Photo Essays - 4Cs Competition Procedures and Judging Guidelines

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The following is an email interview conducted between Steve Young (questions in bold print) and Bruce Bittle, 2005-2006 Chair of the 4Cs Presentation Division. The interview was conducted on January 27, 2006.

What are the deadlines for slide show competition entries?

I'll send out entry forms in May announcing the competition dates. The dates are usually the second or third weekend in August. Competition is held at the Community Center in King City, which is just south of Portland. You can work on a show right up until "show time."

What judging criteria are used by 4Cs judges who judge the slide shows?

Time length guidelines that our club follows are presented on the 4Cs web site at (http://www.columbiacouncil.com/competion/05-06comp/present.htm.

Common sense prevails for most judges for slide show competition. The main points that judges will be looking for are continuity, unobtrusive or not jarring transitions, logical sequences, good choice of music or narration and quality of photography.

I always try to find three judges who have had some experience putting shows together. They all will come from different clubs, usually from the Portland area.

We always allow set-up time of about 15 or 20 minutes between shows. This makes for a relaxed competition and it's always fun for everyone who shows up. Also, each judge takes about that long to make detailed comments about each show. In fact I've said that this competition gives competitors more feedback than any other 4Cs competition. Copies of each critique sheet from each judge are made available to each competitor. From this you'll learn exactly what each one liked and/or thought need help.

If a member wants music or narration to accompany a traditional slide show, how does the member provide the music to the 4Cs? How is the timing of the music/narration guaranteed during the judging?

Each competitor is responsible for all equipment needed for their show. A PA system is available if your equipment has a jack to accommodate it. To be on the safe side, most of the shows use a portable sound system like a boom box or similar. Timing of narration and music is usually preset by each presenter either on a synchronized tape or the like.

In what format should digital shows be presented? What is the optimum image size, dpi, and color space?

I instituted a digital category a couple of years ago anticipating the need, but we've yet to have two digital shows show up in the same time category. I'd say if your show looks good to you when you project it onto a normal sized screen (the one at King City is about 10 ft.) then you're set for competition.

Thanks, Bruce!

You're welcome! I'm glad you're interested, and look forward to seeing you at this years event.