I'll probably have to repeat myself, but I had to put a lot of effort into creating a readable bbcode for you to visualize and anonymize all the pumpkins so that voters wouldn't get lost among such a wide selection. Some users carved pumpkins from several sides, so due to the wide selection of photos, I chose photos at my own discretion.
I would like to propose the following requirement for the photos for the next year of the contest: that all contestants provide the main photo of their pumpkins in a certain ratio. For example, 4:3. Such a requirement will save those who will compose the photo as you do now from the need to crop, doing a lot of work. And the participants will provide photos of their pumpkins in the best form for them, and the ratio of the pumpkin in the photo.
I agree with this proposal and don't wait for next contests, just do it for the 2nd voting session. Ask the nominated participants to submit information to a Gform (url to the image to be displayed next, #your order number in the 1st voting session), an image of the work from the best shooting angle with a size requirement of h150:w100 px or whatever and no any text inserted into the image.
This is related to preparation such as in an art exhibition where the organizer discusses in great detail with the owner of the work how the works want to be displayed, layout, lighting, and other arrangements. However, artists also want their work to be exhibited in the best and impressive way in the eyes of visitors because they have made it with great effort.
I have some experience participating in art exhibitions in my city, so I kinda know how it should be.p.s. I see mine is already as I want it, this is just for other participants who don't see theirs the same thing.