Negative Space Competition
The Brief
- It is not uncommon for a judge to say ‘I would crop here as this does not add to the story’
- Negative Space is the opportunity to do the opposite and include vast amounts of ’empty space’ whilst the subject is small but obvious in the overall image space.
- But the key is that this ’empty space’ needs to be in harmony with the subject and actually enhances the subject by giving the subject a context that would be lost by a tighter crop.
- The ’empty space’ does not need to be a uniform colour or texture but it should be neutral and compliments the subject or adds context. Thus, busy backgrounds are not negative space.
- Look for the story as this type of image has to trigger the viewers imagination.
What you can learn:
- See the scene before composing and capture
- Is Manual with set ISO better than Aperture or Shutter Priority
- Learn to ‘see’ opportunities and compositions in situ
- Get out and about with your camera
Sports Action Competition
The Brief
- Any sport that showcases movement
- The movement can be frozen or has motion blur
- If frozen, it must be obvious that the captured action is the result of movement
- The action should be relevant to the sport depicted
- Look for the story.
What you can learn:
- Control of shutter speed to freeze action or to allow motion blur
- Be in the moment to capture that ‘instant’ when an action of interest occurs
- Use of continuous autofocus to maintain the subject in focus during the action
- Decision between Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual with Auto ISO
- Use of Back Button focus
Join us, as we help out the Castle Hill BMX Club. They have asked us to photograph both the practise and their round of the BMX National Titles on the 3rd & 4th February, 2024. 10am – 4pm.
You must wear a HiViz jacket to do this. On arrival at the BMX Track please report to one of the Castle Hill BMX Team Managers.
This is a great way to practise your Sports Photography and panning.
Further details will be advised a couple of days before the event.
The night will start with a short video on a topic of interest.
Monochrome is not simply converting and image to greyscale. A good monochrome should have black-blacks and white-white with shades of grey in between.
There are many ways to process a colour image to get the best out of the dynamic range of a mono version.]
We will look at the various methods from the ‘Don’t Do’ to the methods that may suit you best.
It is intended to be interactive so bring queations. And spend time afterwards to talk to others to learn from their experiences.
To start our yearly activities we would like you to join us at the Lynwood Golf Club on Wednesday 21st February at 1230pm for a social lunch. This is a great chance to catch up with all your Photography mates and help us plan for the year ahead. So come along with lots of ideas and enjoy a lunch overlooking the Lynwood Golf Course.
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 25th February
Judging Date: Tuesday 27th February
Judge: Dennis Jones
Nature Set Subject Guidelines
This competition complies with the Australian Photographic definition for Nature.
- Nature photography records all branches of natural history except anthropology and archaeology. This includes all aspects of the physical world, both animate and inanimate, that have not been made or modified by humans.
- Nature images must convey the truth of the scene that was photographed. A well-informed person should be able to identify the subject of the image and be satisfied that it has been presented honestly and that no unethical practices have been used to control the subject or capture the image. Images that directly or indirectly show any human activity that threatens the life or welfare of a living organism are not allowed.
- The most important part of a Nature image is the nature story it tells.
- High technical standards are expected, and the image must look natural. Adding a vignette or blurring the background during processing is not allowed.
- Objects created by humans, and evidence of human activity, are allowed in Nature images only when they are a necessary part of the Nature story.
- Photographs of human-created hybrid plants, cultivated plants, feral animals, domesticated animals, human-created hybrid animals and mounted or preserved zoological specimens are not allowed.
- Images taken with subjects under controlled conditions, such as zoos, are allowed.
- Controlling live subjects by chilling, anaesthetic or any other method of restricting natural movement for the purpose of a photograph is not allowed.
- No modification that changes the truth of a Nature image is allowed. Images may be cropped but no other technique that removes, adds or moves any part of the image is allowed.
- Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise and lens flare are allowed.
- Complete conversion of colour images to greyscale monochrome is allowed. Partial conversion, toning and infrared captures or conversions are not allowed.
- Images of the same subject that are combined in camera, or with software, by focus stacking or exposure blending are allowed. Multiple images with overlapping fields of view that are taken consecutively and combined in camera or with software (image stitching) are allowed.
- There is no separate wildlife section.
- Landscape images that depict nature at work that are not Australian landscapes are acceptable set subjects.
UNETHICAL PRACTICES
Can be but are not limited to the following:
- Live baiting
- Live feeding.
- Sacrificing a living creature. e.g. placing an animal on a feeding post to attract another animal or bird.
- Removing birds or animals from a nest.
- Disturbing birds in nests. e.g. removing branches to reveal nests and frightening birds nesting on the ground.
- Artificial restraints
- Reducing natural movement.
- Disturbing the natural environment.
For Roy Killen’s explanation of the definition see: Nature definition explained.
What you can learn:
- Choose the right depth of field. Photographing subjects in the natural environment can make for confusing backgrounds. Narrowing the depth of field can blur the busy background making the subject stand out.
- Nail the focus. If photographing a bird or animal, try and have the eye in sharp focus.
- For interesting landscapes that depict nature consider the composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines and balance to make a good image. Also look for patterns and texture or taking images with a different perspective.
- Consider photographing in the golden hour to create softer images.
Landscape/Seascape Tricks and Traps
- Where/when
- Composition
- Foreground interest
- Slow shutter speeds
by Gary Elliott and Phil Stacey
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 24th March
Judging Date: Tuesday 26th March
Judge: Tim Moon
Set Subject Guidelines
A photograph of Australian natural land or coastal scenery, which may include people, buildings, animals, or other objects (example manmade roads/tracks & fences) provided these elements do not dominate the photograph.
Elements such as cultivated fields, farms and astrophotography are permitted but must not dominate the photograph. Seascapes with no land do not fit the section.
No modification that changes the truth of the Landscape image is allowed. Images may be cropped but no other technique that removes, adds to or moves any part of the image is allowed. This includes sky replacements.
Techniques that remove elements added by the camera, such as dust spots, digital noise and lens flare are allowed.
Complete conversion of colour images to greyscale monochrome is allowed. Partial conversion, toning and infrared captures or conversions are not allowed.
Images of the same subject that are combined in camera, or with software, by focus stacking or exposure blending are allowed. Multiple images with overlapping fields of view that are taken consecutively and combined in camera or with software (image stitching) are allowed.
What you can learn:
Composition in landscape images is vital in leading the viewer through the image. Before taking the image is there a clear subject and how do the elements of composition lead the viewer to the subject.
Shutter speed can convey action in seascapes, long exposures can flatten moving water emphasing the subject and slow shutter speeds can give a silky fell to moving water.
On Camera Flash is a very convenient way to control light in difficult situations.
The quick and simple way is to use TTL (Through The Lens) which is like the Auto mode for flash.
But if you want to take control and want to ‘balance’ the ambient light with the flash power then this is the training night for you.
We will learn how to exposure for the ambient light and then add the flash power to light the subject as required.
The ambient light will influence how the background can appear. It can be dark, current light level or high key.
So, how do you do this?
Come and see.
ABOUT
The event is in the Gallery Room on the top floor.
The day will start with an Introduction to Photography which covers the fundamentals of photography and is intended to get members to shoot in manual and RAW.
There will be exercises to understand how the camera meters exposure, what is Depth of Field and how to balance flash and the ambient light.
Attendees will need to bring their camera, flash, tripod and manuals.
There will be experts for the major brands who will be able to assist in getting to know the functions of your camera that you are not familiar with or even know about.
Cost is $30 pp and lunch will be BYO or the members cost in the cafeteria. This is due to the many varied dietary requirements that people have these days.
Tea and coffee will be provided in the room.
The Experts also need to register using the Expert Registration option which is at no cost.
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st April
Judging Date: Tuesday 23rd April
Judge: Linda Fury
Monochrome Set Subject Guidelines
- Any photograph containing shades of only one colour (including black and white).
- If toning is carried out, it must be over the total photograph; partial toning and/or the addition of one extra colour is not acceptable in a monochrome section.
What you can learn:
- Consider the tonal range of an image (range from white to black). An image that has a high tonal range can lift an image compared to a low tonal range that can appear flat.
- Images with busy backgrounds can be converted into monochrome to emphasise the subject. It is worthwhile experimenting with some images and see if there is an improvement when converted to monochrome.
Members Benefits by Geoffrey Rimmington Members Benefit Coordinator
An Introduction/Update on our Corporate Sponsors and Preferred Suppliers, the Benefits that are available to the Members of the Castle Hill Photography Club and what you should know about these Corporate Sponsors and Preferred Suppliers before you purchase your next Camera or other Photographic Equipment.
What Judges are Looking For
We are used to competitions and judges’ commentary.
But what are they actually looking for? Or what we are hoping they are looking for?
A panel, led by Jon Burton, will cover the critical areas of Subject, Composition and Technical.
In MPC, there is a Critique Corner where members can submit images for peer review. This can be a ‘softer’ way for members to get feedback on their images.
The panel are also calling for 1- or more images submitted by members for commentary by the panel.
CHRSLPC has an interclub competition with the Axholme Club in the UK every six months. In May Axholme chooses the competition set subject and in November Castle Hill selects the set subject. Axholme has chosen Street Photography as the competition set subject, we now require images to enter this competition. There is a UK judge and an Australian judge and the club with the best overall scores is the winner. Steet photography is a lot of fun, now is the time to practice some street photography and submit some entries.
As a guide most people do not mind if you take their photograph. Avoid children and homeless / distressed people.
Street Photography Definition
Street photography is a genre of photography that records everyday life in a public place. Street photographers capture spontaneous moments of people in a candid state, often without their knowledge. Street photography is not directed or staged, and it communicates the experience of everyday life and the vision of the artist by careful framing and timing.
Link to competition entry:
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 26th May
Judging Date: Tuesday 28th May
Judge: Michelle Kennedy
Creative / Experimental Set Subject Guidelines
This month you have freedom to do whatever you want so long as you add a creative aspect in your image. You can think of double exposures, zoom or panning, a fabricated scene, composites, altered reality and painting with light. The possibilities are endless. The challenge for you is to try something new. That is why we added “Experimental” to the title.
- This is an image that has been created in camera (for example motion blur, double exposure) or had post processing manipulation and artistic effects added.
- The image must have a basic photograph origin; the original exposure and all post processing must be the work of the Image Creator.
- The storytelling element of the image should be considered.
- Art appropriation is not permitted. The use of other people’s artwork in images as a dominant element is not permitted.
- Ways of creating a digital art image include but are not limited to:
- Different opacities -several views of the same person or main subjected blended into one image using different opacities.
- Multiple Exposures – photographing an activity at continuous exposure capturing movement and then blending several exposures into one image.
- Stepping out of the frame – placing part of the image outside the frame to give a 3D effect.
- Blended – two or more images taken in different place blended into one image to create a completely new scene and tell a new story.
- Double Exposure – where 2 images are blended into one image (either in camera or in post processing)
- Filters – Filters are permitted provided they do not introduce a new element to the image that the Image Creator has not created themselves. For example, the sky replacement filter should use your own image. Stock images are not permitted. Filters which add a texture or pattern are permitted provided the texture or pattern has been created by the Image Creator. Imported textures & patterns are not permitted.
- Creative Abstract – Can be made using distortion tools such as the liquefy tool. A creative abstract does not represent a true record of the subject.
- Composite Images – whether they are of a realistic scene or an unrealistic scene, using editing techniques to build a scene from different elements (all of which have been photographed by the Image Creator). Stock images are not permitted. Clip art is not permitted.
- Vector/Raster Layers – The use of basic tools/brushes in photoshop are permitted to create Vector/Raster Layers provided the contents have been created by the Image Creator. Custom tools/brushes/textures must have been created by the Image Creator. Vector/Raster Layers can only amount to 50% of the image.
What you can learn:
- This is the time to think outside the box. The image needs to relate to a theme / story or has impact due to its shape and / or colour.
- Research to gather ideas that can be built upon.
Astro Photography is an exciting genre when you capture that Milky Way shot that you have always wanted to get.
Geoff and Keith have been masters of this genre, and they will give an introduction to the timings, locations, techniques and basic post processing.
And the pitfalls and must do to be safe as this is very much a nighttime activity when visibility is very restricted.
Closing Date: 22nd June
Judging Date: 25th June
Judge: Ray Williams
Portrait photography is about capturing the essence, personality, identity and attitude of a person utilising backgrounds, lighting and posing. An image becomes a portrait when the image can evoke a sense of connection between the viewer and the portrait photograph.
The image may range from a head study to full body length and may include candid and formal images.
For this competition “group” portraits are not eligible.
What you can learn:
- How to engage with your subject to make them relaxed.
- Research the range of poses to create an effective image.
- Avoid harsh light. Soft light can be generated from a window, studio lighting or a flash.
- Use the golden hour to take images outdoors.
- Use a reflector to create the light that is desired. If reflectors are not available use a bight wall or other surface as a reflector.
DigiDirect will give an introduction to printing
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st July
Judging Date: Tuesday 23rd July
Judge: Bill Chambers
Rush Hour Set Subject Guidelines
Rush hour refers to the time of day when most people are commuting to and from work by many different modes of transportation. People may be rushing along a street or running to catch a train.
Your image should convey the hectic or unique nature of this period of the day or evening.
What you can learn:
- Experiment with camera angles to create dramatic effects.
- Control of shutter speed to freeze the action or to allow motion blur.
- Consider monochrome for busy images.
- Decision between Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual with Auto ISO.
An introduction to macro and focus stacking
By Rob Clarke
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 25th August
Judge: Don Dickins
Panorama Set Subject Guidelines
Panorama refers to a wide and unbroken image. The aspect ratio determines if an image is a panorama, an aspect ratio of 2:1 or more is the accepted definition. All the elements of the panorama should work together to convey a story.
What you can learn:
- The use of software to create a Panoramic image by stitching multiple images together.
- If stitching the requirement is to have all the camera settings in manual mode so that all the images making up the panorama have identical exposure, colour temperature, ISO and focus.
An introduction to basic off camera lighting setups for portraiture and an introduction to various poses for men and women
Closing Date: Midnight September 22nd
Judging Date: Tuesday 24th September
Judge: Nic Peters
Water in Motion Set Subject Guidelines
Capture water as it moves, with the water being the main subject of the image.
Water taken with fast shutter speeds can have dramatic impact with high volumes of water, slower shutter speeds smooth out the movement of water. Creative images that have moving water are acceptable.
What you can learn:
- The effect that different shutter speeds have when photographing water in motion.
- The need to use low ISO and possibly neutral density filters to obtain slow shutter speeds in bright light.
- Use of a tripod to keep stationary elements of the image sharp but have the water blurred.
The Image of the Year Competition is available for all previous 2024 Competition entries that won an award. Either Image of the Month, Merit, Credit or Acceptance. Each member will be allowed to enter a maximum of 4 Images across Digital and Print. Digital Images entered during the year can be entered in the print section. There will be awards for Image of the Year Digital, Image of the Year Print and the Keith McGaughran Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to Image of the Year either Digital or Print.
This will be a Zoom meeting at the RSL where Roy Killen will discuss AI and how it impacts on photographers. Do we ignore it? Do we embrace it? Do we learn from it?
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 20th October
Judging Date: Tuesday 22nd October
Judge: Doug Carley
Playing with Artificial Light Set Subject Guidelines
Artificial light refers to any light that’s not produced naturally. The light source excludes the sun, moon and stars as the dominant light source.
Be creative and use a light source or light sources to create an image that has impact. Light can be generated through streetlights, car headlights, torches and light painting tools. The light is to be added to the exposure whilst the camera shutter is open.
The use of light that is synchronised with the camera shutter in the form of a flash is excluded from the competition. Portraits of people, close up images that use studio flash or studio lighting are also excluded from this competition.
What you can learn:
The effect that different light forms can have on the impact of an image.
- Experiment with some composite images that tell a story with some creative lighting.
- Experiment with changing the colour of the light in post-production. The light source must be captured by the camera.
Sports photography can be a very satisfying genre.
There are varying conditions such as indoor and outdoor lighting.
There are many types of sports action. There will be something happening nearby nearly every weekend that you could photograph.
Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 24th November
Judging Date: Tuesday 26th November
Judge: Graham Cam
Panning Set Subject Guidelines
The image is to be taken while panning the camera. Blurred backgrounds must be created by the camera movement and not the use of post-production software.
What you can learn:
- Experiment with shutter speeds to determine what parts of an image show motion and add to the story.
- How changing the shutter speed can affect the clarity of the subject or parts of the subject and blur the background.
- Practice panning through using the hips to turn with the subject with the arms close to the body.
