FAQ

Darwen Camera Club - competitions
 

Internal competitions

At Darwen we usually have one competition per month. In the recent past these have been for mounted prints (with no restrictions on size), but with the acquisition of our own digital projector we will be trialling a projected digital image competition on September 21. Files should be jpeg format, 1024 x 768 pixels in sRGB colour space and brought in the week before. If this is successful, we may alternate print and digitally projected competitions. Prints entered are given a constructive criticism by a judge (currently 3 of our more experienced members take it in turns to judge). Each print is given a mark out of 10 and 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are awarded. After the judging, the photographer and other members have an opportunity to discuss each entry. We have no annual competition, trophies or medals.
 

Annual exhibitition

We try to organise an exhibition each year in Darwen Library this is regarded as a showcase of members’ work. It is non-competitive (other than a public vote for best print) and all members are encouraged to enter some work for display.
 

Inter-club battles

Each year we have a 3 way battle with Colne and Padiham clubs. This involves members being asked to bring in prints and (for the first time in 2009) digital files from which 10 prints and 10 digital images are selected to represent Darwen. We try to include entries from all members who bring in their work for selection. This usually takes place in autumn, with the 3 clubs taking it in turn to host. Occasionally we organise similar inter club competitions with other clubs/societies.
 

Inter-club competitions

We belong to two organisations which organise annual competitions.
The Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union (L&CPU) is the umbrella organisation for all photographic clubs in the old counties of Lancashire & Cheshire. The rules are reviewed annually but prints should be mounted on 50 x 40 cm mounts, digital files should be 1400 x 1050 pixels in sRGB colour space and slides should be mounted in standard 5 x 5 cm mounts. In 2009 each club member could have 2 prints in each section (colour, monochrome and nature), 2 digital files (general and nature) and 5 slides (general and nature). Clubs should submit the club entries in April, so members are usually asked to bring in their entries in March. Members need to have entered L&CPU annual competitions for at least two years before they can apply for the CPAGB merit award (Credit - Photographic Alliance of Great Britain).
 
The Inter Club Photographic Alliance (ICPA) is a group of about 16 local clubs. Clubs can enter a maximum of 10 prints and 10 slides in the ICPA annual competition (the slide section could be replaced by projected digital images). As with the 3 way battle, we try to select entries from all members who bring in work usually in early May.
 

Competitions for individuals

Darwen Civic Society organises an annual competition which is usually themed. We encourage members to enter this. The closing date is usually in May or June. This is free to enter and offers cash prizes.
 
Leyland Invitation Competition This is held every autumn. Leyland Photographic Society invites members from about half a dozen local clubs to enter three prints. There is an entry charge.
 
BPE (British Photographic Exhibitions) Exhibitions There are about a dozen organisations which organise national exhibitions, the nearest of which is Southport Photographic Society. More details can be found on at www.b-p-e.org.uk (though more up to date information can be found on the L&CPU wiki (http://lcpu.org/forum/lcpuwiki/index.php5?title=BPE_Exhibitions ). There are entry fees (and return postage for prints and slides). Acceptances count towards BPE crown awards.
 
FIAP (Fédération international de l’Art Photographique) international exhibitions details of 2009 exhibitions (and link to 2010 list) from http://webplaza.pt.lu/public/suyswill/M2009.htm . An increasing number of these allow submission of entries via email or website and accept entry fees via PayPal. The conditions for gaining the AFIAP distinction have recently been relaxed.