Course Details
There are 3 units of training in the APJA Syllabus.
To apply to join the VAPS Judges Directory, you must have completed:
- Introduction to Judging and Image Evaluation
- CORE Training
- Advanced Judges’ Training
To continue your professional development, we recommend you repeat Advanced Training at least every 2 years.
Introduction to Photographic Judging and Image Evaluation
The Introduction to Judging is a 6 hour course conducted over 3 nights. The course is designed to teach why and how to evaluate images, as well as understanding the role of a judge. We discuss topics such as composition, aesthetics and how to provide feedback. We will also cover the role of the Clubs and how to work with them.
This is a practical workshop where you will be given homework and participate in image critique. The course is suitable for club photographers wanting to improve their understanding of image critiquing and those who would like to begin judges training.
Core Training
Recommended prerequisites: Introduction to Judging, Panel Judging or Image Evaluation.
Core Training is a 6 hour course conducted over 3 evenings.
The course will further your development in club photography judging and give you the skills required to present your evaluations.
Topics covered include:
- Composition including art elements, design principles and art concepts.
- Various judging methods.
- Effective presentation skills.
- Giving feedback - including critiques & coaching
- The various scoring systems used in club judging.
- Competition definitions.
The practical components and homework are designed to give you practice in evaluating images, composing your comments and presenting them to an audience.
This course will prepare you for the Advanced Training unit.
Advanced Training
Recommended prerequisite is Core Training
Advanced Training unit is a 4 hour course conducted over 2 evenings. The purpose of the course is to continue the professional development and education of judges.
Topics in this course change each year, below is an example.
The topics covered may include:
- Judging of different photographic genres - note that these will change each year
- Aspects of Aesthetics.
- Topics such as :
- bias
- coaching while giving feedback
- issues that are raised within the Judging community e.g. AI in photography
Mentor Program
Graduates from Core Training will be encouraged to further their understanding and confidence in judging by working with a Mentor.
Mentoring is when a Novice judge works alongside an experienced judge. If you need assistance finding a Mentor, the Training Committee can help liaise with one on your behalf.
Working with a Mentor may include the following:
- Assist with preparing notes for a club competition.
- The Mentor can ask the Novice to attend or assist on a judging night.
- Provide feedback and recommendations as required to ensure Novice has the confidence to develop further.
