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N4C Competition |
for 2011-2012 |
Eight competitions in each category listed below are held within the North Central Camera
Club Council September through May except December. Each club belonging to the
Council may submit eight entries per contest category per month on the basis of
one per maker. Any entries that receive a ribbon in a monthly competition will
be entered in the year-end competition.
Contest Categories
 | 2x2 Pictorial Color Slides |
| 2x2 Nature Slides |
| 2x2 Photo-Travel Slides |
| 2x2 Creative Slides |
| Photo-Travel Color Prints |
| 2 1/4 Color Slides - Special Medium Format - bimonthly contests |
| Color Prints |
| Nature Prints: Black & White or Color |
| Black & White Pictorial Prints |
| Photojournalism Slides - 2x2 and Digital |
| Photojournalism Prints - unmounted, max size 8 x 12 |
| Creative Prints |
| Nature Digital Slides |
| Pictorial Digital Slides |
| Creative Projected slides - 2x2 and Digital |
| Panorama Print - April only at Springbrook mini-convention |
| Photo Essay (Digital) - April only |
Judging Criteria
Judging and points will be awarded on the basis of technique,
composition, and interest.
| Technique: Focus,
lighting, color rendition, exposure, print quality. |
| Composition: Arrangement
of all elements within the picture area so the subject matter is presented as
a harmonious, well-balanced photograph. |
| Interest: Originality,
imagination, interpretation, subject, impact, mood, humor, etc. |
Exception:
Photojournalism, where special Photojournalism Rules applies.
Guidelines for
Competitions
SLIDES: Show title, N4C member number, maker's name and address, and name of camera
club on face of the mount. Must be thumb marked in lower left-hand
corner as viewed in an upright position.
PRINTS: Show title, N4C member number, maker's name, address, and name of camera club on
back/top of mount. Large prints may be of any size up to maximum of
16" X 20" including the mount. Small prints may be of any size up to maximum of
11" X 14" including the mount. Photojournalism prints
must be submitted without mounts or on lightweight mounts not to exceed 8" x 12".
DIGITAL: 1024 pixels on the longest side, file-size less than 500KB, sRGB color
space.
See Tips to Resize
Photos For Contests and
How to Name Contest Entries
Description of Contest Categories
The following subject category definitions are presented as a
guide to persons entering the monthly contests so that all entries may be judged
fairly and equally. To some extent, their interpretation is subjective and all
judges have some personal biases. It is our intent to minimize these
differences. These definitions are as clear and precise as we are able to state
them, though it is not possible to cover all eventualities and answer all
questions. Generally, those entries that conform most closely to the subject
definitions have the greatest chance of success in the contests.
What is Pictorial Photography?
In pictorial photography we are concerned with the artistic
quality of the presentation of the subject rather than with the subject itself.
Literally, all subjects qualify, but since “Interest” accounts for one-third of
the score, subjects that catch the viewer’s eye will have an advantage. The
judges will be seeking answers to the question, “Did the photographer simply
record the subject, or did he/she through the photographic process enhance the
viewer’s interest in the subject?” Pictorialism may be accomplished by
meticulous photographic technique, proper presentation, careful composition, or
most likely all of these factors.
What is Nature Photography?
+ No photograph is worth the distress or injury to any
wild creature.
+ Nature photography is simply the recording of our natural world by some
photographic means. Included are all branches of nature except Archeology and
Anthropology.
+ The hand of man shall not be present in any nature entry except where
wild birds or animals have invaded mans world such as fence posts and other man
made objects freely adapted for use by wild creatures.
+ Banding or tagging on nature subjects is acceptable. Photographs at bird
feeders are not acceptable if any part of a man made feeder is shown in the
photograph.
+ Photographs taken in zoos, animal farms or game farms are acceptable as
long as the setting remains natural and the hand of man is not visible.
+ Cultivated plants, domestic animals and pets are not acceptable and
should be entered in other categories.
What is Photojournalism?
Photojournalism means simply the telling of a story by the
use of a picture. The type of photograph that one sees in the newspaper or
magazines that depicts some event or activity is what is meant. The caption is
important, but the best journalistic photographs tell their own stories and
don’t always need a caption. A good picture is, after all, worth more than a
thousand words. An element of human interest is important and virtually
essential for pictures to succeed in competition. Interest is paramount, but
good composition and technique will often make the difference that decides the
winners.
The only digital editing that can be allowed must fit with the N4C definition
for acceptable Photojournalism or Nature images. In the interest of credibility,
photographs which misrepresent the truth, such as manipulation to alter the
subject matter, or situations which are set up for the purpose of photography,
are unacceptable. No elements may be moved, cloned, added, deleted, rearranged,
combined or changed in any way that affects the integrity of the image content.
No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing, cropping,
selective lightening or darkening, and restoration of original color of the
scene. No special effect filters can be added or applied, and any sharpening
must appear natural.
What is Photo-Travel Photography?
Travel implies going to some place other than one’s customary
environment, and photo-travel photography suggests the photographic depiction of
that new environment or the means used to get there. There is no definition of
how far away that environment must be to qualify as “travel” or how different
that new environment must be. However, the judges will generally award prizes to
those photographs that depict more exotic and unfamiliar places, even though
such places are “home” to someone. Good photographic technique and particularly
the ability to convey the feeling and flavor of the place visited will help you
be a winner. Try to emphasize the character that makes the place unique from
other places. Be sure to state the name of the locale where the picture was made
on the slide or print.
What is Creative Photography?
Creative photography is an opportunity for those
who dare to explore the experimental and creative forms of photographic
expression. These will include, but not be limited to derived images, ultra-high
contrast, black light, bas-relief, solarization, multi-images, trick lenses and
filters, and other ways to alter the image to produce a new abstract effect.
Just about anything goes. The important thing is the result, not the means to
create it. This area of photography bridges between photographic realism and
creative art. It is very difficult to judge and there are literally no rules to
follow. Generally concentration on form and color rather than detail in the
image will help you succeed.
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