Categories
5 Categories to Showcase Your Photography!
Creative
A fresh expression of a scene is a new and unique way of seeing and capturing a moment. It can convey an idea or message in a way that is both visually striking and thought-provoking.
Landscape
Landscape, Cityscape, Waterscapes – Focuses on capturing the beauty of the world around us. The photos frequently capture sweeping vistas.
Nature
Nature photography captures the natural world, both animate and inanimate. Photos must be honest and with minimal editing. Human-made objects are allowed only if they are necessary to the nature story. See PSA rules.
Open Color
Any subject is allowed. The photo must contain more than one color tone.
Open Monochrome
Any subject is allowed. A photo is considered monochrome if it is either grayscale or has been toned in one color throughout.
Show Us Your Best, But Keep it Fresh
- Maximum Entries: Enter up to 6 photos.
- Category Variety: Maximum of 2 photos per category.
- Uniqueness is Key: No duplicates across categories.
- Capture Recent Moments: Share photos taken within the past 36 months.
- Previously Recognized Monthly Entries: Feel free to submit photos that won in monthly competitions.
- Annual Winners Take a Rest: Ribbon winners in our previous annual competitions deserve a well-earned break, allowing space for fresh entries to shine.
Event timeline
Wed, Feb 28, 8 am
Upload Opens
Start uploading your photos!
Sun, Apr 28, 9 pm
Upload Closes
Upload before 9 pm!
Tue, Apr 30, 8 am
People’s Choice Voting Begins
Members must sign in to vote. They may vote even if they have not submitted any photos. No one may vote for their own photo.
Fri, May 3, 9 pm
People’s Choice Voting Ends
Last chance to select your favorite photo!
Sun, May 5, 2 pm
Live Judging and Awards Presentation
Watch for a virtual meeting link.
Mon, May 6, 8 am
Virtual Exhibit Opens
Share the exhibit photos and competition results with your friends and family!
Awards at the Annual Photo Competition
Our panel of external judges evaluates each entry category by category. Each photo is eligible for only one award (excluding the People’s Choice Award).
- Best in Show: The pinnacle of excellence, awarded to the overall most impactful photo.
- Category Awards:
- Creative (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Honoring imaginative concepts, innovative techniques, and unique perspectives.
- Landscape (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Capturing the breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the world around us.
- Nature (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Celebrating the raw wonder of our natural world.
- Open Color (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Showcasing captivating photos infused with color.
- Monochrome Open (1st, 2nd, 3rd): Mastering the timelessness of single-hued photos.
- Judges’ Choice Awards: Each judge bestows an award recognizing a photo that resonates deeply with them.
- People’s Choice Award: Voted on by club members before external judging, celebrating the photo that captures the hearts of our club.
Award Selection Process
Initial Scoring:
- Scoring: Judges score all photos anonymously. Combined score total is announced. No judge comments.
- No Winners Selected: No winners are declared at this stage. Ties remain unresolved for now.
Best in Show:
- Category Top Performers: Top-scoring photos from each category (including ties) are showcased for final review.
- Overall Champion: Judges scrutinize these finalists to crown the single “Best in Show” winner, emphasizing outstanding achievement across all categories. This winner is then removed from further category contention.
Category Awards:
- Creative, Landscape, Nature, Open Color, Open Monochrome: Judges award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place within each category based on individual scores, breaking ties as needed.
Judges’ Choice Awards:
- Hidden Gems: Each judge selects their personal favorite photo that hasn’t already received an award.
People’s Choice Award:
- Club Recognition: Before external judging begins, Flagpole members cast their votes for their favorite photo, celebrating the photo that resonates most with the community. This award stands apart from the judges’ selections.