Print Categories

Color Print A

This category is for the clubs most advanced photographers. Therefore any restrictions pertaining to digital modification or enhancement should be relaxed here. Compositing of different images is not permitted. However all the traditional print enhancements such as burning and dodging are not only permitted but should be encouraged. Filtering of a photo to achieve a more distinctive look is also permitted. Removing backgrounds, such as picking flowers off distracting environments, is also permitted. The two overriding factors in this category are : 1 the quality of the work. 2 The photo should still maintain a photographic quality, not a special effect look. This last point is subjective and should be left to the judges discretion.

Color Print B

Unlike the “ A “ category, this division is for the least experienced photographers. It is also for members with more experience but who wish to compete in an environment where less enhancement and modification is permitted. Controlling the tone of prints through traditional burning and dodging is so basic to good photography that it certainly should be a part of this category. Other than that most advanced methods of print enhancement should be avoided. Prints should be judged on good composition and pleasing presentation and balance of the subject matter. One exception to the above would be in the area of framing. If digital techniques ( Photoshop ) are used to frame a print, and those techniques are used solely for the purpose of setting the print off ( IE. They do not affect the photograph itself ) this is permitted.

Black & White Print

This category is for traditional monochrome prints. The word monochrome is used purposely here to allow toning of black and white. ( ie. Sepia etc. ) Judges should try to look at prints from a traditional and/or fine art perspective. Some new digital techniques could be permitted here. However the print should not stray to far from the classic black and white work most of us are familiar with. This category would of course allow full use of burning and dodging techniques to control the tone within the print. A reasonable amount of personal taste and discretion by the judge is not only expected here, but also encouraged.

Digital Photographs

Digital Pictorial – DP

With the one exception of Digital Contemporary below, this is the most wide open category we have. Photos should still attempt to maintain a general photographic look. However replacing of skies and backgrounds is permitted. All general techniques for the enhancement of the photograph are permitted. How far you take this can be difficult to decide. The judge will be charged with deciding whether a photo goes to far and should therefore have been entered in DC below. We expect that different judges will have varying opinions on this. However we need a category that bridges the gap between traditional and digital contemporary. This is designed to avoid the all or nothing approach between restrictive categories, and digital contemporary.

Digital Nature – DN

These are nature photographs and should not show large amounts of modification. Most photos should also avoid depicting mans presence. In scenics/landscapes avoid showing man made structures or people. Natural environments are what should be emphasized here. Wildlife invading mans environment is permitted, but be careful here. It should appear natural. Zoo animals are permitted, but the photograph should not show cages or other unnatural structures or objects. This would obviously be one of are more restrictive categories.

Digital Contemporary – DC

It could be said that in this category there are no rules. Compositing of different images, texturing, and filtering for a special effect is not only allowed, but expected. Judges should concentrate on composition, and whether the techniques used are pleasing and interesting.

Assigned Subject – AN

In this category we would like to promote entries from everyone no matter there skill level. Therefore the guidelines from color print B above should be used.

Assigned Subject for 2009/2010.