judges' picks, scores and remarks on the first photo challenge

Judge No. 1


3rd pick : Entry 20 - Janeth Nitoral

Quality (Technical) - 30/40
Originality (Theme) - 30/40
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 75/100
These ornaments are one of the common symbols of the season and are one of the most photographed subjects in Christmas pictures.
This photo is a balance of technicality and fair adaptation to the theme. A simple play of composition and lighting, it gives off a warm glow and feel to the viewers. Message-wise, this picture says only one thing, "It's Christmas!"

2nd pick : Entry 38 - Paeng Balen

Quality (Technical) - 27/40
Originality (Theme) - 40/40
Overall Impression - 13/20
TOTAL - 80/100
Whatever this photo lacks in technicality, it makes-up with a strong message and adaptation to the contest theme. I don't read the photographer's comments in order to understand the picture. By just looking at the photo, you can read a message loud enough that your thoughts begin to write stories about it. The picture speaks for itself.

1st pick : Entry 22 - Leo Dela Rosa

Quality (Technical) - 35/40
Originality (Theme) - 30/40
Overall Impression - 18/20
TOTAL - 83/100
This photo gives you a potent combination of technical know-how and adaptation to the theme. A skillfully crafted photo, a play of lights, and a touch of Christmas spirit makes this entry my top pick.


Judge No. 2


3rd pick : Entry 16 - Joseph Nocom

Quality (Technical) - 15/40
Originality (Theme) - 40/40
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL - 75/100
I like how he made an effort to make such a scene on the image, I mean it's like one of those image that you will see on local and foreign magazines which REALLY explains its title. I like it because I really appreciate how he had thought of the idea. Creative. Definitely not technical but CLEAR.

2nd pick : Entry 34 - Edmund Chan

Quality (Technical) - 40/40
Originality (Theme) - 20/40
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL - 80/100
Definitely a technical one. Long exposure. I like how he combined technicality and theme. Even though the theme's weight on the image is not too much I'm still glad he was able to deliver it. And i think there are only two techncal shots on the entries.

1st pick : Entry 13 - Lourdes Inosanto

Quality (Technical) - 40/40
Originality (Theme) - 40/40
Overall Impression - 18/20
TOTAL - 98/100
A wow for me. this image can win on different themes, generic if i may say so. But i like the peaceful and warmth feeling of this shot. IT IS VERY SIMPLE but definitely striking. And I am not sure if the photographer herself is aware of that what she made was a technical shot. I like the warm rim light that hugged the skin of the kid. the rim light which gave detail to the shadow of the subject and the perfect exposure on the candle, she captured the perfect shape of the candle, the shot is like serenity and peace,which i think perfectly describes Christmas.


Judge No. 3


3rd pick : Entry 20 - Janeth Nitoral

Quality (Technical) - 30/40
Originality (Theme) - 35/40
Overall Impression - 16/20
TOTAL - 81/100
Her photo is really common but somewhat bluesy .. what sets it apart is the darkness that evokes.. some sort of longing for something..


2nd pick : Entry no. 34 - Edmund Chan

Quality (Technical) - 35/40
Originality (Theme) - 35/40
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 85/100
Just for the sheer technicality of the shot and for a Christmas theme, his is a concept of his own and I admire that.

1st pick : Entry 22 - Leo Dela Rosa

Quality (Technical) - 35/40
Originality (Theme) - 35/40
Overall Impression - 20/20
TOTAL - 90/100
His photo is well balanced and technical. Even the colors and the exposure is spot-on.


Judge No. 4


3rd pick: Entry 18 - Wilz Dida

Quality (Technical) - 38/40
Originality (Theme) - 35/40
Overall Impression - 16/20
TOTAL - 89/100
Very nice color and composition, provides plenty of visual interest. Original in the use of the types of ornaments used, although the use of tree ornaments in general not very original. Visually nice but lacking a clear point.

2nd pick: Entry 8 - Nada Stambuk

Quality (Technical) - 37/40
Originality (Theme) - 38/40
Overall Impression - 15/20
TOTAL - 90/100
I enjoyed the composition but thought the colors were somewhat subdued. The birds looking skyward brought in the universality of the season.

1st pick: Entry 38 - Paeng Balen

Quality (Technical) - 37/40
Originality (Theme) - 38/40
Overall Impression - 19/20
TOTAL - 94/100
Nice composition. The combination of the subdued colors of the window sill and thatched roof contrasted with the bright green star add to the message. The child's expression of concern really makes the point, what will her Christmas bring?

Judge No. 5

3rd pick : Entry 8 - Nada Stambuk

Quality (Technical) - 38/40

Originality (Theme) - 37/40

Overall Impression - 14/20

TOTAL - 89/100

Definitely Christmas and the birds giving a subtle and deeper meaning to the piece. The overall look, however, just doesn't create that much impact to move people.

2nd pick : Entry 38 - Paeng Balen

Quality (Technical) - 35/40

Originality (Theme) - 39/40

Overall Impression - 19/20

TOTAL - 93/100

A painful imagery of the uncertainty in the poor child's eye looking for hope at Christmas time - very strong imagery that speaks volumes that people can relate to especially in today's trying times. 

1st pick : Entry 22 - Leo Dela Rosa

Quality (Technical) - 40/40

Originality (Theme) - 35/40

Overall Impression - 20/20

TOTAL - 95/100

Although not as deep in interpreting the photo-challenge theme - this is Christmas with an exclamation point! Very few technically well-crafted photos are as equally visually appealing - this is a combination of both!

dp+ pick judges (not exactly in their respective order):

Gina Villanueva Uyan

Benjax Rivera

Omar Jordan de Guzman

Juanito Vinluan

Matthew Matchinsky