Image Entry Guidelines
Please Note, starting Feb 2012, we have new Digital Entry Naming Guidelines
(click here to read)
Digitally projected images must be emailed to the Digital Entry coordinator and received no later than 6pm 2 days before the meeting. Email entries to digitalentries@venturacountycameraclub.com
Overview
Our regular meetings concentrate on critique by a local professional of both print and projected images. Images are critiqued based on the PPA’s 12 Elements of a Merit Print. Images of exceptional quality will be awarded a “Merit” from the judge and will be entered for end-of-year judging.
The 12 elements of a Merit Print:
Members in good standing may submit up to three (3) images in any of 6 categories, with no more than two (2) images in any one category. The same image may be entered in any category — open/assigned or print/projected but not in the same month. Under no circumstances should an image in any division or category contain an element not of the maker’s own original photographic creation and/or artwork. Images containing inappropriate or offensive subject matter may be removed at the discretion of the Club President or the Judge. It is up to the photographer to place the image in the appropriate division and may be assigned to another division at the discretion of the judge.
Projected Image Categories:
The projected image categories provide members with an opportunity to explore an assigned theme and receive feedback on images without investment in the print process. Projected images must adhere to our Projected Image Guidelines.
- Assigned Topic: Monthly assigned topics are defined at the beginning of each year. Interpretation of the assigned topic is left to the imagination of the maker, members are encouraged to explore a broad interpretation. Images will be critiqued based on both the interpretation of the assignment as well as overall image impact and quality. Traditional Processing is allowed.
- Open Category: Any subject matter is acceptable. Traditional Processing is permissible.
- Digital Art: Open for any and all artistic expression originating from a photographic process. All manner of post processing is allowed as described in Digital Art Processing.
Print Image Categories:
The print image categories provide the highest level of challenge for our members. Critiques consider print quality and presentation in addition to the 12 Elements of a Merit Print. Prints must adhere to our Print Image Guidelines.
- B&W or Monochrome: Any subject matter is acceptable. B&W, monochrome, or sublte duo-toned images are permitted. Traditional Processing is permitted.
- Color: Any subject matter is acceptable. Traditional Processing is permitted.
- Digital Art: Any subject matter is acceptable. All manner of post-processing is allowed as described in Digital Art Processing.
Projected Image Guidelines
- Sizing: All images prepared for projection must be in jpeg format with pixel dimensions no larger than 1024 in width by 768 in height (1024x768)
- (New for 2012) Naming: Image files names must conform to the following pattern: TITLE_Lastname Firstname_Assgned/Open/DA.jpg. Examples:MORNING FOG_Allen Ann_Assigned.jpg; NOTHING WORTH WATCHING_Lehrer Nancy_Open.jpg; WARPED_Hoffman Don_DA.jpg
- Images must be emailed to the Digital Entry coordinator and received no later than 6pm 2 days before the meeting. Email entries to digitalentries@venturacountycameraclub.com
- Entries received after the deadline, misnamed, or too large will not be entered for critique.
Print Image Guidelines
- All prints must be matted or mounted for display, but cannot be framed.
- Maximum mat or mount size for a print is 17” x 22” with an image no larger than 16” x 20”. Minimum image size is 4”x 5”.
- A completed, removable entry slip must be attached to the rear of the print which includes the photographer’s name, date of entry, category, and title. Blank entry forms are available in PDF, and Word.
- Prints should be brought to the meeting prepared for display on a large easel
- Entries not adhering to size constraints can be displayed, but will not be eligible for critique.
Processing Guidelines
Traditional darkroom or digital techniques may be used but should not have the appearance of altered reality. Techniques include exposure, contrast, and white balance adjustments, cropping, conversion to monochrome, and cloning out or cleaning up image features. HDR and other multiple exposure techniques are allowed. Original photographic artwork or computer graphics created by the entrant may be incorporated to the extent that the photographic content predominates. Multiple image mosaics (diptych, triptych, or polytych) are acceptable.