Three Lessons I Learned from the Kitchener Public Library Photography Contest

I recently had the privilege of judging the Kitchener Public Library's amateur photography contest, specifically the "People" category. Witnessing the creativity and talent within our community was an incredible experience. Judging this contest wasn’t just about picking a winner—it was a learning experience that deepened my understanding of photography and storytelling.

Kitchener Public Library 2023 by LOF Photography

Here are a few lessons I learned during the process:

Storytelling Is Everything
An impactful photo in the "People" category doesn’t just capture a person—it captures a narrative and questions that you might want to ask the audience and the photographer. Whether it’s a unique expression, a candid moment, or the interaction between the subject and how the composition complements each other, the best images made me pause and imagine the story that transpires to the final image.

Technical Mastery Enhances Emotion
While the emotional impact of a photo is key, technical skills like lighting, composition, and focus elevate that emotion. It was inspiring to see photographers experimenting with creative techniques to bring their subjects to life.

Perspective Matters
Every photographer has a unique way of seeing things, and the submissions demonstrated that. As one of the judges, I appreciated the variety of perspectives and how they challenged me to view the same theme through different lenses.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for sharing their passion and talent. A special shoutout to the winners of the "People" category—your photos stood out for their ability to combine artistry with a compelling human story. If you haven’t seen the winning images yet, I highly encourage you to visit the KPL Photography Contest page.

Thank you to the Kitchener Public Library for giving me this opportunity. Moments like these remind me why I love photography.

Stay creative!