UPMINSTER CAMERA CLUB
COMPETITION RULES
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE THE CURRENT WORK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND CAN BE HOME OR LAB PROCESSED.
All entries must be current work, by definition this should be interpreted as NOT older than 2 years from when they were first used in any competition. (ie. within or outside of UCC).
NO IMAGE CAN BE RE-ENTERED IN A DIFFERENT FORMAT
Plagiarism: It should be noted that all elements of images entered for competition must be wholly the work of the author.
A full article regarding plagiarism in photography can be downloaded from The PAGB website.
Image Similarity
An Image, which is sufficiently similar to another previously entered by the same Photographer, may be ruled as being effectively the same Image. Photographers and Entrants should be aware of the similarity issue, even if two entries have been given different Titles.
Examples may include:
Monochrome and Colour versions from one original, unless the artistic treatment is significantly different.
Where important elements are repeated in different composite Images.
Where a principal element is repeated on a different background.
A different Title by the same Photographer will be assumed to be a different Image.
However, it is the Image which matters, and a review of image files may reveal an ineligible entry, which may result in later disqualification.
Deadlines formats and file naming
Prints and Projected Digital Images (PDI)
Deadlines
Digital JPG files of both prints and PDI’s should be emailed to the respective secretaries by the end of the Saturday before the competition, unless otherwise notified.
printcomp@upminstercameraclub.co.uk
digicomp@upminstercameraclub.co.uk
Note. Annual entries will be required 1 week earlier than normal, date will be announced in good time.
Formats
Prints should be mounted – mount size no larger than 50cm x 40cm
Your name, Print Title, Date and Competition Title should be written on the top Left Hand of the reverse side.
PDI’s should have a maximum file size of 1600px wide for landscape format or 1200px high for portrait format.
File naming
of both print and PDI, JPG’s should be as follows:
Authors Name-Title-Class. ie. Joe Bloggs-My Best Picture-Intermediate
Metadata In order for the competition software used by UCC to work correctly, it is important that your files metadata is Edited to include Title and Author. This can be done as follows:
For PC users: Right click on the image and choose properties.
Select the detail tab – a list of properties for the image will appear.
Insert the Title of your image – as you want it to appear on the screen.
Insert your name as the Author
Click OK and the information will be saved.
For MAC users:
It will be necessary to insert your Image Title and Author, using your preferred Photo
Editing program. For assistance with this, please speak to a Committee Member.
SERIES COMPETITIONS
Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced
Members will be moved between classes if the annual results justify this.
POINTS IN ALL COMPETITIONS ARE AWARDED AS FOLLOWS –
1st place – 20pts
2nd place – 15pts
3rd place – 10pts
4th place – 5 pts
H.C. – 5pts
3, 2, 1 Points for lower placings but may be dependent on the number of tied places
Highly Commended will be awarded to the highest scoring 4th place, provided it scores above 54 points.
Annual trophies are awarded at the AGM for the most points in each class and section.
Projected Digital Images.
Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced
Monthly – Up to 4 images not previously entered in this competition.
Half-Yearly – Up to 4 images not previously in Half-Yearly or Annual.
Annual – Up to 6 images not previously in Annual.
All points accumulated go towards class trophy.
Best Projected Digital Image of the Year – Best in Annual Competition
MONO and COLOUR PRINTS
Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced
Monthly – Up to 4 prints not previously entered in this competition.
Half-Yearly – Up to 4 prints not previously in Half-Yearly or Annual.
Annual – Up to 6 prints not previously in Annual.
All points accumulated go towards class trophy.
Monochrome & Colour of the Year – Best in Annual Competition
If the total number of entries on any annual competition is deemed too high, the number from each member may be reduced.
The best Annual image in each class receives a trophy as well as the best PDI or print of the night.
SPECIAL COMPETITIONS DURING THE YEAR
Entries for these following competitions MUST be new work which has not been previously entered into club competitions
PANEL COMPETITION (No Classes)
This is for a panel of 6 prints on a theme. (Maximum 4 panels). The prints should be arranged to form a panel. A sketch should be provided to show how you want them to be arranged. You may enter a panel that has previously been entered if it is not more than 3 years old and was not awarded either 1st, 2nd or 3rd places. You may only use these previous panels providing you enter at least one new panel. You may only enter a panel a maximum of twice. Members are allowed to use prints from a panel in monthly competitions, but cannot use monthly prints in a panel.
TRIPTYCH PDI Panel Competition (Three Classes as Monthly)
A triptych is a Projected Digital Image presentation made up of three (and only 3) distinctly separated photographic images displayed on a common background. The size should be a maximum 1600px wide x 1200px high. The background should compliment the presentation of the three images but should not become a significant “fourth image”. The only restriction on the arrangement of the triptych’s three images is that they must not meet or overlap. There is no requirement that the three images must be either the same size or shape, and it should be realised that a triptych is not just an image cut into three. Added borders, drop shadows etc are allowed.
SAFARI (No Classes)
This is a club outing which is held in the early summer, when all members who come at the appointed time are given a route guide and a list of 10 – 15 pictures to be taken during the day, and presented as digital images. You can either work alone or with other member/s. The 10 – 15 digital images from each person or group are judged later in the year by the person who devised the competition. The entries MUST be submitted by the date when asked for, as sorting and judging the large number usually involved takes time, so late entries cannot be accepted.
NATURE NIGHT
GORDON BRAMHAM NATURAL HISTORY TROPHY (No Classes)
This is for an entry of 3 Natural History Projected Digital Images. For this competition, Natural History is defined as any species of the plant and animal kingdom, The highest total for the 3 images wins the Gordon Bramham Natural History Trophy.
Definition of Nature Please note:
This definition will apply to our Gordon Bramham Natural History Trophy
Nature means Images where living organisms are the primary subject matter. The story telling value of an Image will normally be weighed more than the pictorial quality.
Processing of the captured image, by cropping, exposure adjustment, colour correction, noise minimisation, dodging/burning, HDR, focus stacking and sharpening, is permitted, as is cloning of image defects and minor distractions including overlapping elements. An Image appearing to meet these criteria will be accepted as Nature. The Judges will normally assume that any Image presented to them is eligible.
Nature includes:
Images taken with subjects in controlled conditions such as zoos, game parks, botanic gardens, aquariums and enclosures where the subjects are dependent on man for food. Scientific bands, tags or collars are permissible.
Nature excludes:
Images where the subjects are obviously domestic animals or plants.
Images where an obviously artistic treatment has been applied.
NATURE PRINT TROPHY (No Classes)
This is a PRINT competition for members who do not take Natural History Projected Digital Images. Any Plant or Animal life is allowed, including garden flowers and domestic animals. Members are not allowed to enter both competitions. The highest total for the 3 prints wins the trophy.
NORMAN BONHAM TROPHY
This is awarded to the best intermediate or preliminary image across both competitions.
STILL LIFE NIGHT
STILL LIFE TROPHY (No Classes)
For up to 3 Projected Digital Images of inanimate objects arranged in some way by the photographer, either indoors or out.
METRE TROPHY (No Classes)
For up to 3 prints of subjects within 1 metre of the photographer at the time of taking. That is – close-up or near close-up pictures.
OUTINGS TROPHIES (No Classes)
Members can enter all three competitions with up to 3 Projected Digital Images, 3 Mono prints and 3 Colour prints, taken on any Club outing since the previous competition, or Safari (but not those entered into the safari competition). A trophy is awarded in each section.
CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE (No Classes)
The current chairman chooses the subject and nature of this competition for the following year. Usually PDIs and prints alternate each year. The details appear in the program.
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR
This trophy is awarded at the AGM for the member who has accumulated the most points during the year as follows –
1 point for each entry in any competition (except safari)
Amended May 2023