Rules for Club Contests

For the Interactive Critique rules, click here.

The purpose of contests and critiques is for members to put their images in front of the club and to receive feedback.  These are guidelines to facilitate that purpose, not rules to limit it.  Any minor infractions that may arise can be over-ridden by the presiding officer of the meeting. 

1. Eligibility: Open to members who have paid their current dues.

2. Media: Color prints, monochrome prints and digitally uploaded images.  We have eliminated the slide projector as very few individuals do not have the capability to have their images scanned.  These individuals have agreed to have their images scanned or printed for the Contest sessions. If you do not know how to get your images scanned, please contact the president.  We have members who can assist in scanning for no charge; you will pay for the CD/DVD.  If you need a significant number of images scanned, please contact and visit your local photo store for these services.

3. Post-processing manipulation is allowed but honesty is expected regarding extent of the digital adjustment. The contest should be assumed to allow digital manipulation unless stated in the contest announcement.  

4. Number of Entries: Due to the growth of our club, and time constraints, it's been agreed to allow up to TWO (2) entries for each member.  You can split your two entries with one in open and one in the contest theme.  If you have more than two (2) entered, we reserve the right to remove any additional images at our discretion.

5. Interpretation of a contest "category":  The judge may reject an image that he/she may feel does not fit within the category.  For example, Stars may be expected to be celestial images, but Hollywood notables or a Xmas tree ornament may be entered.  

6. Digital Upload Deadline: Digital images must be uploaded to the Club website NO LATER THAN the Saturday evening before the contest or critique. Any image submitted after that time may not be included in the contest, at the discretion of the webmaster or designated Digital Committee member responsible for the download. To summarize: Digital images must be sized so that the vertical dimension is no larger than 768 pixels; the horizontal dimension may be no larger than 1024 pixels, and the overall file no larger than 300K. Details regarding uploading procedures and digital file specifications can be obtained by clicking here.

7. Format and size for prints:

   All prints must be matted or mounted.
   Any color mat board may be used, though neutral colors historically tend to be viewed more positively).  Image can be attached to foam board.  Prints must be able to stand upright on their own in the light box groove.
   Framing or glass is not permitted.
   
   Minimum print size: 8" x 10" 
   Maximum finished size: 16" x 20"
   Remember, smaller images are difficult for the members to view from a distance.

All prints must indicate the "TOP" of the print on the back, and be labeled with the member's name. Slides must be spotted (in the lower left corner) and labeled with the member's name.

Awards for contests will include first, second, third, and at least one honorable mention (or 10% of the entries for the category.) Please see the Club Secretary before the end of the evening to pick up your ribbon(s).