DESCRIPTIONS OF CLUB CATEGORIES

Traditional (T): A Traditional slide is not limited in subject matter, except that nature subjects showing a subject area of less than 8" X 12" (100 square inches) are not allowed. Polarizing, warming or cooling filters, and flash units may be used, but no manipulation or enhancement is acceptable. After processing, only cropping and mounting is allowed.

Nature (N): Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archeology, in such a fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify as to its honest presentation. The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality. Human elements must not be present except on the rare occasion where the human elements enhance the nature story. The presence of scientific band on wild animals is acceptable. Photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens, or obviously set arrangements are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.

Photojournalism (PJ): slides shall consist of pictures with informative content and emotional impact, including human interest, documentary, and spot news. The Journalistic value of the photograph shall be considered over the pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, photographs which misrepresent the truth, such as manipulation to alter the subject matter or situations which are set up for the purpose of photography, are unacceptable in photojournalism competition.

Realistic ( R ): A Realistic slide is not limited in subject matter, and any photographic technique can be used in its creation. The only limitation is that the final image is basically realistic and the subject is easily recognized.

Creative ( C ): A Creative slide is not limited in subject matter, and any photographic process can be used in its creation. There is no limitation in the derivation or manipulation used, or in the characteristics of the final image displayed. This category provides the photographer with the opportunity and challenge to display the broadest expression of imagination and creative thought.

Small Prints (SP): The competition is open and there are no subject categories. The prints can be color or monochrome, and self or commercially printed. The maximum print size shall not exceed 8" X 12" (96 square inches) but the mount size is not limited. The print may be mounted but not framed. Mounting or matting are not required.

Photo-Rama: Takes place at business meetings and the purpose is to obtain the judges' constructive criticism of pictures without entering them in competition. The maker's name need not be revealed, and the pictures are scored only at the maker's request. The emphasis is toward helping the members by pointing out the strong and weak points of the picture, how it could be improved, and what might have been done differently at the time of exposure or during preparation of the slides or print to obtain a better result. A maximum of three slides or prints may be shown each month and need not fall into the categories judged that month. Photo-Rama may include PJ slide sequences, which should tell a story in not more than three slides.