competition topics
JANUARY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Ting Huang
Website: hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Black & White
Description: Channel your inner Ansel Adams. An image taken on a digital camera in color for which all color has been removed (through post processing) or by setting your digital camera on monochrome or through using B&W film. Your photo will consist of shades of gray that generally go from dark (black) to light (white).
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: https://www.scenicaperture.com/
MARCH
Topic: All About the Details
Description: This is a competition for photos with LOTS of detail in the subject.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
APRIL
Topic: Silhouette
Description: Silhouette photography shows the dark outlines of subjects in front of contrasting, bright scenes such as sunsets or studio backdrops. More specifically, it is where your subject is seen as a black shape without detail against a brighter background. Silhouette images are unlike other forms of photography because they showcase dramatic contrast.
Judge:
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge:
Website: tapc.com
JUNE
Topic: Texas Themed
Description: We are looking for photos that say without a doubt that this is Texas or Texan...no imposters need apply.
Judge: David Downs
Website: https://daviddowns.com/
JULY
Topic: Sunset
Description: Photos taken in the evening golden hour closely before or after the actual sunset time. This will make those of you like to sleep in happy that we did not pick sunrise instead.
Judge:
Website: http://testwebsite.com
AUGUST
Topic: Panoramic
Description: Either multiple images of a subject stitched together in photo processing software or a single image that mimics a multi-image panorama, generally a wide or tall scene or structure.
Judge: test.com
Website:
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge:
Website: test website.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge:
Website:
NOVEMBER
Topic: Capturing Speed
Description: Photos that capture something that is speedy; a hare, a car, a plane, a motorboat, a cyclist, a runner... No tortoises please.
Judge:
Website:
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Ting Huang
Website: hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Black & White
Description: Channel your inner Ansel Adams. An image taken on a digital camera in color for which all color has been removed (through post processing) or by setting your digital camera on monochrome or through using B&W film. Your photo will consist of shades of gray that generally go from dark (black) to light (white).
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: https://www.scenicaperture.com/
MARCH
Topic: All About the Details
Description: This is a competition for photos with LOTS of detail in the subject.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
APRIL
Topic: Silhouette
Description: Silhouette photography shows the dark outlines of subjects in front of contrasting, bright scenes such as sunsets or studio backdrops. More specifically, it is where your subject is seen as a black shape without detail against a brighter background. Silhouette images are unlike other forms of photography because they showcase dramatic contrast.
Judge:
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com/about-the-photographer/
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge:
Website: tapc.com
JUNE
Topic: Texas Themed
Description: We are looking for photos that say without a doubt that this is Texas or Texan...no imposters need apply.
Judge: David Downs
Website: https://daviddowns.com/
JULY
Topic: Sunset
Description: Photos taken in the evening golden hour closely before or after the actual sunset time. This will make those of you like to sleep in happy that we did not pick sunrise instead.
Judge:
Website: http://testwebsite.com
AUGUST
Topic: Panoramic
Description: Either multiple images of a subject stitched together in photo processing software or a single image that mimics a multi-image panorama, generally a wide or tall scene or structure.
Judge: test.com
Website:
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge:
Website: test website.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge:
Website:
NOVEMBER
Topic: Capturing Speed
Description: Photos that capture something that is speedy; a hare, a car, a plane, a motorboat, a cyclist, a runner... No tortoises please.
Judge:
Website:
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
JANUARY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Robert Chura
Websites: https://robertchura.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Black & White
Description: Showcase your best black and white images. Here is an article with some tips as you prepare
Ingredients for Black and White Images
Judge: Bruce Rosenstiel
Website: https://www.smallworldphotos.net/
MARCH
Topic: Furry or Feathered Friends
Description: Subject(s) must have fur or feathers for this contest – and can be either wild, captive or a pet.
How to Take Great Pictures of Animals
Judge: John Roberts
Website: https://clickingwithnature.com/
APRIL
Topic: Abstract Photography
Description: Abstract images are conceived or imagined outside of ‘reality’. They can encompass a huge variety of subject matter. Abstract photographers use perspective, movement, color and light to transform the world we see into an unexpected, often unrecognizable image.
What is abstract photography?
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: http://ianmcvea.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_12.html
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
Website:
JUNE
Topic: Urban Scenes
Description: Urban photography is a broad term describing photography that showcases all aspects of an urban environment, combining elements of many other types of photography, fine-art, landscape, portrait (but not in a studio) and architecture photography as well as photojournalism.
Guide to Urban Photography
Judge: Jim Hamel
Website: https://www.jimhamelphotography.com/
JULY
Topic: Critters
Description: Subject(s) must be insects (bugs, bees, butterflies, ants, beetles, spiders, etc) or reptiles only.
Judge: Donna Brok
Website: https://www.dlbrokphotography.com/
AUGUST
Topic: Vertical Landscapes
Description: Enter your best landscape in vertical orientation only. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity going
How and Why You Should Shoot Vertical Landscapes The Orientation of a Landscape Photo
Judge: Ashley Whitt
Website: www.ashleywhitt.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website:
Comments from our judge:
"B" Category PDF
"A" Category PDF
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Roger Watts
Website: https://rogerpwatts.com/index.html
NOVEMBER
Topic: Scenes from Fall
Description: Enter a photo showing your best capture that says “Fall!” Portraits of trick or treaters, landscapes with crisp fall colors – any image that makes us think Autumn qualifies for this contest.
Judge:
Website:
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Robert Chura
Websites: https://robertchura.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Black & White
Description: Showcase your best black and white images. Here is an article with some tips as you prepare
Ingredients for Black and White Images
Judge: Bruce Rosenstiel
Website: https://www.smallworldphotos.net/
MARCH
Topic: Furry or Feathered Friends
Description: Subject(s) must have fur or feathers for this contest – and can be either wild, captive or a pet.
How to Take Great Pictures of Animals
Judge: John Roberts
Website: https://clickingwithnature.com/
APRIL
Topic: Abstract Photography
Description: Abstract images are conceived or imagined outside of ‘reality’. They can encompass a huge variety of subject matter. Abstract photographers use perspective, movement, color and light to transform the world we see into an unexpected, often unrecognizable image.
What is abstract photography?
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: http://ianmcvea.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_12.html
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
Website:
JUNE
Topic: Urban Scenes
Description: Urban photography is a broad term describing photography that showcases all aspects of an urban environment, combining elements of many other types of photography, fine-art, landscape, portrait (but not in a studio) and architecture photography as well as photojournalism.
Guide to Urban Photography
Judge: Jim Hamel
Website: https://www.jimhamelphotography.com/
JULY
Topic: Critters
Description: Subject(s) must be insects (bugs, bees, butterflies, ants, beetles, spiders, etc) or reptiles only.
Judge: Donna Brok
Website: https://www.dlbrokphotography.com/
AUGUST
Topic: Vertical Landscapes
Description: Enter your best landscape in vertical orientation only. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity going
How and Why You Should Shoot Vertical Landscapes The Orientation of a Landscape Photo
Judge: Ashley Whitt
Website: www.ashleywhitt.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic – so why not try something new? Challenge yourself with camera techniques, different subject matter and/or creative post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website:
Comments from our judge:
"B" Category PDF
"A" Category PDF
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Roger Watts
Website: https://rogerpwatts.com/index.html
NOVEMBER
Topic: Scenes from Fall
Description: Enter a photo showing your best capture that says “Fall!” Portraits of trick or treaters, landscapes with crisp fall colors – any image that makes us think Autumn qualifies for this contest.
Judge:
Website:
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Randall Patterson
Website: https://www.birdsiviewtexas.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Still Life
Description: Utilize your full control over lighting, mood and composition to create your own work of art with inanimate, everyday subjects.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
MARCH
Topic: Architecture Photography (inside or Outside)
Description: Not simply photography of a building’s façade – architecture photography focuses on the beauty of design and small details. Consider quality of light, the right angles and show a building’s distinct character.
Judge: Greg Kopriva
Website: https://greg-kopriva.pixels.com/
APRIL
Topic: High or Low Key Images
Description: Contrast is King! High or Low Key images are a creative tool that will lend style and mood to your photos in very different ways. Which one best suits your style?
Judge: Mark Fitzgerald
Website: https://www.ddroom.com
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website: roberthurstphotography.com
JUNE
Topic: Images that say Texas!
Description: Be as creative as possible and show us what you think makes Texas…well, Texas!
Judge: Pliny Mier
Website: www.lalomitatexas.com
JULY
Topic: Composing with Curves
Description: Curves are natural compositional aids for photographers –
they draw a viewer into a frame and help lead them to a chosen point in the image.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: http://www.remfertphoto.com
AUGUST
Topic: Long Exposure Images
Description: Show us your technical photography skills. Long Exposure Photography uses a longer shutter speed to capture, blur or obscure moving elements. Aim for an exposure of 2 seconds or longer.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves
with the camera and/or with post-processing.
Judge: Jeff Parker
Website: www.exploreinfocus.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing
and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos.
You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: https://dbephotography.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: Portrait (People or Animals)
Description: Try to capture the personality of your subject by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses.
Judge: Sharon Sturgis
Website: https://sharonsturgis.zenfolio.com/
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Randall Patterson
Website: https://www.birdsiviewtexas.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Still Life
Description: Utilize your full control over lighting, mood and composition to create your own work of art with inanimate, everyday subjects.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
MARCH
Topic: Architecture Photography (inside or Outside)
Description: Not simply photography of a building’s façade – architecture photography focuses on the beauty of design and small details. Consider quality of light, the right angles and show a building’s distinct character.
Judge: Greg Kopriva
Website: https://greg-kopriva.pixels.com/
APRIL
Topic: High or Low Key Images
Description: Contrast is King! High or Low Key images are a creative tool that will lend style and mood to your photos in very different ways. Which one best suits your style?
Judge: Mark Fitzgerald
Website: https://www.ddroom.com
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website: roberthurstphotography.com
JUNE
Topic: Images that say Texas!
Description: Be as creative as possible and show us what you think makes Texas…well, Texas!
Judge: Pliny Mier
Website: www.lalomitatexas.com
JULY
Topic: Composing with Curves
Description: Curves are natural compositional aids for photographers –
they draw a viewer into a frame and help lead them to a chosen point in the image.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: http://www.remfertphoto.com
AUGUST
Topic: Long Exposure Images
Description: Show us your technical photography skills. Long Exposure Photography uses a longer shutter speed to capture, blur or obscure moving elements. Aim for an exposure of 2 seconds or longer.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves
with the camera and/or with post-processing.
Judge: Jeff Parker
Website: www.exploreinfocus.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing
and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos.
You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: https://dbephotography.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: Portrait (People or Animals)
Description: Try to capture the personality of your subject by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses.
Judge: Sharon Sturgis
Website: https://sharonsturgis.zenfolio.com/
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Randall Patterson
Website: https://www.birdsiviewtexas.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Still Life
Description: Utilize your full control over lighting, mood and composition to create your own work of art with inanimate, everyday subjects.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
MARCH
Topic: Architecture Photography (inside or Outside)
Description: Not simply photography of a building’s façade – architecture photography focuses on the beauty of design and small details. Consider quality of light, the right angles and show a building’s distinct character.
Judge: Greg Kopriva
Website: https://greg-kopriva.pixels.com/
APRIL
Topic: High or Low Key Images
Description: Contrast is King! High or Low Key images are a creative tool that will lend style and mood to your photos in very different ways. Which one best suits your style?
Judge: Mark Fitzgerald
Website: https://www.ddroom.com
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website: roberthurstphotography.com
JUNE
Topic: Images that say Texas!
Description: Be as creative as possible and show us what you think makes Texas…well, Texas!
Judge: Pliny Mier
Website: www.lalomitatexas.com
JULY
Topic: Composing with Curves
Description: Curves are natural compositional aids for photographers –
they draw a viewer into a frame and help lead them to a chosen point in the image.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: http://www.remfertphoto.com
AUGUST
Topic: Long Exposure Images
Description: Show us your technical photography skills. Long Exposure Photography uses a longer shutter speed to capture, blur or obscure moving elements. Aim for an exposure of 2 seconds or longer.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves
with the camera and/or with post-processing.
Judge: Jeff Parker
Website: www.exploreinfocus.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing
and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos.
You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: https://dbephotography.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: Portrait (People or Animals)
Description: Try to capture the personality of your subject by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses.
Judge: Sharon Sturgis
Website: https://sharonsturgis.zenfolio.com/
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Randall Patterson
Website: https://www.birdsiviewtexas.com/
FEBRUARY
Topic: Still Life
Description: Utilize your full control over lighting, mood and composition to create your own work of art with inanimate, everyday subjects.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
MARCH
Topic: Architecture Photography (inside or Outside)
Description: Not simply photography of a building’s façade – architecture photography focuses on the beauty of design and small details. Consider quality of light, the right angles and show a building’s distinct character.
Judge: Greg Kopriva
Website: https://greg-kopriva.pixels.com/
APRIL
Topic: High or Low Key Images
Description: Contrast is King! High or Low Key images are a creative tool that will lend style and mood to your photos in very different ways. Which one best suits your style?
Judge: Mark Fitzgerald
Website: https://www.ddroom.com
MAY
Topic: Open
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bob Hurst
Website: roberthurstphotography.com
JUNE
Topic: Images that say Texas!
Description: Be as creative as possible and show us what you think makes Texas…well, Texas!
Judge: Pliny Mier
Website: www.lalomitatexas.com
JULY
Topic: Composing with Curves
Description: Curves are natural compositional aids for photographers –
they draw a viewer into a frame and help lead them to a chosen point in the image.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: http://www.remfertphoto.com
AUGUST
Topic: Long Exposure Images
Description: Show us your technical photography skills. Long Exposure Photography uses a longer shutter speed to capture, blur or obscure moving elements. Aim for an exposure of 2 seconds or longer.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: Open
Description: “Open” means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves
with the camera and/or with post-processing.
Judge: Jeff Parker
Website: www.exploreinfocus.com
OCTOBER
Topic: Procrastinator's Delight
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the August meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing
and the October 1 competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos.
You have a limited window of time to take this competition topic.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: https://dbephotography.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: Portrait (People or Animals)
Description: Try to capture the personality of your subject by using effective lighting, backdrops, and poses.
Judge: Sharon Sturgis
Website: https://sharonsturgis.zenfolio.com/
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Chris Emory
Website: SundogArtPhotography
FEBRUARY
Topic: THE BEAUTY IS IN THE DETAILS
Description: Use any lens you have to get close to your subject. Aim for sharp, detailed images.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: remfertphoto.com
MARCH
Topic: BLACK & WHITE
Description: Not simply photography without color, black and white photography explores shapes, tones and textures. Shadows and highlights become much more important.
Judge: Stephen Thornton
APRIL
Topic: REFLECTIONS, SHADOWS OR SILHOUETTES
Description: The reflection, shadow or silhouette is the main subject – try tocapture the viewer’s attention.
Judge: Malinda Julien
Website: https://www.julienlambertphoto.com/
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Sarah Battle
Website:
JUNE
Topic: CREATIVE SHOOTING AND/OR EDITING
Description: Be as creative as possible! Some examples are; light painting, multiple exposure, time lapse, intentional camera movement, zoom while shooting, composites, filters, textures or other special editing effects.
Judge: Edgar Miller
Website: https://edgarmillerimages.com
JULY
Topic: LANDSCAPE/WATERSCAPE
Description: Landscape/Waterscape photography shows spaces within the world. Think of geographical feature like mountains, hills, caves, valleys, lakes, streams, or the ocean.
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: https://scenicaperture.com
AUGUST
Topic: DOWN LOW
Description: The photographer will be shooting from a low vantage point for what might be a unique perspective of the subject.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bruce Rosenstiel
Website: www.smallworldphotos.net
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Roy O'Rear
Website: https://www.instagram.com/roy.orear/?hl=en
NOVEMBER
Topic: PATTERNS IN NATURE
Description: Look for repeated patterns and geometric shapes in nature.
Judge: Russell Graves
Website: russellgraves.com
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Chris Emory
Website: SundogArtPhotography
FEBRUARY
Topic: THE BEAUTY IS IN THE DETAILS
Description: Use any lens you have to get close to your subject. Aim for sharp, detailed images.
Judge: Denise Remfert
Website: remfertphoto.com
MARCH
Topic: BLACK & WHITE
Description: Not simply photography without color, black and white photography explores shapes, tones and textures. Shadows and highlights become much more important.
Judge: Stephen Thornton
APRIL
Topic: REFLECTIONS, SHADOWS OR SILHOUETTES
Description: The reflection, shadow or silhouette is the main subject – try tocapture the viewer’s attention.
Judge: Malinda Julien
Website: https://www.julienlambertphoto.com/
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Sarah Battle
Website:
JUNE
Topic: CREATIVE SHOOTING AND/OR EDITING
Description: Be as creative as possible! Some examples are; light painting, multiple exposure, time lapse, intentional camera movement, zoom while shooting, composites, filters, textures or other special editing effects.
Judge: Edgar Miller
Website: https://edgarmillerimages.com
JULY
Topic: LANDSCAPE/WATERSCAPE
Description: Landscape/Waterscape photography shows spaces within the world. Think of geographical feature like mountains, hills, caves, valleys, lakes, streams, or the ocean.
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: https://scenicaperture.com
AUGUST
Topic: DOWN LOW
Description: The photographer will be shooting from a low vantage point for what might be a unique perspective of the subject.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
Website: https://hockleyphoto.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: "Open" means no assigned topic. We have free rein to challenge ourselves with the camera and/or post-processing.
Judge: Bruce Rosenstiel
Website: www.smallworldphotos.net
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Roy O'Rear
Website: https://www.instagram.com/roy.orear/?hl=en
NOVEMBER
Topic: PATTERNS IN NATURE
Description: Look for repeated patterns and geometric shapes in nature.
Judge: Russell Graves
Website: russellgraves.com
DECEMBER--Christmas Party!
No Competition for December
NOVEMBER
Topic: DINOSAUR
Judge: Kim Turner-Smith
Website: http://kimturnerphotography.com
Bio: http://kimturnerphotography.com/bio
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: SPLASH OF COLOR
Description: Make color the subject; the thing that catches your eye; the thing youwant your viewer to see. Of course, we shouldn’t forget composition and light but make that splash of color THE thing that makes your photo.That’s what our judge will be looking for.
Judge: Greg Milano
Website: www.milanostudios.com
MARCH
Topic: ROUND THINGS
Description: This is pretty simple. The main subject will be a round thing or a group of round things. To stand out from the pack and grab the viewers’ (and the judge’s) attention, this will benefit from close attention to composition,light and color (or lack thereof). A simple approach might be good on this one.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: www.dbephotography.com
APRIL
Topic: SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD
Description: Crank that aperture wide-open (small f/ number) and use that shallow depth of field to separate your main subject from the background (and/or foreground). Your main subject will be really sharp, and much of the rest will be blurred out of focus. A longer focal length lens will make this a bit easier.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
Check out this PDF on Depth of Field from Bill Webb
depth_of_field_april_2018.pdf
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Kristoffer Arestol
JUNE
Topic: BROKEN
Description: Not “Dinosaur” or “Ancient” or “Derelict” or anything like that. This monththe subject is something broken. That’s pretty broad so be sure ourjudge (or any viewer for that matter) immediately knows that the subject is, indeed, broken when they look at your image.
Judge: Roben Bellomo
Website: http://www.BellomoStudios.com
JULY
Topic: ALL WET-IN or out of water but not a boat
Description: Last July we had “Water” as our topic. This is the opposite of that in away because the water itself is NOT the main subject. Subject may be in or out of water but NOT a boat, that would be too easy.
Judge: John Beardsworth
Website: www.beardsworth.co.uk/
AUGUST
Topic: EMOTION
Description: For February of last year, we did “It Makes Me Feel” as a topic. This is similar, but this time let’s try to capture an image that shows emotion; NOT what causes emotion. This could be one of our more challenging topics.
Judge: Frank Hamrick
Website: www.frankhamrick.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: John Roberts
Website:http://www.clickingwithnature.com
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: www.ianmcvea.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: HANDS, FEET, PAWS or CLAWS
Description: It will be no problem finding subject material for this topic. The key is to find a way to make your subject capture the interest of the viewer.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
Topic: DINOSAUR
Judge: Kim Turner-Smith
Website: http://kimturnerphotography.com
Bio: http://kimturnerphotography.com/bio
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: SPLASH OF COLOR
Description: Make color the subject; the thing that catches your eye; the thing youwant your viewer to see. Of course, we shouldn’t forget composition and light but make that splash of color THE thing that makes your photo.That’s what our judge will be looking for.
Judge: Greg Milano
Website: www.milanostudios.com
MARCH
Topic: ROUND THINGS
Description: This is pretty simple. The main subject will be a round thing or a group of round things. To stand out from the pack and grab the viewers’ (and the judge’s) attention, this will benefit from close attention to composition,light and color (or lack thereof). A simple approach might be good on this one.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: www.dbephotography.com
APRIL
Topic: SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD
Description: Crank that aperture wide-open (small f/ number) and use that shallow depth of field to separate your main subject from the background (and/or foreground). Your main subject will be really sharp, and much of the rest will be blurred out of focus. A longer focal length lens will make this a bit easier.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
Check out this PDF on Depth of Field from Bill Webb
depth_of_field_april_2018.pdf
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Kristoffer Arestol
JUNE
Topic: BROKEN
Description: Not “Dinosaur” or “Ancient” or “Derelict” or anything like that. This monththe subject is something broken. That’s pretty broad so be sure ourjudge (or any viewer for that matter) immediately knows that the subject is, indeed, broken when they look at your image.
Judge: Roben Bellomo
Website: http://www.BellomoStudios.com
JULY
Topic: ALL WET-IN or out of water but not a boat
Description: Last July we had “Water” as our topic. This is the opposite of that in away because the water itself is NOT the main subject. Subject may be in or out of water but NOT a boat, that would be too easy.
Judge: John Beardsworth
Website: www.beardsworth.co.uk/
AUGUST
Topic: EMOTION
Description: For February of last year, we did “It Makes Me Feel” as a topic. This is similar, but this time let’s try to capture an image that shows emotion; NOT what causes emotion. This could be one of our more challenging topics.
Judge: Frank Hamrick
Website: www.frankhamrick.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: John Roberts
Website:http://www.clickingwithnature.com
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: www.ianmcvea.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: HANDS, FEET, PAWS or CLAWS
Description: It will be no problem finding subject material for this topic. The key is to find a way to make your subject capture the interest of the viewer.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
NOVEMBER
Topic: DINOSAUR
Judge: Kim Turner-Smith
Website: http://kimturnerphotography.com
Bio: http://kimturnerphotography.com/bio
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: SPLASH OF COLOR
Description: Make color the subject; the thing that catches your eye; the thing youwant your viewer to see. Of course, we shouldn’t forget composition and light but make that splash of color THE thing that makes your photo.That’s what our judge will be looking for.
Judge: Greg Milano
Website: www.milanostudios.com
MARCH
Topic: ROUND THINGS
Description: This is pretty simple. The main subject will be a round thing or a group of round things. To stand out from the pack and grab the viewers’ (and the judge’s) attention, this will benefit from close attention to composition,light and color (or lack thereof). A simple approach might be good on this one.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: www.dbephotography.com
APRIL
Topic: SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD
Description: Crank that aperture wide-open (small f/ number) and use that shallow depth of field to separate your main subject from the background (and/or foreground). Your main subject will be really sharp, and much of the rest will be blurred out of focus. A longer focal length lens will make this a bit easier.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
Check out this PDF on Depth of Field from Bill Webb
depth_of_field_april_2018.pdf
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Kristoffer Arestol
JUNE
Topic: BROKEN
Description: Not “Dinosaur” or “Ancient” or “Derelict” or anything like that. This monththe subject is something broken. That’s pretty broad so be sure ourjudge (or any viewer for that matter) immediately knows that the subject is, indeed, broken when they look at your image.
Judge: Roben Bellomo
Website: http://www.BellomoStudios.com
JULY
Topic: ALL WET-IN or out of water but not a boat
Description: Last July we had “Water” as our topic. This is the opposite of that in away because the water itself is NOT the main subject. Subject may be in or out of water but NOT a boat, that would be too easy.
Judge: John Beardsworth
Website: www.beardsworth.co.uk/
AUGUST
Topic: EMOTION
Description: For February of last year, we did “It Makes Me Feel” as a topic. This is similar, but this time let’s try to capture an image that shows emotion; NOT what causes emotion. This could be one of our more challenging topics.
Judge: Frank Hamrick
Website: www.frankhamrick.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: John Roberts
Website:http://www.clickingwithnature.com
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: www.ianmcvea.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: HANDS, FEET, PAWS or CLAWS
Description: It will be no problem finding subject material for this topic. The key is to find a way to make your subject capture the interest of the viewer.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
Topic: DINOSAUR
Judge: Kim Turner-Smith
Website: http://kimturnerphotography.com
Bio: http://kimturnerphotography.com/bio
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Rob Hull
Website: www.greatphotography.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: SPLASH OF COLOR
Description: Make color the subject; the thing that catches your eye; the thing youwant your viewer to see. Of course, we shouldn’t forget composition and light but make that splash of color THE thing that makes your photo.That’s what our judge will be looking for.
Judge: Greg Milano
Website: www.milanostudios.com
MARCH
Topic: ROUND THINGS
Description: This is pretty simple. The main subject will be a round thing or a group of round things. To stand out from the pack and grab the viewers’ (and the judge’s) attention, this will benefit from close attention to composition,light and color (or lack thereof). A simple approach might be good on this one.
Judge: Dan Emmerman
Website: www.dbephotography.com
APRIL
Topic: SHALLOW DEPTH OF FIELD
Description: Crank that aperture wide-open (small f/ number) and use that shallow depth of field to separate your main subject from the background (and/or foreground). Your main subject will be really sharp, and much of the rest will be blurred out of focus. A longer focal length lens will make this a bit easier.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
Check out this PDF on Depth of Field from Bill Webb
depth_of_field_april_2018.pdf
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Kristoffer Arestol
JUNE
Topic: BROKEN
Description: Not “Dinosaur” or “Ancient” or “Derelict” or anything like that. This monththe subject is something broken. That’s pretty broad so be sure ourjudge (or any viewer for that matter) immediately knows that the subject is, indeed, broken when they look at your image.
Judge: Roben Bellomo
Website: http://www.BellomoStudios.com
JULY
Topic: ALL WET-IN or out of water but not a boat
Description: Last July we had “Water” as our topic. This is the opposite of that in away because the water itself is NOT the main subject. Subject may be in or out of water but NOT a boat, that would be too easy.
Judge: John Beardsworth
Website: www.beardsworth.co.uk/
AUGUST
Topic: EMOTION
Description: For February of last year, we did “It Makes Me Feel” as a topic. This is similar, but this time let’s try to capture an image that shows emotion; NOT what causes emotion. This could be one of our more challenging topics.
Judge: Frank Hamrick
Website: www.frankhamrick.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: John Roberts
Website:http://www.clickingwithnature.com
OCTOBER
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from a hat at the September meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the October competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one- month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Ian McVea
Website: www.ianmcvea.com
NOVEMBER
Topic: HANDS, FEET, PAWS or CLAWS
Description: It will be no problem finding subject material for this topic. The key is to find a way to make your subject capture the interest of the viewer.
Judge: Mary Cretsinger
NOVEMBER
Topic: BLUR OR MOTION
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: http://scenicaperture.com
Bio: http://scenicaperture.com/frank-comisar-creative-stewardship/
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: "IT MAKES ME FEEL"
Description: Photographs that convey emotion and feeling are not easy to capture. Capture an image that tells the viewer what was happening and how the person/people felt; how they were affected. These will likely NOT be posed shots but more likely candid ones. Capture the “moment.”
Judge: Luke Edmonson
Website: https://www.edmonsonweddings.com
MARCH
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from hat at the February meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the March’s competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Steve Kozak
Website: http://www.stevekozak.com/
APRIL
Topic: BACKLIT
Description: For this task, the common front or side lighting goes out the window as the primary light of interest on your subject will be from behind. Such lighting will usually create a highlight that separates the subject from the background.
JUDGE: Dan Emmerman
Website: http://dbephotography.com/
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
JUNE
Topic: CELL PHONE SHOT
Description: Take advantage of the camera we almost always have with us and use it to capture the image. The shot can be edited in the phone or with other programs.
Judge: Michael Cummings
JULY
Topic: WATER
Description: Capture a photo where water is the subject. Not something on the water; not something in the water, but the water itself is the main interest.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
AUGUST
Topic: SIMPLICITY
Description: Keep it simple. Some of the most effective photographs are the simple ones; simplicity of the scene, the composition, the message you are trying to convey.
Judge: Spencer Cox
Website: www.spencercoxphoto.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Ken Spencer
OCTOBER
Topic: "IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT"
Description: Night; not sunset or sunrise. Take an image between nightfall and dawn. That’s a bit vague; however, remember that our judge will likely be looking for something playing on the “still” part of that description.
Judge: Tom Maddrey
Topic: BLUR OR MOTION
Judge: Frank Comisar
Website: http://scenicaperture.com
Bio: http://scenicaperture.com/frank-comisar-creative-stewardship/
JANUARY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Sean Fitzgerald
Website: www.seanfitzgerald.com
FEBRUARY
Topic: "IT MAKES ME FEEL"
Description: Photographs that convey emotion and feeling are not easy to capture. Capture an image that tells the viewer what was happening and how the person/people felt; how they were affected. These will likely NOT be posed shots but more likely candid ones. Capture the “moment.”
Judge: Luke Edmonson
Website: https://www.edmonsonweddings.com
MARCH
Topic: PROCRASTINATOR'S DELIGHT
Description: Topic will be chosen from hat at the February meeting. Photos must be taken between drawing and the March’s competition deadline. No shooting ahead. No looking through archived photos. You have a one month window to take this competition topic.
Judge: Steve Kozak
Website: http://www.stevekozak.com/
APRIL
Topic: BACKLIT
Description: For this task, the common front or side lighting goes out the window as the primary light of interest on your subject will be from behind. Such lighting will usually create a highlight that separates the subject from the background.
JUDGE: Dan Emmerman
Website: http://dbephotography.com/
MAY
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Charles Wilhite
JUNE
Topic: CELL PHONE SHOT
Description: Take advantage of the camera we almost always have with us and use it to capture the image. The shot can be edited in the phone or with other programs.
Judge: Michael Cummings
JULY
Topic: WATER
Description: Capture a photo where water is the subject. Not something on the water; not something in the water, but the water itself is the main interest.
Judge: Aaron Hockley
AUGUST
Topic: SIMPLICITY
Description: Keep it simple. Some of the most effective photographs are the simple ones; simplicity of the scene, the composition, the message you are trying to convey.
Judge: Spencer Cox
Website: www.spencercoxphoto.com
SEPTEMBER
Topic: OPEN
Description: No assigned topic. Free rein to challenge yourself with the camera and/or with post-processing. Try something new. Push yourself in at least one of the “Open” months this year.
Judge: Ken Spencer
OCTOBER
Topic: "IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT"
Description: Night; not sunset or sunrise. Take an image between nightfall and dawn. That’s a bit vague; however, remember that our judge will likely be looking for something playing on the “still” part of that description.
Judge: Tom Maddrey
Download the competition topics for 2024
| |||