Contests and Challenges
The Beach Photo Club will continue the awarding of The Multi-faceted Photographer Award. ** 2nd Year for this award ** This award will go to the photographer who attains the highest aggregate score in the following four categories: Black and White plus 1, Architecture, Patterns or Shapes and Nature – Birds/Animals/Plants. Note that you must have entered an image in each of these categories to be eligible. Your highest score in each of these categories will be used for your aggregate score. For your efforts you may win a gift certificate from a leading photography store!
Contests provide opportunities to share your photos and learn what makes a winning image. We encourage all members to participate in one of 3 groups: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. In addition to learning how you can improve your own images, you will see the work of your fellow members. Contests are either digital, where the images are projected, or print. All judging is done by certified Judges – and the comments are always constructive and useful. Certificates are awarded to the contest winners and winning images are put into a gallery on the club’s home page.
Challenges provide a fun and relaxed opportunity to share your work with our members. Each member is asked to contribute up to three images to a slideshow of images which will be presented at the beginning of the club meeting. The challenges this season are categorized in two ways: reactive and intentional. The maker is either reacting to the world or actively looking for something or setting up a scene or scenario. Take these opportunities to be creative, “think outside the box” and have fun during both the capture and editing stages of your image.
Below, are the guidelines for submitting images. Note that the sizing is different for Challenges and Competitions.
(All image files are to be jpg files.)
When submitting images to COMPETITIONS, the maximum size requirement for an image is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high. This sizing matches the (FHD) Full High Definition specification which is typical for many displays. The most important point to keep in mind is that the dimension sizing is a maximum for each side, not a combination.
How does this affect the makers?
- Makers can submit images with ANY aspect ratio as long as the resulting image has a maximum of 1920 pixels wide AND 1080 pixels high.
- For example, if a maker resizes their image to be 1920 pixels wide and 1280pixels high, then the image is larger than the required specification maximum (the 1280 is greater than 1080). The action of the maker would be to resize the 1280 edge to a maximum of 1080. The longer, 1920, edge, will now be 1620. The result is that both edges are now within the maximum required sizing of 1920w and 1080h. And the maker's desired 6:4 ratio is intact.
- Similarly, if the maker has a square image, the image will be sized to a maximum of 1080.
When submitting images to CHALLENGES, the maximum size requirement for an image is 2560 pixels wide and 1440 pixels high. This sizing allows maximum display during the slideshow. The most important point to keep in mind is that the dimension sizing is a maximum for each side, not a combination.
How does this affect the makers?
- Makers can submit images with ANY aspect ratio as long as the resulting image has a maximum of 2560 pixels wide AND 1440 pixels high.
- For example, if a maker sizes their image to be 2560 pixels wide and 1980 pixels high, then the image is larger than the required specification maximum (the 1980 is greater than 1440). The action of the maker would be to resize the 1980 edge to a maximum of 1440. The longer, 2560, edge, will now be 1862. The result is that both edges are now within the maximum required sizing of 2560w and 1440h. And the maker's desired ratio is intact.
- Similarly, if the maker has a square image, the image will be sized to a maximum of 1440.
The Contest Schedule for 2025-2026:
**Note that for all contests** In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tools, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.
Digital Competition# 1 (November 20, 2025):
Nature Birds/Animals/Plants
This category is open to any type of animal or bird; domesticated or wild. e.g. mammals, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, crustaceans, fish, insects, family pets, ducks, geese, herons, raptors, songbirds, sea and shore birds, etc. Images may be shot in a studio, zoo setting or in the wild. Artificial backgrounds ARE permitted either in studio or the wild. Any form of image manipulation is allowed as long as the results look natural. Large areas of black/solid/ manipulated background are permissible. Hand of Man is allowed. No artificial or taxidermy specimens.
Reflections
The theme of this category is simple: photos where mirrors, windows, water, or other reflective surfaces were used to get reflections. This category focuses on capturing the mesmerizing interplay of light, water, glass, and other reflective surfaces that can add a layer of interest and depth to a photograph making it appear more visually compelling. Reflections can make an image appear to be more abstract or artistic and they can encourage the viewer to examine a scene more carefully in order to discern what is reality and what is reflected. Any form of image manipulation is allowed although the intent is that images look natural.
Black and White Plus 1
In this category your image will be mostly in black and white with one colour added. When you add a pop of color to black-and-white photography, you’re telling a powerful story with your image. Adding a color to your black-and-white image helps to quickly draw the eye to a specific subject you are trying to focus on. This is also a great technique to use when you want to separate your subject from a busy background. Black and white photography has a way of creating stillness and silence and when you mix that energy with a pop of color, it provides a great contrast that brings intrigue.
Open
Any subject matter is acceptable, as long as all component images are taken by the maker. Use of artistic filters or processing is acceptable.
Digital Competition# 2 (February 19, 2026):
Architecture
This category is limited to images of any architectural manmade structure. The subject must be a significant aspect of a landscape or cityscape. For example, building exteriors/interiors, architectural details, bridges, piers, etc.
Any form of image manipulation is allowed although the intent is that images look natural as long as all component images are taken by the maker.
Vintage
Get creative and take some incredible “vintage” shots. They say, old is gold, for a reason. With time some things become more unique and classic. Their maturity becomes a defining element in framing history of the particular time period. The images submitted should be of subjects that are “old”, “vintage”, “nostalgic” – take your pick. These could include: single items, rural or city scenes in which the focus is something old, people in vintage apparel, etc.
Any form of image manipulation is allowed although the intent is that images look natural as long as all component images are taken by the maker.
Patterns or Shapes
We are often intrigued by patterns or shapes that really have no single element of focus. In this category you are challenged to image intriguing repetitive patterns or single captivating shapes. Use your imagination in this creative category.
Any form of image manipulation is allowed as long as all component images are taken by the maker.
Open
Any subject matter is acceptable, as long as all component images are taken by the maker.
Print Competition# 1 (May 21st, 2025):
*** Live Judging ***
For the print competition, we encourage all members to try their hand at printing images – we provide matting and mounting instruction closer to the competition date. The print image minimum is 11″x14″. The maximum print and matte combined size is 16"x20". All paper types are allowed. Mounting is mandatory (minimum foam core). Matting is optional. Choice of matting is part of the process and overall finishing of an image and may be considered in the scoring. Your submission will be the digital image used to make the print and the final mounted/matted print. Refer to the detailed document in the Downloadable Documents tab.
Monochrome (maximum of 3 prints)
This category is limited to prints that are Monochrome. Monochrome photography is any photography that utilizes differing amounts of light instead of different colours to capture and represent images. Take only one single colour and use a range of tones of that colour. There are no restrictions to subject matter. All forms of manipulation are allowed as long as the original image(s) are photographed by the maker.
Colour (maximum of 3 prints)
This category is limited to prints that are Colour. There are no restrictions to subject matter. All forms of manipulation are allowed as long as the original image(s) are photographed by the maker.
The Challenge Schedule for 2025-2026:
September 18: Summer Memories (3 categories – 1 picture each)
This challenge consists of 3 categories: Music, Night Life and Hot Summer Days. Capture the rhythm
of life after dark and the electrifying pulse of summer nights! From neon-lit cityscapes and packed dance
floors to outdoor concerts and golden-hour beach or cottage parties. Get out and capture striking
memories this summer season and think about the other challenges listed below. Have a great
summer!
October 2: Autumn Colours
Capture the breathtaking hues of fall as the world explodes into a canvas of fiery reds, warm oranges and
gold yellows. From sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups.
November 6: Light and Shadow
Focus on the use of light and shadow to showcase how light and shadow shape mood, depth and
storytelling in your frame. Images can be in colour and monochrome.
December 4: Food
Capture the beauty, culture and creativity of food through photography. Focus on the textures, colours
and compositions that make ingredients come to life. From casual street food to fine dining to still life
compositions.
January 8: Hands
Capture the expressive power of hands. Whether matured with age, held in love, creating art, playing
music or gesturing in an animated conversation. Let this challenge highlight the silent yet powerful
language of human touch.
February 5: Frozen
Explore the beauty of winter from the macro level to snow covered landscapes. Experiment with lighting,
angles, and textures to enhance our winter wonderland. Capture a peaceful snowfall, icicles, frozen
bodies of water, snow covered forests etc.
March 5: Windows and Doors
Explore the architectural details of buildings, capturing the intricate features of windows and doors.
April 2: Reflectons
Explore the world of reflections, capturing objects or scenes reflected in water, mirrors or other surfaces.
May 7: Flora & Fauna
Explore the rich diversity of plant life and wildlife. Whether it’s a butterfly resting on a bloom, tall trees
reaching for the sky or the serenity of a wild animal in its natural habitat. Discover sweeping landscapes
to intimate close-ups, celebrate the vibrant ecosystems that bring the world to life.