Hampton Inn & Suites
5820 Katy Fwy,
Houston, TX 77007
Curious what judges are really looking for in print competition? In this insightful and engaging program, Mark McCall pulls back the curtain on how judges evaluate images—using the science of human behavior and decades of experience to reveal what truly makes a photograph stand out. You’ll learn how to focus your creative energy where it matters most and walk away with actionable strategies to boost your scores—even without being a Photoshop expert.
YOU’LL LEARN:
The real answer to “What are judges looking for?”
How to prioritize the 12 Elements based on how the brain processes images
Why two subjects can be more powerful than one
The image type that almost always merits—and how to get it funded
The #1 score-killer and how to avoid it
How to enhance your mat for bonus points
A simple 3-part formula for high-scoring images
An easy way to give your photos an artistic, illustrated look
Why judging panels can differ—and what to do about it
Where to find fresh inspiration for competition images
Examples of merit-worthy images created with zero Photoshop
Bring note-taking materials.
MEET THE SPEAKER:
Mark McCall is a nationally recognized photographer whose passion began at age 8 with a landscape calendar and a simple 35mm camera gifted by his grandmother. In 1996, he launched one of Texas's first fully digital studios, now known as HallMark Professional Portraits. A leader in digital imaging and print competition, Mark co-created the first online PPA District Print Competition in 2004. He holds three PPA degrees, six Southwest PPA District Fellowships, has earned 135 PPA print merits, with many accepted into the prestigious Loan and Imaging Excellence Collections, and literally wrote the Print Competition Guidebook. In 2020, he represented Team USA in the World Cup of Professional Photography, and in 2017, received PPA’s highest affiliate honor—the National Award.
Meeting fees:
Guild Member - Evening Program Only – $25
Lifetime and Honorary Members - Evening Program Only - free
First Time Guest - Evening Only Program - free
Returning Guest Evening Only Program – $35