How Photography Contests Are Judged—and What Actually Makes a Winning Image

Every year, photography contests invite hundreds of images. And every year, photographers quietly wonder the same thing:

“What are the judges really looking for?”

As a judge for the Edgar G. Mueller Photo Contest, I can’t tell you what a winning photograph will look like—and that’s exactly the point. Winning images aren’t predictable. But the process behind judging them is far more consistent than most people realize.

This article isn’t about formulas or tricks. It’s about helping you understand how judges see, why certain images rise to the top, and how you can make stronger photographs—whether or not you ever enter a contest.

How the Judging Process Works

In this contest, three photographers serve as judges. We begin by reviewing all entries to get a broad sense of the field. Then we score each image individually—typically on a 1–10 scale, sometimes using decimals.

Color and black-and-white images are judged separately.

After individual scoring, the results are combined anonymously. The highest-scoring images advance to a final round, where we discuss and rank the top photographs together.

This last step takes the most time—and generates the most conversation. Judges don’t always agree, and that’s a good thing. Each brings a different background, aesthetic, and sensitivity to the table. The discussion often clarifies why an image works, not just that it does.

Why Many Images Are Eliminated Quickly

One thing surprises photographers every year: how fast some images are dismissed.

This isn’t arrogance. It’s experience.

Roughly a third of entries fall into what we might call snapshots—images with little control over light, composition, timing, or exposure. Obvious on-camera flash, cluttered backgrounds, awkward framing, or purely accidental moments tend to land here.

These images aren’t “bad.” They’re just undeveloped.

Judges have seen thousands of photographs. We’ve seen sunsets, lighthouses, pets, children looking at the camera, flowers shot straight-on. Familiar subjects aren’t disqualifying—but familiarity without intention rarely holds attention.

The Middle Ground: Competent but Common

Most entries land in the middle.

These photographs are usually well exposed and reasonably composed. They meet basic technical standards. You might see close-ups of insects, patterns, textures, landscapes, or still lifes executed competently.

What’s missing isn’t skill—it’s distinction.

These images don’t advance the idea. They don’t push light, mood, or storytelling far enough to stand out from similar work done better elsewhere.

In contests, good is rarely good enough.

What Separates the Top Images

The highest-rated photographs share a few consistent traits, even when their subjects differ:

• Intentional light

• Clear subject hierarchy

• Controlled exposure and tone

• Purposeful composition

• Emotional or visual resonance

Sometimes these images explore common subjects—but elevate them through exceptional light or timing. Other times they make us stop, look again, and ask questions.

They feel considered.

Whether or not the photographer planned every detail consciously, the image shows control rather than chance.

A Common Surprise Among Winners

One interesting observation from contest receptions: many winning photographers say they “just saw something and took the photo.”

That’s not a contradiction.

Good photographs often start with emotional engagement. But the strongest images usually go one step further—through technical understanding, patience, or refinement.

You don’t have to overthink photography.But learning to take control gives you better odds when the moment appears.

What Judges Are Really Responding To

Judges don’t look for gimmicks or formulas. We look for evidence that the photographer understands photography as a craft.

That includes:

• Light as a storytelling tool

• Exposure as a creative choice

• Composition as emphasis, not decoration

• Mood, color, tone, and restraint

Perfect exposure alone isn’t impressive to professionals—it’s expected. What matters is why those decisions were made.

Add or Subtract?

One theme comes up repeatedly during judging discussions:

If something doesn’t add to the photograph, it detracts from it.

Strong images are edited visually before the shutter is pressed. They’re built through selection and subtraction—like sculpture.

Every element should earn its place.

Subject Still Matters

No amount of technique can rescue an uninteresting subject.

Photography educator Scott Kelby once illustrated this with two identical studio photographs of cheeseburgers. Same lighting. Same background. Same technique.

One was plain. The other was fully dressed.

The more interesting subject won—every time.

Technique supports subject. It doesn’t replace it.

Portraits, Landscapes, and Expectations

Judges evaluate images within their category context.

Portraits are compared against classical and contemporary portrait standards. Landscapes are judged by how well light, depth, and composition are handled—not by how famous the location is.

Being in a great place with great light doesn’t guarantee a great photograph. Without control, it still becomes a snapshot.

Practice With Purpose

Better photography comes from learning, repetition, and intentional practice.

Images that advance in contests usually demonstrate:

• Understanding of fundamentals

• Conscious decision-making

• Consistency across multiple elements

Even if a photograph wasn’t crafted entirely on purpose, learning to recognize why it works helps you repeat success instead of relying on luck.

Final Thoughts on Winning Photography Contests

There is no checklist for a winning photograph—and that’s good news.

Strong images communicate their reason for existing. They show us something familiar in a way that feels considered, controlled, or emotionally true.

Contests don’t reward expensive gear or clever tricks. They reward photographers who understand light, subject, and intent—and who use technique to serve vision.

That’s not just how contests are judged.

It’s how meaningful photography is made.