Dear Members,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our recent discussion regarding judgings and provide some additional information and clarifications.
Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to all the members who shared their concerns and feedback regarding the judging process. Your input has been invaluable, and we appreciate your engagement in helping us improve the fairness and transparency of our competitions.
During our committee meeting, we carefully considered all the feedback received. To ensure that our monthly aggregate competition remains fair for all members, we have decided to implement a process that involves individually assessing the profiles of members who come close to the threshold for moving up a grade at the end of the year. This approach aims to identify those who have consistently demonstrated the skills and abilities required for advancement. We previously undertook a similar process at the end of 2022, which resulted in six additional members moving up a grade based on their overall performance throughout the year.
This assessment process also grants the committee greater flexibility in cases where there are multiple judgings throughout the year that do not meet the standards outlined in the TPS Judges Handbook. It ensures that the decisions regarding grade advancement are based on a comprehensive evaluation of a member’s body of work.
To clarify the current thresholds for moving between grades, please note the following:
Moving from B Grade to A Grade requires a score of 55% of the maximum obtainable score (66 points).
Moving from A Grade to Salon Grade requires a score of 60% of the maximum obtainable score (72 points).
The maximum obtainable score for 2023 is 120.
These thresholds are meant to provide a clear guideline for progression and maintain a fair and consistent standard across all grades.
Lastly, I want to reiterate that we highly value your contributions to our photographic society. We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages creativity, growth, and learning. I encourage each and every one of you to continue exploring your passion for photography, pushing your boundaries, and striving for that “perfect photo.”
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
Best regards,
Travis Lord – President
