Our Competitions

Competition Judging

All pictures in a competition receive an appreciation by an invited adjudicator, who is asked to give marks out of 20 to the entries. All pictures gaining 20 marks in each class qualify for the Print / Slide of the year finals. At the discretion of the competition secretaries, competition entrants may also choose any two prints and / slides entered into the regular competitions during the year, but which did not receive 20 marks, to go forward to the Print or Slide of the Year finals. It should be borne in mind that any assessment of a picture is the opinion of the judge, and if an adverse criticism is received, this does not devalue the worth of the picture. Adjudicators will always differ in their views - this is healthy, and merely represents the fact that we all have different ideas as to what makes a good picture. For that reason, a competition should really be seen as a forum to see and share pictures and 'winning' as a bonus. All members should be in possession of the competition rules. Please ask the respective competition secretary if you do not have a copy.

Latest Hand in Dates

Members are reminded that slides intended for competition must be handed to the Competition Secretary at least one week before the date of the competition. Regretfully, entries cannot be accepted on the night. Print entries for the monthly and panel competitions may be brought along on the evening, but must be handed in by 7.15 pm - this is essential to ensure a prompt start, and to give the judge the opportunity to preview.

Nature Prints and Slides

Entry requirements for these classes are based on guidelines issued by FIAP, the PSA and the RPS, and are similar to those used in most National and International exhibitions. Entrants should therefore satisfy themselves that their prints or slides satisfy the undermentioned conditions. If in doubt whether your entry is eligible, or for further clarification, please see the respective Print or Slide Secretary. NATURE photographs should depict untamed animals and uncultivated plants in a natural habitat, geology, and phenomena not produced by man. Accurate recording of the subject and its natural environment is the prime factor. Obvious evidence of man or his environment in any part of the picture is undesirable and should be avoided, except where appropriate to the subject. Photographs of cultivated plants, formal flower arrangements, domestic, farm or caged animals, mounted specimens, museum exhibits, man and his environment are not acceptable. Derivations or any form of photo manipulation that alters the material truth of the photographic statement are ineligible. Artistic interpretation of nature photographs is encouraged, but is not essential. Titles should be factual, and either or both common and Latin names are acceptable. Humorous or 'pictorial' titles are not appropriate and should be avoided.

Slide Theme Competition 

A maximum of 10 slides may be shown. The idea is to present a story or in-depth study of a subject of your choice. The aim should not be to produce individual competition 'winners', but to produce a set of pictures that relate, and flow well when projected. A brief introduction (2 minutes max.) will be permitted, but no other commentary or music - the pictures should speak for themselves. Slides previously entered in an earlier Themes competition are ineligible, but slides that have previously been entered in normal monthly competitions are allowed. Likewise, slides used for a Themes competition may, if desired, be entered in a future monthly competition. Due to time restrictions, there may have to be a limitation placed on the number of entrants (approximately 15) and members wishing to take part should register in advance with the Slide Competition secretary. First come, first served!

Print Panel Competition 

The aim should be to produce a panel of pictures that hang well together, and which tell a story or give information about the subject. Presentation is therefore important. The prints will be displayed on a panel 6 feet by 4 feet in the order and manner requested by entrants (it is suggested that a diagram is used). Two rows are available. A minimum of six prints is required, with no maximum. These can be placed on any number of mounts, subject to a maximum of ten. Multiple or composite images are permissible. There are no restrictions on mount size other than that they must fit within the display panel. The panel may include a mounted title, as an addition, if desired. Prints used in previous monthly competitions are eligible, but not those that have been entered in an earlier panel competition. Prints used in the panel competition may be entered in future monthly competitions.

Inter-Club and Federation Events

The Society endeavours to support as many external events as possible. To enable this to be achieved, it is essential that members supply prints and slides for consideration. The Society wishes to use the work of as many different members as is practicable, including beginners, and prints and slides should be handed to our External Competition Secretary, who is the committee member responsible for submitting our images for these events.

National and International Open Exhibitions

These exhibitions are open to all photographers, and several EPS members regularly submit work for consideration. The standard is obviously very high, and if your work is accepted it is an achievement to be proud of, especially in the International Salons, which are open to everyone in the world. The British Exhibition Circuit has a system of 'stars', earned by gaining a specified number of acceptances. Likewise, FIAP have a similar system for International Exhibitions. Illustrated catalogues are given to every entrant, so even if you are unsuccessful, you will have a very worthwhile memento. Although a fee is payable to enter, and postage costs can be high, significant savings can be made by entering as a group, and several members do this. If you would like to take part, or would like further information, please contact Garry Bisshopp, LRPS by email at garrybisshopp@onetel.com