Presentation & Titles are Everything

Entering a photography competition, such as those hosted by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), is an exciting opportunity to grow as an artist and refine your craft. Recently, I submitted images to a PPSV (Professional Photographers of Sacramento Valley) competition judged by six experienced PPA judges, each evaluating entries based on the 12 Elements of a Merit Image (learn more here). While many factors contribute to a winning image, two elements consistently rise to the top: Presentation and Titling. These what might appear to be small details can make or break your submission.

Presentation: The presentation of your image, specifically the digital mat or frame, sets the stage for your work. A well chosen presentation should enhance, not distract from your image. Being subtle is key. The mat must complement the image’s color palette without overpowering it. Adding key lines or strokes can add sophistication, but they must harmonize with both the image and the mat. Choosing the right presentation is no easy task though, I often experiment with countless color combinations before settling on one that feels just right. The goal is to guide the viewer’s eye to the image itself, ensuring the presentation elevates your work without stealing the spotlight.

Title: Equally critical is the title you give your image. A title is more than a label, it’s a roadmap that guides a judge through your creative intent, highlighting the emotion, story, or focal point you want to convey. A vague or misleading title can confuse judges, minimizing the impact of even a technically strong image. Consider my recent entry, titled “Temple of Tranquility” taken of Idaho Falls. My image featured a serene waterfall with leading lines that took your eye to a temple, with a streak of light returning the viewers eye back and out of the image creating a circular flow. During the live judging, one judge remarked, “I’m not sure where to look, is it the temple or the falls that’s meant to be tranquil?” Another judge interpreted the title differently, appreciating how the falls’ tranquility led to the temple and back via the light streak, creating a cohesive visual journey. Another remarked, “what exactly is meant to be tranquil, is it the falls, the temple or the water, or all of the above.” Their feedback revealed a critical flaw: my title was too ambiguous, leaving room for misinterpretation. While my image scored an 84, a respectable but not exceptional result, the judges’ critique was invaluable. They noted technical issues, like a slightly overexposed temple and a distracting tree branch (both have since been corrected), but the title’s lack of clarity was a significant takeaway. This image will need a different and precise title before entering it into another competition. One that better directs the judges’ focus and strengthens the image’s impact.