The Twelve Elements Of A Merit Image

What are these Twelve Elements? Where can you find them? And most of all, what do they mean?

If you’re new to image competition, this can be overwhelming, after all, how do the judges judge and based on what? That's why PPA has the Twelve Elements of a Merit Image. 

It has been long wondered and argued if the Elements are in order of importance, but Lisa Dillon, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, and Bryan Welsh, Cr.Photog, wrote an article about them for PPA that you can still find on PPA's website. In this article it was said, that "Impact is often touted as the most important element of all, but you can’t really separate impact out as separate element. Impact is what you get when all the other elements are working together in concert. For us, impact is a result rather than an independent element."

"So rather than looking at the elements as a linear catalog or a checklist, our brains saw them as more of a constellation of interconnected elements with some in a slightly more subordinate position and others in a more prominent position, but all working together to create impact. We created this mind map to explain how we see these elements working together, assembled in logical groupings." The above image for this post was also created by Lisa and Bryan. 

We hope this helps you as you analyze your own images and prepare for Image Competition. 

The Twelve Elements are:

1. Impact-most important-does it hold your attention

Viewing an image for the first time always evokes some kind of feeling. Sometimes they can make us sad, happy or angry. Sometimes they force us to look inward at ourselves. That’s called an impact, and the more powerful the image, the more powerful the emotional response of the viewer.

•         Titles can make or break image.
•         Choice of subject matter

2. Technical Excellence

This is the print quality of the actual image itself as it’s presented for viewing. There are a lot of aspects that speak to the qualities of the physical print. These can include:

• Retouching Manipulation Sharpness Exposure Printing Mounting Color correction
• Is color correct? Image density correct?
• Do you notice artifacts? Do you see Cloning?
• Has image been oversharpened?
• Keeping details in shadows and highlights

3. Creativity

Your point of view is exactly that– yours. And it’s unlike anyone else’s. This element speaks directly to that perspective. It shows your imagination and how you used the medium to convey an idea, a message or a thought to the viewer. This is how you differentiate yourself from others.

4. Style

There are many, many ways to apply this element to your work. Maybe you use light in a specific way on a subject, or maybe you make a technical decision for the express purpose of underscoring desired impact. When subject matter and style come together in an appropriate manner, the effects on an image can be spectacular. But remember, when subject matter and style don’t work together, the results can be, well, less-than-spectacular.

•         Separate one’s images from others
•         Emulate the style of the Renaissance, impressionism, realism and so on
•         Personalize your own images

5. Composition

When all the visual elements of an image come together to express intent, that’s when the magic of composition happens. Good composition captures a viewer’s attention and directs it where you, the artist, want it to be. Depending on your intent, you can make something that pleases the viewer– or disturbs them.

•         Composition
•         Horizontal and vertical line
•         Watch horizon lines
•         Rhythm and symmetry
•         Image presentation
•         Can image stand on its own

6. Presentation

How you showcase an image is just as important as how you compose it. Everything in the presentation should work to enhance your image and not distract from it. Keep this in mind when choosing mats, borders and everything in between.   

•         Does stroke over power the image
•         Can image be improved by changing presentation?
•         Be careful about mount enhancements

7. Color Balance

Proper color balance can bring a sense of harmony to an image. When the tones all work together to support an image, the emotional appeal is that much greater. But color balance doesn’t have to be used to bring harmony to an image. You can use color balance to evoke any number of feelings from a viewer. The choice in how to take advantage is entirely up to you, but no matter what, be sure your choice enhances rather than distracts. 

•         Color harmony
•         Skin tone
•         Color accuracy
•         Color accents

8. Center of Interest

This is where an image’s creator wants a viewer’s attention focused. Sometimes there can be a primary and a secondary center of interest. Sometimes everything in an image will work together to create that center of interest.

•         Leading lines
•         Creative design
•         Eliminate distractions

9. Lighting

The use and control of light has an effect on every aspect of an image. It informs dimensions and shape, it sets tone and mood, and, like every other technique, proper lighting can be used to enhance your image while improper lighting can detract from it.

•         Create mood
•         Direction
•         Dimension and shape
•         Emotion
•         Tension

10. Subject Matter

Even though it lacks words, your image is still telling a story, and your subject matter is central to that. So make sure that your subject matter is right for the story that you’re trying to tell.

•         Be clear and esily interpreted
•         Subject should correlate to its surroundings
•         There should not be more than one subject or subjects will conflict

11. Technique

How you choose to execute your image is key. It’s also a holistic decision. Technique informs everything in the creation of your image. From lighting and posing to printing and presentation, it all works to show off the techniques that you’ve mastered and applied to your craft.

•         Foundation of photography
•         Art principles are very important

12. Story Telling

What does your image evoke in a viewer’s imagination? What do you want your image to evoke in a viewer’s imagination? Keep in mind: You are creating art. And while the act of creating is a personal thing, so too is the act of viewing. Your image is a story, and the one it tells your viewer may be one you never knew you were telling. 

•         Image should tell a story
•         The story should be easy to read
•         Your title can make or break your story