The Fall Judged Creative Photography exhibit was on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley from December 14, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
Our seasonal judged shows are open to the public and judged by an invited professional photographer or instructor and they provide a fantastic glimpse into what our local creators have been focused on.
A total of twenty-five (25) entries were received that came in from Eight (8) participants. Please pass along the word for upcoming judged exhibits! More participation increases variety. We are challenging one another to seek out new scenes. We are making note of new and renewed photographic styles. Participation in these judged shows hones our skills as we learn from one another.
We typically plan to fill the walls and divide entries into three categories, with the understanding that each category must have a minimum of five pieces to ensure a healthy sense of competition. Sometimes this is achievable, and sometimes it is not. Occasionally, we do not receive submissions that clearly fit into the planned categories, so we do our best to create a category heading that better suits the work submitted.
And sometimes, even after we’ve done our best to organize entries into appropriate categories, the judge chooses to evaluate the entire show as a single body of work. This is completely permissible. In the case of this photography show, the judge opted to treat all entries as one group, awarding First, Second, Third, and Best of Show honors accordingly.
All money collected during intake is used entirely to fund prizes and cover material fees.
The Fall Judged Creative Photography exhibit was on the walls at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley from December 14, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
Our seasonal judged shows are open to the public and judged by an invited professional photographer or instructor and they provide a fantastic glimpse into what our local creators have been focused on.
A total of twenty-five (25) entries were received that came in from Eight (8) participants. Please pass along the word for upcoming judged exhibits! More participation increases variety. We are challenging one another to seek out new scenes. We are making note of new and renewed photographic styles. Participation in these judged shows hones our skills as we learn from one another.
We typically plan to fill the walls and divide entries into three categories, with the understanding that each category must have a minimum of five pieces to ensure a healthy sense of competition. Sometimes this is achievable, and sometimes it is not. Occasionally, we do not receive submissions that clearly fit into the planned categories, so we do our best to create a category heading that better suits the work submitted.
And sometimes, even after we’ve done our best to organize entries into appropriate categories, the judge chooses to evaluate the entire show as a single body of work. This is completely permissible. In the case of this photography show, the judge opted to treat all entries as one group, awarding First, Second, Third, and Best of Show honors accordingly.
All money collected during intake is used entirely to fund prizes and cover material fees.
The Judge
Dan Bartlett was our invited judge for this show! Dan brings a unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise to the jurying process. As a self-taught artist and photographer with a lifelong background in electrical and mechanical work, Dan has a sharp eye for composition, detail, and craftsmanship. His experience in creating illuminated assemblage art demonstrates his deep understanding of form, function, and visual storytelling—qualities that align naturally with strong photographic work. Dan’s ability to assess both creative impact and technical execution made him great choice to judge this photography exhibition.
He prefers using a metric-based judging system, sometimes called numerical scoring rubric, point-based jurying system, or three-criteria judging rubric. Entries are judged using a simple 1–3 rating system across three categories: Technique, Composition, and Impact. Scores were added for a total out of 9, allowing for a fair and balanced evaluation of each piece based on skill, design, and emotional effect.
Entire Exhibit Judged Together!
First-place
"She Waits"
Victoria Sebanz
"Technique=3, Composition=3, Impact=3"
Second-place
"Pendant Leaf"
Victoria Sebanz
"Technique=3, Composition=3, Impact=3"
Third-place
"Incoming, MA!"
Raini Armstrong
"Technique=3, Composition=2, Impact=3 ... Would have liked to see more of the adult."
Honorable Mention
"Pink Ruins Under Pink Sky"
Tami Roleff
"Technique=3, Composition=3, Impact=2"
President's Award
"Yosemite Reflection"
Bob Rufer
"Strong reflections captured, crisp still water. Calming."
Best of Show
"She Waits"
Victoria Sebanz
"Technique=3, Composition=3, Impact=3"
Thanks go to the participating creators that shared their work with us. To Rainbow Stew and all visitors that make these shows possible. And congratulations to the creators that placed!
If you find yourself out and about, make sure to stop by Rainbow Stew and enjoy the Judged show. It will be displayed until January when we transition into a new themed members only show!
We all want to take advantage of this great space because it sees a constant stream of traffic throughout the week. Chaparral Artists see sales through this venue, so do not pass up the opportunity to hang your art with us when you can during these shows.
Stay unique, find ways to flourish, be the amazing person you are, and continue being YOU!