As someone who has judged a few local photo shows, I heard complaints here about judges who use their own judgements (or preferences) and those who put aside those preferences and judge accord to "rules" of composition, etc. Seems like a judge can't win no matter how s/he bases her/his decisions!

Artists who get accepted into shows -- especially those who win awards -- rarely complain or critize the judge!


PS...Have pity on the poor soul who enters a photo based on the work I do! I am harder on them as I know the most about that type of work! And have pity on the artists of whom I know a lot about their work -- they will be judged based on how well the entered piece excels the work they have done in the past!