Judging: Feedback Language Guide - 2026

This guidance applies to:

 

Minor amendments and clarifications may be made throughout the competition year.

 Last updated: Monday 27rd July 2026 (revision history). 

(For written or verbal critiques)

Purpose:

To ensure feedback is:

  • Clear
  • Professional
  • Consistent
  • Non-inflammatory

Good feedback builds trust even when scores disappoint.

 

  1. Feedback Structure (Recommended)

Judges should aim for three components:

  1. What works
  2. Why it landed where it did
  3. What would elevate it

Even one sentence per section is enough.

 

  1. Approved Feedback Language (use freely)

Positive Framing

  • “Strong professional control”
  • “Clear intent and category alignment”
  • “Good use of light / timing / composition”
  • “Authentic moment well observed”
  • “Confident execution”

These phrases reassure entrants their work was taken seriously.

 

Score-Context Language

Professional Practice (71–76):

  • “Solid professional work that meets industry standards”
  • “Competent and credible, but plays it safe”
  • “Technically sound, though not distinctive”

 

Commended (77–79):

  • “Well above baseline professional standard”
  • “Clear intent with good control”
  • “A strong image that just falls short of award level”

 

Bronze (80–84):

  • “A confident, well-resolved image”
  • “Strong response to brief and category”
  • “Judges responded positively to this work”

 

Silver (85–89):

  • “Exceptional professional quality”
  • “Very strong authorship and execution”
  • “Few weaknesses to critique”

 

Gold (90+):

  • “Category-leading work”
  • “Sets a benchmark”
  • “Difficult to fault”

 

  1. Constructive Critique Language

Judges should focus on choices, not the photographer.

Use:

  • “The image might benefit from…”
  • “The narrative could be clearer if…”
  • “This sits close to another category because…”

Avoid:

  • “You should have…”
  • “This fails because…”
  • “I don’t like…”

 

  1. Category Compliance Feedback

When an image is strong but mis-entered:

✔ “This is a strong image, but the construction places it outside the intended scope of this category.”

✘ “Wrong category.”

 

  1. AI & Manipulation Concerns

Judges should never accuse.

Use:

  • “The image raised questions around construction, so verification may be required.”

Not:

  • “This looks AI-generated.”

 

  1. Ethical & Welfare Feedback

Keep it factual and calm:

  • “The pose raises safety concerns”
  • “Wildlife behaviour appears controlled”
  • “The image conflicts with ethical expectations of the category”

No moralising. No speculation.

 

  1. Tone Guidelines

Judges should aim to sound:

  • Professional
  • Neutral
  • Respectful

Not:

  • Sarcastic
  • Dismissive
  • Performative

Remember: feedback is read without tone of voice.

 

  1. Final Reminder to Judges

Feedback is not a defence of the score.

It is an explanation of it.

Clear feedback reduces appeals, complaints, and online grumbling — which is good for everyone.

Revision History

  • 27th July 2026 – link IPM26, page header.
  • 13th January 2026 – Initial publication