By entering your images in this competition, you are giving permission for any winning images to be posted on the PVCC webpage, Facebook or Instagram page for all to enjoy. If you would prefer not to have your winning images shared on the internet, please email us at pvcccontest@gmail.com to request they not be shared.
You should receive a confirmation email from the competition account saying “Thank you for your email to pvcccontest”.
August Judge: Arik Gorban
Arik Gorban - Bio
Arik is a photographer and photography instructor who focuses on the creative aspects of the photographic art form. His experience covers the complete photographic process, including analog photography, darkroom work, and extensive digital imaging.
He frequently conducts photo critique sessions for groups and individuals, judges photo contests, including PSA Year-End competitions, and juried exhibitions, presents photography programs in the USA and internationally, conducts workshops, exhibits his fine-art photography, publishes articles, and photographs events. Arik also conducts PSA webinars.
Arik is an FAA-certified Part 107 Drone Pilot.
Website: www.agphotoworks.com
Online Portfolio: https://agorban.myportfolio.com/
Judging Credentials:
Frequent camera club competition judge, since 1996. Judged multiple international salons hosted by the Ridgewood Camera Club and the New Jersey Photography Forum.
Judged multiple juried photography exhibits for the Guild of Creative Art in Shrewsbury, NJ and Hamilton Street Gallery in Bound Brook, NJ.
Attended PSA judges training.
Frequent judge for PSA club competitions.
One of three judges of the PSA Year-End Mono competition in 2024 and Year-End Color competition in 2025.
Photo Critique
My evaluation goes beyond the technical aspects and composition. Storytelling, visual and emotional impact, use of light, unique and creative approach, and personal expression are all considered in the evaluation. In a pictorial evaluation, I'm not looking at the picture from a purist point of view. Creative approaches and techniques in setting up the scene, capturing the photograph, or post processing are appreciated.
For example, my evaluation will consider the following:
Subject Matter – Is the picture engaging? Does it have impact? Is the picture aesthetically pleasant to look at? Does it tell a story?
Composition - Does the composition lead you to the subject? Does the arrangement of the key elements enhance the image? Did the photographer break the rules creatively to add impact to the image?
Technical Aspects – Are the focus, exposure, tonal range, colors, lighting, and other technical characteristics handled creatively for the picture? Is the final presentation (digital or print) handled well (E.g., high quality print, no dust spots, good tones and colors, proper post processing)
Creativity and Style - Is the picture interesting? Does it show some new ideas?