System for Judging Photographic Images on an Aquatic Theme
Devised by Brian Risbridger.

Editor's note: Brian came up with this system long before digital photography, even this revised system pre-dates the common use of digital. For this reason, one minor revision has be made and that is to place digital in with transparencies.

Prints are judged over a 100 point system, divided into 5, 20 point sections as follows:

Transparencies & Digital Images are judged over a 100 point system, divided into 4, 25 point sections as follows:

Subject and Interest
In this section the aquatic appeal of a wide range of images is assessed. It is hard not to include Composition and Clarity in this assessment as both of these add to the overall impression. However, it is the image’s impact that counts and the highest points must go to the exhibit that holds the viewer's interest by virtue of its impact.
Composition
Composition is the balance between the subject, its surroundings and way these fit within the boundaries of the photograph. There are no hard-and-fast rules governing composition because of the wide range of subjects portrayed. It is best to take each exhibit on its own merits and look out for compositional errors such as poorer framing and annoying distractions.
Clarity
Clarity requires that the main subject is pin-sharp, crisp and stands out well from its surroundings. Points are deducted where the subject and its surroundings are muddled or ill defined.
Technical Difficulty
Technical Difficulty expresses an appreciation of the problems facing the photographer when capturing the image. Successfully overcoming the difficulties of photographing very small, shy or fast moving subjects in awkward positions must be rewarded with higher marks by the judge. Problems encountered with reflections, uneven lighting and distortions when photographing large fish and furnished aquaria must be taken into account also.
Presentation
Presentation rewards the effort taken by the exhibitors in displaying their print. Prints mounted squarely and pleasingly on a pristine board should gain highest marks, while those presented with little thought to aesthetics the lowest. Transparencies are not pointed for presentation because they use commercial mounts.