Guidelines for SKPA Accreditation Judges

Judging Standards and Criteria for Passing
Special Kids Photography of America Accreditation

  • The four submitted images are judged as a body of work by 4 separate judges in diverse locations

  • Images should be prepared and submitted as for a client

  • Each submitted image must be of a different child or at least taken in different years

  • Submissions must be made on the two-page SKPA Photo Submission Form with directions carefully followed

  • Prints must be client-ready, printed as 8x10 images, accompanied by printed entry form

  • Copies of prints and entry form must be titled with requested information and entry form must be included as a .doc file

  • Exemplary images by previously accredited photographers

Careful attention must be given to photographic industry standards

  • Proper Exposure

  • Lighting

  • Accurate Focus

  • Composition

  • General Technical Excellence

Other considerations

  • Impact

  • Creativity

  • Center of Interest

  • Story Telling   

  • Consideration of the child’s ability or disability

Scoring

1 - Unacceptable (below industry standards for attention to above points)
2 - Below average (almost there, but needs improvement)
3 - Average (may be saleable to the family, but could have shown greater photographic skill level)
4 - Above average
5 - Excellent

Criteria for Passing

  • Three out of the four submitted images must pass on each form returned by each of the four judges

  • A score of 3 or above on three out of four images (75%) on a single form must be achieved to pass

  • To achieve full accreditation, a score of 4 from each judge must be achieved on at least one image in the set of 4
     

  • 75% of the judges must reflect the above criteria
    This "flexible" structure has been created, because the judges are not a "panel" sitting together
    to evaluate the images. In addition, the judges, although all professional photographers, have different
    backgrounds and varied areas of expertise as well as individual preferences. Nevertheless, they
    are all well-schooled in photographic technique and are able to judge according to the industry
    standards listed above.

    Here is a page from the PowerPoint presentation created by Charles Foster for illustration. As a note,
    the third image in the row might be rated "3" because the parents might like it, but the quality of the
    "set" with pillows showing is not well thought out; a simple covering of a blanket or small drape would have helped.

  • If any judge feels strongly about their opinion, objection should be stated in writing and returned to the administrator. 
    The administrator should be given charge to weigh all comments and make a decision base of the information given. 
    The administrator may call judges to aid in the decision but the administrator decision is final.

  • 50% or above is considered "Near Passing"
    If applicant is advised that half of their photos passed review by the judges, he/she may submit two news photos as replacements. The new images must each receive a score of 3 or more by the judges.