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DDSB Skills Competition Scope: Photography:
This contest will be similar to the In-Class competition that served as a qualification for the Regional Competition.
Challenge Overview:
Students are to develop their photography skills while exploring the vibrant atmosphere of the Regional Skills Ontario Event. This competition aims to foster observational skills, storytelling, and an appreciation for skilled trades through the lens of documentary photography.
Guidelines:
Authenticity: All photos must be candid and unposed, capturing genuine moments of activity, interaction, or emotion.
Content: Students should focus on participants, spectators, or aspects of the event that highlight skilled trades and their importance. You cannot take photos of students with neon wristbands. Avoid product placement or other things that can be found anywhere and are not specific to the event.
Mood/Storyboard: Students are to create a mood/storyboard outlining their vision for the story they want to tell. Students should submit a sequence of ideas/themes/colours etc. that is the inspiration before taking photos.
Submission: Each student must submit a series of 7-10 photographs that tell a cohesive story about the event. Students are to organize photos into a slideshow. Background music is allowed. Students are recommended to take more than 7-10 photos (Should aim to take 30 plus), but only need to include their best 7-10 that fit their narrative.
Editing: Basic editing (e.g., cropping, adjusting brightness/contrast) is permitted, but excessive alterations such as filters, AI generation, or any other distractions should be avoided to maintain authenticity.
Accompanying Description: Students must provide a brief description (50-100 words) explaining their photo series and how it aligns with the theme.
Include student names, and school with the submission. Students are to bring their own cameras and laptops for editing purposes.
Software:
Students must use one of the following programs to edit:
Photopea (online)
Pixlr (online)
Judging Rubric: Photography School:
Criteria
Level 1 (1-2)
Level 2 (3-4)
Level 3 (5-6)
Level 4 (7-8)
Creativity and Composition
Minimal creativity; poor composition; lacks variety in angles or framing
Some creativity; basic composition; limited variety in framing and perspectives
Good creativity; thoughtful composition; uses a range of angles and perspectives
Exceptional creativity; excellent composition; highly engaging framing and perspectives
Narrative
Weak story; photos lack cohesion and seem disconnected
Some story elements; partial cohesion, but some photos feel out of place
Clear story with logical flow; most photos contribute to the narrative
Compelling and cohesive story; all photos work together to tell a strong narrative
Relevance to Theme
Minimal connection to "Capturing Skills in Action"; theme unclear
Partial connection to theme; theme is somewhat apparent but not emphasized
Clear connection to theme; photos highlight skilled trades effectively
Strong and impactful connection to theme; photos vividly showcase skilled trades in action
Technical Quality
Poor clarity, lighting, and focus; technical flaws distract from content
Basic clarity and lighting; some technical issues, but overall acceptable
Good clarity, lighting, and focus; few minor technical flaws
Excellent technical quality; sharp, well-lit photos with no technical flaws
Originality
Commonplace or unoriginal perspectives; lacks uniqueness
Some originality in perspectives; occasional unique moments
Unique perspectives; creative insights that elevate the work
Highly original and innovative perspectives; fresh and unexpected approach
Mood/Storyboard Execution
No evidence of planning or mood board; lacks alignment with intended vision
Basic mood board or storyboard; limited alignment with final photos
Thoughtful mood board or storyboard; mostly aligned with final photos
Exceptional mood board or storyboard; fully realized in the final photo series
Accompanying Description
Incomplete or vague description; fails to explain the photo series
Basic description; explains the series but lacks depth or insight
Clear description that effectively explains the story and connection to theme
Thoughtful and engaging description; provides deep insight into the story and theme
Photogrpahy Specific Info:
Similar to the in-class experience, students are given the theme and asked to take and edit photos
The theme is the event itself, capturing the essence of Durham Skills!
Students are welcome to use a cell phone camera or a digital camera that they bring with them (we cannot provide)
Students will be given "media passes" for the event and be able to act as event photographers
We will likely use their submissions as promo materials for Skills 2027
Students also need to bring their Chromebooks and chargers to be able to edit their photos
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