Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Stefan Malloch - A Journey to Qualified PPOC Judge: Reflections on Six Years with the PPOC
In the realm of photography, the path to mastery is a winding road marked by countless clicks of the shutter, endless hours of editing, and a realization that learning is forever. For many photographers, reaching the pinnacle of their craft means more than just capturing stunning images, it's about becoming recognized and respected by peers, and perhaps even becoming a judge who can inspire and guide others on their own photographic journeys. My adventure to becoming an Accredited Professional Judge with the PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada) has been a transformative journey, marked by moments of humility, unexpected growth, and the unwavering support of an incredible community.
Six years ago, when I first embarked on this journey, I was filled with passion and ambition, eager to hone my skills and make my mark. All it takes is one special image to spark your imagination and send you on an artistic path you may have never known was an option. Little did I know the depth of knowledge and experience that lay ahead, or the humbling lessons that awaited me along the way.
One of the first lessons I learned was that the more you know, the less you truly understand. Photography is a boundless universe, where every technique mastered unveils a dozen more waiting to be explored. As I delved deeper into the intricacies of composition, lighting, and postprocessing, realized that true mastery is not about reaching a destination but embracing the journey of continuous discovery. Rules are there to be broken, and I have done my fair share of breaking them with good and not so good results.
In the pursuit of excellence, I found camaraderie among fellow photographers who shared my passion and dedication. Through workshops, seminars, and local meetups, I forged friendships that would become pillars of support and inspiration throughout my quest. Together, we celebrated awards, weathered setbacks, and pushed each other to new heights of creativity and innovation.
One of the most significant milestones on my journey was achieving the title of Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) with the PPOC. This prestigious designation symbolized years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the photographic craft. It was a moment of profound validation, a testament to the countless hours spent perfecting my technique and honing my vision, as well as contributing to an incredible organization.
But even as I reached this milestone, I knew that my journey was far from over. Becoming a CPA was not the end goal but a stepping stone towards greater challenges and opportunities for growth. It felt at that moment as though things were just beginning. It was a reminder that true mastery is not a destination but a lifelong pursuit, fueled by curiosity, passion, and a relentless desire to push the boundaries of creativity. Patience was never my strong suit, but it has been a valuable lesson and something that you can look back on and see how it shaped your journey. Failure is always part of success as well and image competition has been something that has held a special place in my heart
from day one. The courage to put your heart on the line while strangers rip your work apart in seconds can be demoralizing but in the right presence, the best feedback and learning experience you can have.
As I continued to refine my skills and expand my artistic horizons, I found myself drawn to the world of judging. A goal I set for myself early on as I watched year after year, judges regional and national constantly get it right... and wrong so often. The idea of becoming a Qualified PPOC Judge intrigued me, offering a unique opportunity to give back to the community and share my knowledge and expertise with aspiring photographers. It would also be a way to learn to better articulate your storytelling and at the same time learn to de-personalize and evaluate art as it is and not "as you would have done it."
The path to becoming a judge was not an easy one. It required years of experience, a deep understanding of photographic principles, and a willingness to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. It was a daunting challenge, but one that I embraced wholeheartedly, knowing that the rewards could far outweigh the sacrifices.
Along the way, I encountered moments of doubt and uncertainty, questioning my abilities and wondering if I was truly worthy of the title I aspired to. But with each passing day, I grew more confident in my skills and more determined to overcome any obstacles that stood in my way.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to surround myself with and learn from some of the world's best photographers. I have been honored to be on Team Canada's World Photographic Cup Team twice, which gave me insights on local and international views on photography as well as the different judging perspectives. Every person and country sees things a little differently and standards are always changing. It was not until I was immersed in the intensive judging course, that I was finally able to detach from my typical way of thinking when it came to image evaluation. A humbling experience that allowed me to finally put the pieces together as to why some images are scored they way they are. A genius framework of evaluation helps to open your eyes to an image as it is and not how your biases may interpret it. Removing your ego from judging may just be the most difficult part. Sometimes with only seconds to judge, we don't always give an image its appropriate merits and have to rely on fellow judges to bring to light aspects which may have been missed. It's an essential part of the process in fact.
One of the most profound lessons I learned on my journey to becoming a judge was the importance of reflection. As I reviewed countless images and critiqued the work of fellow photographers, I gained a deeper understanding of my own artistic voice and the principles that guided my creative vision. I learned to trust my instincts, to embrace constructive criticism, and to never stop striving for excellence. If someone, even well respected, doesn't care for an image, it DOES NOT mean that image is a write off. In fact, if I had listened to early criticism of several images, I would not have made it to the WPC. The reality is that even judges "get it wrong" sometimes. After all, beauty is subjective and no amount of training can eliminate the human or emotional element.
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my journey was the incredible people I met along the way – fellow judges, mentors, and friends who welcomed me into their world with open arms and shared their wisdom and experience without hesitation. Their guidance and encouragement sustained me through the darkest moments of self-doubt and inspired me to keep pushing forward, even when the road ahead seemed impossibly steep.
I will never forget the incredible events and experiences that shaped my journey – the exhilarating highs of winning awards and receiving recognition for my work, and the humbling lows of facing rejection and criticism with sometimes ang.er and disbelief.. I mean grace and humility.. Each moment was a lesson in resilience, a reminder that success is not measured by the number of accolades we receive but by the strength of character we demonstrate in the face of adversity.
As I stand on the threshold of a new chapter in my journey, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and humility for the opportunities that lie ahead. Becoming an Accredited Professional Judge with the PPOC is not the end of my journey, but a new beginning – a chance to give back to the community that has given me so much and to inspire the next generation of photographers to reach for the stars.
In the end, my journey to becoming a judge has been about more than just achieving a title or earning a badge of honor. It has been a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible when we dare to dream big and never stop reaching for the stars. If you get the opportunity to take a judging course, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. It will improve every aspect of your craft.
As I look back on the six years that have brought me to this moment, I am reminded of the words of Ansel Adams: "You don't take a photograph, you make it." And so, I will continue to make photographs, to make connections, and to make a difference in the world – one image, one friendship, and one act of kindness at a time. In the end, it is not the destination that defines us but the journey we take to get there, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
