It isn’t easy to articulate why something works – or doesn’t – especially when opinions in your own group differ so widely.
We found ourselves weighing up impact, originality, technical skill, composition, and emotional response. Conversations were lively, thoughtful, and at times amusingly divided. It was a wonderful opportunity to practise constructive critique in a supportive setting.
Most importantly, it reminded us that judging is not an exact science. It is interpretation.
A Valuable Reminder for Us All
Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the evening was this: when one judge doesn’t connect with our photograph, it doesn’t mean the image has failed.
As we saw so clearly last night, an image that one person dismisses may be deeply appreciated by someone else. Personal taste plays an enormous role in photography competitions and critiques. That doesn’t invalidate the feedback we receive, but it does help to put it into perspective.
It’s healthy to listen, to learn, and to reflect — but not to take every critical comment to heart.
An Enjoyable and Thought-Provoking Evening
“You Be the Judge” was a thoroughly enjoyable, thought-provoking session that sparked discussion, laughter, and plenty of debate. It encouraged us to think more deeply about what we value in photography and to appreciate the diversity of opinion within our society.
Thank you to everyone who took part so enthusiastically. It was a refreshing change of pace and a great reminder of why we enjoy coming together each week: to share, to learn, and to see the world through each other’s eyes.
We look forward to our next meeting – and to seeing what conversations it will inspire.