The club holds competitions and discussion nights (see the Club Calendar for specific dates). At a competition, judges evaluate images and score them from 0 to 9, indicating one of four categories (Needs Work, Competent, Good, Exceptional).  On discussion night, a facilitator moderates a discussion of each submitted image. There is no judging on discussion night.

Competition Guidance Document

The Competition Committee has prepared a comprehensive document about the club's print and projected image competitions for club members and judges. Click here for the PDF: Guidance for Club Members and Judges - PCC Projected Image and Print Competitions.

Projected Image Competitions and How To Submit

Submitted images are shown to the judges in random order. When judges view and evaluate images, the name of the photographer is hidden from the judge.

Preparing a JPG file for PI Competition

All photography and artwork used must be the work of the maker.

We will follow Photographic Society of America (PSA) Guidelines which do not allow images to be submitted that contain any elements not created/shot by the submitting photographer. This includes layers, textures, additional elements, AIgenerated images or components, etc. If a photographer is combining different elements/layers, ALL of these must be from original photographs taken by the photographer. You cannot purchase stock photography, use free images from the internet, trade images with friends, or use any other source than your own, original photographs. All prints/images must be entirely the work of the maker.

Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called 'AI' images) are not allowed. Specifically, the use of Generative Fill in either Photoshop or Lightroom is not allowed when editing images for competition. This includes the "Auto" and "Generative Fill On" settings on the Remove Tool (set tool to "Generative AI Off" in settings drop down menu). Tools based on machine learning algorithms, such as Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz Denoise AI are allowed.

• Members may submit one image in a Projected Image Competition.
• Image files must be named in the following format:
  name-title-of-the-image.jpg
   
  For example, a member named Kim Hughes submits an image titled "Portrait of Jamie." Kim names her file:
  Kim-Hughes-Portrait-of-Jamie.jpg
• Maximum image dimensions are 1920 pixels (width) and 1080 pixels (height). The image's PPI can be set to any value.
• Images may be in color or black and white. Image color space should be sRGB.
• Images with a vertical (portrait) orientation may be entered. A vertical image will have a smaller width (for example, 720 px wide by 1080 px high). The projector will automatically center the image.
• The image may have a single white stroke or no stroke around the image. Digital matting is not allowed.
• Watermarks are not allowed.
• The image must be saved as a JPG file (.jpg or .jpeg).

When you're ready to submit your image, send your image file by email to pccupload@gmail.com (every entry receives a confirmation within 72 hrs).

Note: There is a handy guide for uploading your images for competitions, slideshows, critiques, and any other projected image event. The guide includes specific instructions for Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Topaz Studio 2, ON1, PaintShop Pro, and Photos and Preview for macOS. Click here to call up the image uploading guide (a PDF).

Projected Image Discussions and How To Submit

On PI discussion night, submitted images will be shown and discussed. A facilitator/moderator guides the group discussion with the goal of exploring each image in a positive, constructive, respectful manner in a non-competitive environment. Images are not be "judged" or scored.

Entries must be submitted online in advance of the meeting. The steps for submitting an image for discussion night are the same as for competition night: see Preparing a JPG File for PI Competition above.

Print Competitions and How To Submit

Prints can be from any source: a digital camera, film negatives, slides, or a scanner. Image taking, processing and editing must be done by the photographer. Prints can be printed by the photographer (e.g., using an inkjet printer) or a commercial lab.

Preparing a Print for Print Competition

All photography and artwork used must be the work of the maker.

We will follow Photographic Society of America (PSA) Guidelines which do not allow images to be submitted that contain any elements not created/shot by the submitting photographer. This includes layers, textures, additional elements, AIgenerated images or components, etc. If a photographer is combining different elements/layers, ALL of these must be from original photographs taken by the photographer. You cannot purchase stock photography, use free images from the internet, trade images with friends, or use any other source than your own, original photographs. All prints/images must be entirely the work of the maker.

Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called 'AI' images) are not allowed. Specifically, the use of Generative Fill in either Photoshop or Lightroom is not allowed when editing images for competition. This includes the "Auto" and "Generative Fill On" settings on the Remove Tool (set tool to "Generative AI Off" in settings drop down menu). Tools based on machine learning algorithms, such as Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz Denoise AI are allowed.

Competition Deadlines: Print submissions are brought to the in-person meeting prior to the competition. Bring your print by 6:45pm so it can be logged in for the competition. Submissions are not accepted on the night of the competition.

• Members may submit one print for a print competition.
• All prints must have a title (the word Untitled is not a title).
• Prints may be of any size from 8"x10" up to and including 16"x20".
• The maker's name, logo or watermark MUST NOT appear on the front of the print.
• NO framed prints for print competition.

Print Discussions and How To Submit

On print discussion night, submitted images are displayed in the light box for the audience to see. A facilitator/moderator guides the group in an informal discussion with the goal of exploring each print in a positive and constructive manner in a non-competitive environment. Prints are not judged or scored.

• Members may submit one print on discussion night. Bring your print to the meeting.
• All prints must have a title (the word Untitled is not a title).
• Prints may be of any size from 8"x10" up to and including 16"x20".
• The maker's name, logo or watermark MUST NOT appear on the front of the print.
• NO framed prints for print competition.