All General QCG Competition Rules apply. In addition:

• Images which have gained an Acceptance or higher award in an Monthly Competition, MAY NOT be entered into any other Monthly Competition in any year, even if you process it differently.

• Images awarded a Non Acceptance or Out of Category MAY be entered into a subsequent Monthly Competition.

• All images must have a title. (Note that MyPhotoClub has a title limit of 35 characters, allowing only letters, numbers and spaces and no special characters.)

• Avoid entering images in the Open Competition which contain subject matter which meets the definition for the Set Subject on the same night. (Not a rule, just good advice.)

Honour 10 points
Merit 7 points
Commended 5 points
Acceptance 3 points
Non Acceptance 0 points
Out of Category  0 points

Two images within each monthly Aggregate competition will be awarded ‘Most Apt Title’, where the judge decides the title that most accurately, wittily or humorously reflects the subject matter of the image.

DPI entries must be uploaded into the relevant competition space in the QCG MyPhotoClub website and must comply with the following requirements:

• File format: jpeg (.jpg)

• Colour space: sRGB

• Maximum file size 2 MB

• Maximum horizontal dimension: 1920 pixels

• Maximum vertical dimension: 1080 pixels (Note that portrait orientation images must still meet the 1080 pixel height limit.)

Files larger than these dimensions will not be accepted by MyPhotoClub.

Smaller pixel dimensions will be accepted, but for best results, use as close to the maximum dimensions as you can.

Print entries must be mounted and labelled.

• Matboards can be sourced from Frontier Digital or other printing services.

• Maximum mount size: 16” x 20” for rectangular images or 16” x 16” for square images.

• Prints may be any size within that mount.

• Printable labels can be generated through MyPhotoClub when you upload the DPI of your print entries. These should be printed and affixed to the reverse side of the mount or matboard, in the centre at the top. If you can’t print the label, you can use a sticky label and include title, maker, grade, competition topic and an arrow to indicate which way is up.

Digital version

• A digital version of all Print entries must be uploaded to the QCG MyPhotoClub website to register your entries. File size limitations and closing dates are the same as for DPI entries.

• The Prints themselves should be lodged with the Competitions Officer or Print Coordinator by the closing date.

• Make sure you collect your prints at the end of each Competition Judging night. Uncollected prints will be disposed of at regular intervals.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Scapes (DPI) (2026 QLD Interclub Competition definition)

A pictorial representation of land, sea, seashore, or urban environments that captures the aesthetic appeal of these outdoor settings. It brings the viewer into the scenery and perfectly captures the setting, mood, and feeling in the location. It can focus on wide-angle shots of landforms, rivers, estuaries, seas, seashores, city skylines, streetscapes and the like. It may also involve closer shots of features of these environments. If humans or animals are in the image, they should not be the main foci, but rather be intentionally present to give a sense of scale to the image.

You may enter a maximum of 4 print entries (2 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Animals (Print) (possible 2026 River City Print Competition definition)

Images of living untamed or domesticated animals (including pets) in natural or other outdoor environments that may include objects made by humans. Images may feature single or multiple animals. An animal (for the purpose of this topic) is defined as a living being (except for humans) that can breathe, move, eat, reproduce and react to the world through its senses (eg sight, smell, hearing). Therefore mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish are all animals for the purpose of this topic. It is acceptable that evidence of a human environment the animal frequents is included, along with any supporting manmade accessories although photographs may not include people.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Minimalism (DPI) (2026 QLD Interclub Competition definition)  

Image making that relies on simplistic compositions, heavy use of empty space and elimination of clutter. The main subject is often kept small in the frame or its presence kept to a minimum and exceptionally simple.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Nautical  (DPI)(2026 QLD Interclub Competition definition)

Relating to ships, sailors, sailing and navigation of the sea.

You may enter a maximum of 4 print entries (up to 2 Set subject and 2 Open Monochrome).

Portrait/People (Print) (possible 2026 River City Print Competition definition)

A photograph of a person or persons that may range from a head study to full body length. This section includes candid photographs and formal portraits. This may include accessories and backgrounds in character with the subject. The image may be taken in a formal studio setting or in the community at large. It may be in colour or monochrome. Must be a live human being (mannikins, statues or ornaments will not be accepted).

Open Monochrome (Print)

The Open definition applies, but in addition:

An image containing tones of only one colour. This includes black-and-white photography (shades of neutral grey ranging from black to white) as well as images toned in sepia, cyan, blue, brown etc. Partial toning or the addition of an extra colour is not allowed.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Abstract (DPI) (suggested in 2025 member survey)

Abstract photography creates images that don't immediately represent reality, focusing instead on shapes, colors, textures, patterns, and forms to evoke feeling or intrigue, often by isolating details, playing with light and shadow, or distorting subjects so they become unrecognizable yet visually compelling.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Street (DPI) (suggested in 2025 member survey)

Street photography is a non-formalised genre of photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions and other associated settings. Images can often be ironic or emotionally detached from subject matter, focusing instead on a particular context or detail. Framing and timing are key aspects of the craft, with the aim of creating images at a decisive or poignant moment. 

You may enter a maximum of 4 print entries (up to 2 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Long Exposure (Print) (suggested in 2025 member survey)

Long exposure photography involves capturing a single image using a long shutter speed to sharply capture stationary elements while blurring or obscuring the moving elements.

You may enter a maximum of 3 DPI entries (EITHER 2 Set subject and 1 Open, OR 1 Set Subject and 2 Open).

Photoshoot Outings (DPI)

Images which have been taken within the designated areas of an official QCG Photoshoot Outing during the specified time span of the outing.