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.

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 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.

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.

The Contest Schedule for 2024-2025:

Digital Competition# 1 (November 21, 2024):

Nature Birds/Animals

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, song birds, 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.

People in Action

This category must include a person, or a group of people, engaged in an activity depicting physical motion. This can be related to sports, hobbies or leisurely activities where the activity is represented as the principle subject. E.g. running, canoeing, bicycle riding, car or boat racing, etc., The intent is to show a person in obvious motion or action, not merely engaged in an activity in which the motion is passive or slow. A physical person, or evidence of a person, must be present in the image. It is not required that the person’s face be visible if it is clear that there is a person engaged in an activity in which there is obvious action taking place. E.g. a skier in full gear, race car driver with helmet visible through window, a racing vehicle (such as a car or boat) would be eligible as long as there is clear evidence of a person. 

Any form of image manipulation is allowed as long as the results look natural.

Pictorial

This category comprises subject matter that does not fall into any other category (ex. Still life and tabletop photography, food, man-made objects, transportation, urban or rural life). Any form of image manipulation is allowed. If the image is highly or creatively altered it may be more suitable in the Creative Vision category. 

Open

Any subject matter is acceptable.

 

Digital Competition# 2 (February 20, 2025):

Expansive Views (Hand Of Man Allowed)

(Landscapes, Seascapes, Skyscapes, Natural phenomena, Geology, Astronomy.)

Landscape is described as an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view. Seascape is described as an expanse of water in which the water or waves predominate. Coastal features or the shoreline may be included.

Skyscape is described as a representation of the sky which can omit any view of land or anything else which might help to suggest scale or orientation.

Natural Phenomena refers to an observable event which is not man-made. Examples include: sunrise, weather, tornadoes, biological processes, decomposition, germination, physical processes, frost, ice patterns, snowflakes, wave propagation, erosion, tidal flow and natural disasters such as electromagnetic pulses, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. 

Geology is described as a natural geological formation. Objects, features, and processes of geological significance.

Any form of image manipulation is allowed as long as the results look natural. In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tool, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.

Hand of Man is allowed.

Creative Vision:

This category is limited to highly creative and artistic images. For example: altered reality, abstracts, graphical designs, conceptual art, composites, montages, etc.

Any form of image manipulation is allowed as long as all component images are taken by the maker. In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tool, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.

Use of artistic filters or processing is acceptable and is, of course, encouraged.

 

 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. In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tool, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.

Open

Any subject matter is acceptable. 

as long as all component images are taken by the maker. In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tool, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.

 

Print Competition# 1 (May 15, 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). Choice of matting is part of the process and overall finishing of an image and will be considered in the scoring. Your submission will be the digital image used to make the print and the final 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. In general, generative AI is not allowed. Generative AI tool, such as the Lightroom object removal feature, may be used.

Colour (maximum of 3 prints)

 

The Challenge Schedule for 2024-2025:

Sept 19: Summer Scavenger Hunt Results (5 categories - 1 picture of each)

This challenge consists of 5 categories: Anything On Wheels, Night Lights, Morning Ritual, Cooling Off and Summer Fun. Enjoy your summer!

October 3: Found Objects (David Johns style)

In the 23/24 Season, David Johns presented his process for capturing "Road Art". Have fun and stay safe!

Nov 7: Wind

We actually don't see wind, but the effects of the wind. Bundle up and out you go to capture some moments for Dorothy.

Dec 5: Shoot Street (Monique Campbell style)

Monique Campbell presented her Street Photography Style last season. Let's see you you can do to make her proud. 

Jan 9: Smart Phone Photography

Time to utilize the camera features of your smart phone. Be creative and have fun exploring what your smartphone can offer.

Feb 6: Self Portraits

Capture the essence of yourself. This could be an environmental portrait, your favourite feature, a goofy rendition. How do you see yourself?

Mar 6: In Camera Movement (ICM)

There are many ways of making an ICM image: single image/single direction, real image with single ICM, multi-directional/multi-exposure. Have fun and take ICM to the next level.

April 3: Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi is the Japanese art of the imperfect within the perfect. Research and explore.

May 1: Recreate an Advertisement

In this challenge, you will chose your favourite advertisement and recreate it. This will be a lot of work, so start early. The submission will consist of 2 images: an image of the original advertisement as well as your image.