Notes from an IPA Juror – July 2021

Observations on being a Juror for IPA, and General Advice for Awards & Contest Submissions 

I have had the honor and privilege to be a juror for IPA (International Photography Awards) for a few years now. And, after reviewing hundreds of entries and thousands of images, certain qualities have stuck out for me, both good and bad, so I wanted to share some of them with you.

Brian Hodges – Odilo Lawiny – Handmade Soccer Balls – IPA 2020

As a juror, you are by yourself, and you go with what speaks to you. Sometimes I wonder if the other jurors are raving about the same work as me, or am I the only one? Last year, I was right on the money when it came to my favorite portrait series by Brian Hodges. Apparently, everyone else loved it too because he won his category! But why did Brian win? What was it about his particular series that impressed so many of us? What makes a successful series?

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