Inside the IAA Jury Room: Robert Lie - Assessing Images Shaped by Real Journeys

For me, the first one to evaluate is the technical excellence. After that, originality, the strong command of photographic fundamentals, creativity, authentic storytelling and a progressive chance to improve photography itself.

I always ensure that I evaluate every photograph based on the same criteria. I deliberately avoid being influenced by the photographer's identity and allow the image itself to determine its merit.

Being a juror has made me more objective and self-critical of my own work. As a result, I constantly push myself to create something fresh and unique.

Usually, for most judges, awareness of bad images, especially the technically excellent, helps me to filter great images. So the ability to see images requires much visual literacy and requires more time to see the whole image.

Nowadays, the jury must be aware that not every image we see is 100% a photograph. Some images with AI or AI generated made photographic shifted. As judges, we must read the rules of the competition and know how to judge with so many pictures. Again, good visual literacy is a must-have skill for jury members.

It's important. For me, a good completed photography must deliver good story telling and technical excellence. The ability to bring emotion into a photograph is just like a soul to a human.

Don't give up when we are not winning yet. Make exceptional photographs with creativity and not cliché. Good understanding of visual literacy. Don't be a copycat.

There is no single formulation for a winning photography. as outstanding images Lancôme from any genre or subject. However, strongest entries often share several qualities : intentional composition, effective use of light. technical mastery and fresh point of view.

Digital manipulation and fine art is some kind of genre we must pay a little bit more attention. Due it's not easy to read the images and the point of photographer view.

It depends on the images itself. Some images we just know that the images is strong story telling, some is good in beauty and other good in composition. I think everything must be balance. For me first filter is the technical excellence.

The most fulfilling aspect is discovering exceptional and original photography. It's a privilege to see how different photographer interpret the world through their own vision and creativity. Being able to recognize and support outstanding work that inspires others is what serving on Global Photography Awards jury so rewarding.