OPS Certificate of Merit applications are assessed with reference to a number of different criteria, primarily technical quality, photographic technique, perception, presentation and photographer's contribution. Successful applications must score the relevant pass mark when assessed against each of the following criteria:

Technical Quality

• Cropping, masking and colour management;
• Image processing and tonal control; and
• Removal of spots, dust and digital processing artifacts.

Photographic Technique

• Viewpoint and lighting;
• Focus, depth of field, aperture, shutter speed and exposure; and
• Control of highlights and shadows, image density and colour.

Perception

• Understanding and use of light, colour, mood, line, shape and texture;
• Image design, viewpoint, composition and cropping; and
• Control of background.

Presentation

• Overall impression, variety of approach;
• Selection of images; and
• Editing and attention to detail.

Photographer's Contribution

• Photographer's contribution, and understanding of subject;
• Communication of basic information, story, emotion, mood, and ideas;
• Creativity, imagination and ability to capture the moment; and
• Choice of medium (colour, monochrome etc);