* Only financial members are eligible to enter club competitions (with the exception of the Annual
Hunt & Shoot Competition)
* All entries must be taken by the photographer
* To enter graded competitions, members must first be graded (A, AB or B - the same grade
is used for both Projected Images and Prints)
* All entries for club competitions must be identified as follows:
All slides must show the maker's name and grade, the competition subject (e.g., Nature, People, etc.)
and the title of the image. Please refer to the diagram on the right.
Use the correct SMALL coloured adhesive "spot" for your grade.
Red: A Grade, Yellow: AB Grade, Green: B Grade).
Recommended pen for writing on slides: Staedtler lumocolor permanent 313 (fine point). Remove with metho.
Based on APS standards: the maximum horizontal dimension of each image must be 1024 pixels and the maximum vertical
dimension must be 768 pixels, with a resolution of 96 dpi. Each image file should in the JPEG-format
for IBM-PC and a maximum of 220K in file size. Entries must be on a CD (not rewritable, and
in a protective case) - or floppy disk - clearly marked with the maker's name, grade, subject categories
and the file name of each image.
Only entries for the current competition must be on each disk submitted.
File names: must show Subject_Title_Maker.jpg
(e.g., Landscape_Sunset_John Smith.jpg)
All prints must show (on the REVERSE side) the location of the TOP of the print, marked with a coloured adhesive sticker.
Use the correct LARGE coloured adhesive spot for your grade
(Red: A Grade, Yellow: AB Grade, Green: B Grade
Put the name of the maker, the maker’s grade, the title of the print and the competition subject
(e.g. Nature, Landscape/Seascape).
|
Non Acceptance Acceptance Per Entry Merit Honour |
No points 3 points 7 points 10 points |
Therefore a maximum of nine (9) entries is permitted in aggregate competitions (2 in set subjects and 1 in Open for each of prints, digital projections and slides).
These Guidelines on some common competition subjects are supplied to our judges where relevant. Unless otherwise specified, these are not rules - they are merely intended for your guidance. For Set Subjects, QCG generally asks judges to allow as wide an interpretation of the subject as possible, to encourage members to be creative. However, the one subject that does not allow for "flexible" interpretation is “Nature”. Both FIAP (International) and APS (National) Organisations are generally agreed that the following Nature definition should be adhered to:
NATURE:
Nature photography depicts untamed animals and uncultivated plants in their
natural habitat, geology, and phenomena not produced by man. The accurate record of the subject
and natural environment is the prime factor. Evidence of the hand of man, his manipulation or his
environment in any part of the picture is undesirable and should be avoided. After satisfying the
above requirements, every effort should be made to use the highest level of artistic skill in all
nature photographs. Photographs of cultivated plants, formal flower arrangements, domestic and
caged animals, mounted specimens, museum groups or man and his specialised environment are not
acceptable. Any manipulation or modification to the original image is limited to minor retouching
of blemishes and must not alter the content of the original scene. Generally speaking, subjects
that qualify as nature do not qualify as landscapes or seascapes and vice versa.
OPEN(PICTORIAL):
Any subject that is treated pictorially, embodying the elements of
good design, arrangement or composition, which reflects the personal interpretation of the
photographer.
LANDSCAPE/SEASCAPE:
Landscape photographs depict natural features of the terrain,
including lakes and waterways, land-based cloud or skyscapes. Trees, people or buildings may
be included, but should not dominate, except where illustrating an urban landscape.
Seascapes can be water panoramas, wave studies or coastal vistas combining shoreline features.
Close up features are not regarded as landscapes.
PEOPLE/PORTRAIT:
The image should be primarily of a person or people in a formal or
informal setting and may include a formal or informal portrait
SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY:
The image should be concerned with the portrayal and interpretation
of society, encompassing both human and non-human subject matter. Social Documentary images
MUST BE TITLED, the titles playing an important part in their impact.
CREATIVE:
This is either (a) a photograph which displays a novel effect because of an
unusual combination of objects and/or an unusual viewpoint, or (b) a photograph in which the
images have been modified during exposure, or (c) a photograph which has been modified after
exposure. Always the picture must have a basic photographic image. Digital processes are
included, provided the original image was exposed by the entrant.
OTHER SET SUBJECTS:
The guidelines for each year's new set subjects
(e.g. 2008 - Seven, Australian, Scapes, People) may be found on the Programme pages of this website and
in the 2 page QCG Calendar distributed at the Annual Dinner.
ANNUAL PROJECTED IMAGES & ANNUAL PRINT COMPETITIONS: Subjects: Creative, Nature, Pictorial,
Social Documentary (including title).
Both Annual Competitions are graded
with members invited to enter up to three (3) projected images and up to three (3) prints in
each subject section. Entries which have won a place in a previous annual competition are not
eligible, but entries from the current year's Monthly Competitions may be entered again.
ANNUAL PRINT, DPI AND SLIDE OF THE YEAR:
all images which have received an Honour or First Place at any club competition throughout the year (all grades) are eligible.
The closing date will be announced by the competitions officer near the end of the competition year (or refer to the programme
page handbook inserts), with an independent judging conducted prior to the Annual Dinner. Awards will be announced and
presented at the Annual Dinner.
GRAHAM FORSTER'S STILL LIFE COMPETITION:
The perpetual trophy
was donated by past member, Graham Forster. Entries should show an arrangement of inanimate
objects which may include manufactured objects, those from nature, or both. Flowers may be
included only as a minor accessory. This is an Open (non graded) competition with each member
allowed up to three (3) entries. The entries may any combination of prints and projected images
giving a total of three. The same image must not be submitted as a projected image and a print.
THE ARTIST'S COMPETITION:
The subject matter for the Artist's
Competition is completely open but should contain qualities of pictorialism, impact, appeal,
story telling or interest. This competition will be judged by a painter. (The perpetual
trophy was donated by Mrs Peggy Stumbles, a Life Member of QCG). It is an Open (non-graded)
competition with each member allowed to submit up to three (3) entries. The entries may include
any combination of prints and projected images giving a total of three. The same image must
not be submitted as a projected image and a print.
CLUB AUDIO VISUAL COMPETITION:
Both traditional (35mm slide/taped audio)
and digital entries will be accepted for judging. Sequences must be no longer than 6 minutes in duration
and must NOT show the name of the maker on any of the images.
HUNT AND SHOOT COMPETITION:
The competition organiser chooses
a venue and then selects subjects which are unknown by the competitors until the start of the
shoot. Competitors meet at a pre-arranged time (usually half an hour before start) when the rules
of the day are explained. There is a competition time limit to be observed. The competition
organiser processes entries and arranges judging of the images. Announcement of awards and
viewing of entries takes place at a future club meeting. This is traditionally a “fun”
competition, open to all members, their friends & family and other non-members. It is seen
as an opportunity for club promotion, membership recruitment and “camera”-derie!
PHOTOSHOOT OUTINGS COMPETITION:
Images taken on any official
Club Photoshoot Outing (including the PSQ Convention, and other designated functions - refer to calendar). Images must be taken within the designated areas of the outing and during the
specifies timespan of the outing. The Photoshoot Outings Competition is a graded competition with each
member able to enter up to three (3) projected images and up to three (3) prints.
THE PRESIDENT'S TROPHY: THREE RELATED IMAGES:
Introduced by Past President Stewart Parker in 2005,
this competition is judged at our Annual General Meeting. It has an open subject and is
non-graded. Members are allowed ONE entry (containing three visually related images), in EITHER
print OR projected image format (but not both). Prints may be presented on a single mat board, or separate mats.
Entries to be submitted at the meeting prior to the AGM. The competition will be judged by a past or
present QCG President.
JOAN ROBINSON MEMORIAL TROPHY—Awarded to the Premier A Grade Photographer:
Introduced in 2002, in memory of popular club member and past President, the late Joan Robinson, this perpetual
trophy is awarded annually to the A Grade member achieving the greatest number points from Merit
and Honour Awards (both projected images & prints) in club competitions throughout the year.
Both aggregate and non-aggregate competitions are included, with the exception of the Annual
Hunt & Shoot Competition and the Annual Projected Images and Annual Prints Competitions. Results
are tallied by the Club Competitions Officer.
ANNUAL SLIDE TROPHY - "THE MAX"
The member scoring the highest number of points in slide competitions throughout the year (excluding Three
Related Images comp) will receive this perpetual trophy, presented at the Annual Dinner. Established by Stewart Parker
in 2007, the trophy has been fashioned from one previously earned by Life Member Max Gruener, an international slide
competition award winner, who passed away in 2007.
ANNUAL INTERCLUB RIVER CITY PRINT COMPETITION:
Inaugurated in
2000 by Wynnum Bayside Camera Club, this Competition is held in September and was originally between Brisbane Camera
Group, Mt Gravatt Photographic Society, Queensland Camera Group and Wynnum Bayside Camera Club. From 2006 the
competition has been opened to all South East Queensland camera clubs. It is a print only, open subject, graded
competition with A and combined AB and B grade sections for Colour and Monochrome Prints. Photographs must be taken
after October of the preceding year. Five prints are permitted in each section. Digital prints are allowed in all
sections.
Prior to the competition the QCG Interclub Comps Officer will call for entries from members and the club entry will
be chosen from these.
ANNUAL INTERCLUB PROJECTED IMAGES COMPETITION:
The original
name was the “Metropolitan Interclub Slide Competition”, with metropolitan camera clubs as well as Gold Coast,
Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba clubs participating.
The Interclub Projected Images Competition is now a digital only competition with seven (7) subject categories.
Three (3) compulsory subjects are included every year: Landscape/Seascape, Nature and People. An additional three
(3) subject are chosen by the host club. The six (6) categories already mentioned are open to all grades, the
seventh category is open subject and is for non-A grade entries only. This is intended to stimulate and encourage
competition between lower grade club members. Number of Entries: Three (3) entries in each of the seven (7) subject
categories, a total of 21 per club. This competition is a Club entry rather than an individual entry, although First,
Second and Third place certificates are awarded in each category.
Prior to the competition the QCG Interclub Comps Officer will call for entries from members and the club entry will be
chosen from these.
INTERCLUB AUDIOVISUAL COMPETITION
The Metropolitan
Interclub Audiovisual competition is run annually. The competition is open to all Brisbane
metropolitan clubs. Each club is allowed a maximum of eight entries spread between the categories
of Individual B, A and International grades, Group and Club entries. Data projection of digital
audio-visuals was introduced in 2004.
ANNUAL BILL SMIT SHIELD INTERCLUB SLIDE COMPETITION
Named after QCG Life Member, Bill Smit, in honour of the service he has given over the years to the camera
club movement, this competition was begun in 1984 and was originally a three-way annual competition between BCG,
Mt Gravatt Photographic Society and Wynnum Bayside Camera Club. From 2006 the competition has been opened to all
South East Queensland camera clubs. The Bill Smit Slide Competition is now a slide only, open subject competition
divided into ‘A grade’ and ‘non A grade’ categories. Each competing club will be asked to provide 10 images for the
‘A grade’ category and 12 images for the ‘non A grade’ category. Prior to the competition the QCG Interclub Comps
Officer will call for entries from members.
PSQ CONVENTION COMPETITION
In conjunction with the Photographic
Society of Queensland Annual Convention, held over the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend in
June, an Interclub Competition is available to all PSQ affiliated clubs (with perpetual trophies
awarded). Prior to the convention, you will be asked to submit work to a QCG Selection Panel
which chooses works entered on behalf of your club. Individual Awards are also presented to the
First Placegetter in each section. There are a small number of individual competitions (details
available prior to the Convention). More information on PSQ.
THE QUEENSLANDERS
This is a photographic exhibition open to all
members of PSQ-affiliated clubs and private members. The subject matter is “Queensland Related”
monochrome or colour prints and must meet the standard external size of 11” x 14” (28cm x 36cm)
including the mount, and be less than 4mm thick. This is a traveling exhibition of 30 selected
images, framed by the PSQ Council and forwarded on request to affiliated clubs around the State
for exhibiting in their respective regions. Selected works are required for a period of 12
months
APSCON
The Australian Photographic Society Incorporated (APS)
conducts an annual convention, known as APSCON. An APS national exhibition is exhibited during
APSCON. Also associated with the Convention are slide, print & audio-visual National Competitions
for individuals, plus the Allied Camera Club Interstate Competition. Entry forms are distributed
to clubs and members by the Convention organisers.
More information on APS.
PHOTOSHOOT OUTINGS
if practicable, each monthly photoshoot outing will begin with a 10 minute discussion of tips and useful info for that
particular photoshoot location. Members are encouraged to suggest any topics they might need help with at a future photoshoot.
EARLY LEARNING GROUP - Stewart Parker
Meets on the last Monday of the month (starting February 2008). Topics will include: know your camera, light, composition,
colour/monochrome, basic digital manipulation, competition entry and preparation. And: “How to get awards early in your club career:
(to be presented by some of last year’s graduates of this group). Home work and exams will be set! All complaints to Stewart!
Venue: 15 Alenola St, Chapel Hill. Starts 7.30pm (supper provided – contributions welcomed).
Portraiture Group - Andrea-Ward Osborne
A beautiful portrait is a timeless memory cherished for generations. The portraiture special interest group is a peer group of
shared knowledge. The group will meet monthly for either a practical shooting session or post processing and critiquing session.
Each session has a focus on a particular topic or shooting style to help enhance members’ skills and knowledge on creating beautiful
memories. Meetings will be held from February to November and include week nights and weekend days (dates and locations to be
advised – refer to website and newsletter or contact Andrea).
Digital Processing Group - Gaye Edwards and Ross MIles
The QCG Digital Beginners and Advanced Groups have combined and given a new name. “Digital Processing” was one
of the major focuses of each group and one of the principal need areas for knowledge and skills. The group will meet on the fourth
Thursday of the month, so that images worked on may be in time for entry to the next month’s comp.
At each meeting: the first half hour or so will be a skill session on a particular processing topic e.g. levels, layers, etc. Balance of time will be spent on practical individual projects with personal tuition. Members are encouraged to bring their own laptop if possible.
Digital Projects: An online project on the club’s website will be set using the subject matter from the skill session at the meeting. Work to be displayed in the Projects Gallery at the bottom of the Gallery page in this website. Participation in online projects improves your computer skills as well as your photography. We will teach you how to effectively use your club’s wonderful website!
The Skill session may include:
General(about digital cameras): know your camera’s functions, e.g., aperture, speed, bracketing, sequential shoot, exposure compensation, white balance, colour space, sensor management.
Practical (using enhancement programs such as Photoshop and similar): Levels, tool Box,
Layers, Curves, Blending Modes, Sharpening.
The object is that, as people’s skills develop, the group becomes one of a self-help focus with sharing of ideas and knowledge gained.
Venue: Margaret Miller's, 23 Stanfell St Corinda (7:00pm to 9:00pm)Supper provided (contributions welcomed). Refer to website and newsletter for more details, or contact Ross or Gaye.
Mentoring
When you first join the camera club, you may be baffled by the mention of various organisations by their capital letters only. It’s a lazy habit in some cases, but often also a term of endearment. “QCG”, for instance, is just “us”!. PSQ is our “mother ship”, BCG is the Brisbane Camera Group (another metropolitan club) and the list goes on. Sometimes we forget to explain to new members just what these initials mean. Here is a selection of those frequently used. Please raise you hand during a meeting if an unknown acronym crops up—someone should know its meaning.
APS
The Australian Photographic Society Inc.
(www.australianphotographicsociety.org.au) is Australia's own national photographic organisation
and coordinates all facets of photography. It offers its members extensive services that are
specifically designed to improve their photography and photographic skills.
Individuals become members by subscription and may participate in activities of the various
Divisions of the Society. Copies of Australian Photography & Image magazines are included with
membership.
You do not have to belong to a camera club to join APS although it encourages members to join
camera clubs. Current APS Club Mentors are Ian Hanger & Anne Pace—see them for more details on the
benefits of belonging to APS.
APSCON
The Australian Photographic Society Convention, held annually
in Sept/Oct and normally hosted by a camera club. The week-long convention is comprised of
lectures and photographic opportunities with a Conference Dinner at which Photographic Honours
are presented. projected image, print & audio-visual National Competitions for individuals and the Allied Interstate Photograph Competition. The AGM is also held.
AIPC (Australian Interstate Photographic Competition): An annual individual competition held in conjunction with the APS Convention, with images
selected for entry by the relevant state body (e.g., PSQ). The Alan Moran Trophy (the major award) is awarded to the most successful state body each
year.
The Convention includes slide, print & audio-visual National Competitions for
individuals and the Allied Camera Club Interstate Competition. The Annual General Meeting is
also held.
ACCC ("A-Triple-C")
Allied Camera Clubs (of Australia) Competition. An annual
competition held in conjunction with the APS Convention, normally run by the relevant body
(e.g., PSQ) in the State where the APS Convention is being held. The Alan Moran Trophy
(the major award) is awarded to the most successful state body each year.
PSQ
The Photographic Society of Queensland (www.psq.org.au)
represents clubs and promotes photographic standards throughout the state. Affiliated Clubs
pay a per capita subscription based on their membership numbers—part of your annual QCG
membership fees go to PSQ. Private membership is also offered.
The PSQ Convention (offering competitions, lectures, displays & photo opportunities)
is held on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June and is normally hosted by one of the
affiliated clubs.
The PSQ Council comprises a Management Committee (representatives of affiliated clubs)
& The Judges Panel (an executive of Senior PSQ trained & accredited judges). Club members can
be non-voting delegates at Council meetings.
A monthly Newsletter, “Flashes”, is available at clubs and on
See the PSQ Website
The current PSQ Council includes QCG members John Edwards (as Immediate Past President, Competitions and Distribution Director), Jolanta Szymczyk (as Membership Director)
and Michael McPartland (as Webmaster).
SEQACC (usually abbreviated to SEQ)
This is the South East
Queensland Association of Camera Clubs. Part of your QCG membership subscription goes to
SEQACC on a per capita basis.
The function of the Association is to co-ordinate a Photographic Salon
(competition) on the May Day long weekend. The Salon is hosted by an affiliated club on a
rotational basis. The venue for the SEQ Salon generally alternates between city and regional
areas. Although individuals enter their own work, points scored also go towards a Club
Perpetual Trophy.
The Salon is comprised of individual print, slide & audio-visual competitions for A and B
Grade workers. Photo opportunities abound and the Annual General Meeting is held on the
Monday morning of the Salon.
In 2006, following lack of
interest in entering, members voted to end QCG’s affiliation with SEQ.
COMPETITION GRADING (B, AB OR A)
If you wish to enter competitions, as a new member you must present about 10 examples of your prints
and/or projected images (showing a variety of subjects & styles) to the Competitions Officer for
submission to the current Grading & Selection Committee (consisting of the previous year’s highest
scoring A Grade projected image and print workers and the club President).
UPGRADING
Members will be considered for upgrading at the end of the competition year, or may request upgrading
at any time by resubmitting a portfolio of images. See Club Competitions Officer for more information.
CLUB COMPETITION ENTRIES
After Grading, prepare your work for competition as described in this Programme Booklet. Hand in work
to the Competitions Officer at the Competition Table, usually 2 weeks before the Competition.
Write your name and titles clearly on the entry forms. Make sure you collect your slides,
CDs and prints at the end of the Competition Judging night.
"THE PRISM"
Your monthly club newsletter - available on this website See Newsletter link. (some hard copies at club meetings).
Contains previous Competitions results, Reports on club events, Photoshoot Outings details (date, times,
location, etc.), Reminders of upcoming Club Competitions, Notification of Outside Competitions
(national, international competitions), Free photographic equipment advertising space for members.
QCG WEBSITE:
introduced in 2004, all club activities are promoted and galleries
of members’ images are displayed on www.qcg.org.au
CHECK THE MAIN TABLE FOR
Attendance Book (please enter your name), Nightly Entrance Fee payment, The Prism newsletter,
Flashes— PSQ Newsletter
CLUB LIBRARY
There is a Library Cupboard containing quality books and magazines.
These are available to members free of charge - record your borrowings in the Library Book
CLUB EQUIPMENT(all enquiries to the Equipment Officer)
After 6 months' membership, members are eligible to borrow certain Club Equipment for personal use
Hire of Club Lights for two weeks is free if members provide bulbs. There is a small charge if Club
supplies light bulbs. Special conditions apply for hire of Audio-Visual Equipment, including a charge.
OFFICIAL CLUB BADGE WITH MEMBER'S NAME
See the Club Treasurer for current price and to place your order.
THE QCG MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Elected at each Annual General Meeting in September. Nominations are called for prior to each AGM. The new
committee begins its term in the next calendar year, holding office for the remainder of that
calendar year.
HOW YOU CAN HELP ON CLUB NIGHTS
Help set out the chairs, tables & presentation equipment before each meeting and pack them away
at conclusion of the meeting.
Enjoy supper and assist with washing up. THANKYOU!