logo

Daventry Photographic Society

COMPETITIONS : GUIDENANCE FOR ENTRANTS

Open Subject Competitions

For these competitions the photographer can choose any subject matter they want (within the club rules!) Remember that you will be competing against a range of topics so make sure yours stand out from the crowd and has that impact which will get it noticed!

17 Apr 12 Open Print Competition: Monochrome

While this competition subject matter is Open (see above) it has to be in monochrome. That means black and white or with a single tint colour only. See competition rules for definition of monochrome.

Connected lecture: 27 March, Taking B&W Pictures, M Fuller

What the judge will be looking for: That the image conforms to the B&W definition, shows a good range of tones from shadow detail to high lights across the image. As this is Print compitition the quality of the print and its mount will play an important part in the assessment and choice of winner.

8 May 12 Projected Competition: Things beginning with S

For this competition your subject matter is Open but the main subject should begin with S. e.g. Sea, Salt, Silver, etc etc.

Connected lecture: None

What the judge will be looking for: A demonstration that the photographer has chosen an original subject as well as exercising excellent technical skill, in exposure, composition, colour choice, and use of light.

12 June 12 Print Competition: Landscapes

For this competition your subject matter is Landscapes. There is a mass of information on good technique with regards to Landscape photography but you could do no worse than study work of photographers such as Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish, Ansel Adams or Lee Frost

Connected lecture: 15 May, Taking Landscape Pictures, G Brown

What the judge will be looking for: The clever and appropriate use of light, composition, viewpoint, as well as interesting subject matter. Technical issues such as dof in the image will also play an important role.

MORE

10 July 12 Projected Competition: Close up and Macro

For this competition your subject matter is Close up and Macro. While you will be limited to the equipment you have try and get as close to your subject matter as possible. If you have a Macro lens so much the better but the title of the competition is Close up so it does not have to be 1:1

Connected lecture: 5 June, Close Up and Macro, TBD

What the judge will be looking for: An interesting and original treatment of something which we would not ordinaraly see but the camera can reveal. This is one of the beauties of photography over other visual art forms. Technical issues such as dof in the image will also play an important role.

11 Sept 12 Projected Competition: Still Life

For this competition your subject matter is Still Life. This competition will give the photographer an ideal opportunity to demonstrate their originality by coming up with a 'still life' display which draws from a subject of their choice. Still Life has been a popular topic with artists for many years. Have a look at the work of artists such as IRVING PENN. You might alos be interested in the following:

http://www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/PlanAVisit/Exhibitions/TouringExhibitions/ArtOfArrangement.aspx
Connected lecture: 7 Aug, Taking Still Life, TBD

What the judge will be looking for: How is the image lit?, How good is the composition, is there a narrative in the piece? How is focus treated in the image.

9 Oct 12 Print Competition: People at Work or Play

For this competition your subject matter is 'People at Work or Play. An interesting topic and one where you have to photograph people which in this context you may find difficult but that is the purpose of this compitition to get you out of your comfort zone and try something different. Have a look at the work of Henri Cartier Bresson and Martin Parr for some insperation. Also worth a look at is England Observed by John Gay

Connected lecture: 25 Sept, People and Place, John Lewis

What the judge will be looking for: That the people (adults or children or both) in the composition are center stage, and are clearly doing some kind of work or enjoying thier play . A dynamic picture with lots of movement, colour and an original setting will certainly score highly.

MORE

13 Nov 12 Projected Competition: Strips

For this competition your subject matter is :Strips Anything with strips is the subject matter for this composition. An opportunity to create some abstract images with a focus on lines and shapes. Choose objects which are perhaps everyday things but seen or represented in a new and interesting way.

Connected lecture: None

What the judge will be looking for: Originality, and well as technical excellence in the creation of the image.

11 Dec12 Print Competition: Waterfalls

For this competition your subject matter is :Waterfalls. Water is all around us and not necessaraly in hugh 'waterfalls' flowing over cliffs. Use your imagination to capture water falling in what ever context you like.

Connected lecture: None

What the judge will be looking for: How has the water been represented? Frozen, flowing? or something in between. Does the image have an origional viewpoint? Is there a sence of energy and life about the image.

8 Jan 13 Projected Competition: Portrait

For this competition your subject matter is :Portrait For this final competition the subject is portraits, one of the most interesting and popular topics in photography. There is a mass of ionformation on taking portraits available in librarys and on the internet so have a good look at this. Also see the work of Arnold Newman, Yousuf Karsh, Bill Brandt and Andre Kertesz , Margaret Cameron, Roger Fenton, to get some insperation.

Connected lectures: 6 Nov, childrens Portraits, TBD and 20 Nov, Taking great Portraits, TBD

What the judge will be looking for: Does the subjects personality came through in the portrait? What does the image tell us about the person?, How is it lit? Are the eyes in focus? these are just some of the questions the judge is likely to be asking.

MORE