Member Guidelines

1. Digital image size/format – Size requirement remains the same. Images must be resized and formatted as follows:

a. Image size cannot exceed 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixel in height

b. Must be JPEG/JPG in the sRGB color space.

2. Monthly Submitted Images – Prior to the monthly meeting, members can submit up to three images to be judged for their technical and pictorial merit. There is no charge for submitting images.

a. Only currently paid members can submit images for judging.

b. The base image must be derived from a camera, including smartphone cameras.

c. The photographers must have created all key elements of the image.

d. There are two categories, which are judged separately: • Assigned - a different assigned theme/genre every month • Category – photographs in any genre, without restriction

e. The maker determines how to categorize their images - assigned vs. open.

f. Ideally, images should have been taken during recent years.

g. Images that have previously received merits may not be submitted again.

h. Adding a stroke or a frame around the image is acceptable. BTW, these are not acceptable for the VC Fair competition.

i. Images containing inappropriate or offensive subject matter may be removed from the competition.

j. Images must not contain the photographer’s name, nor watermarks or logos.

k. The use of AI tools to add elements not in the base image with is NOT allowed. Using AI tools for masking, cloning, removing, sharpening, etc. IS allowed.

l. It is important you use the naming convention below. Please the underscore in the file name.

• For an assigned photo: IMAGE TITLE_John DoeMM-YY_Assigned.jpeg

• For an open photo: IMAGE TITLE_Jane Doe_MM-YY_Open.jpeg

• Example: ANGRY TREES_Jane Doe_01-25_Assigned.jpeg

m. All print requirements are removed as we no longer have print competitions

3. Images for annual awards

In December, merited images from the prior year’s monthly competition are judged by a panel of three judges for the club’s annual awards. Members with merited images may use the judge’s feedback to improve image for consideration for the annual awards. If members elect to edit their merited images, they must submit them to the awards coordinator (still TBD) by the end of November.

4. Images Submission process

a. Monthly challenge meeting dates, assigned categories, and judges are found in the club newsletter, and online at the club website, https:VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

b. Email images to Janice Lindsay at janicelindsay@rocketmail.com. We will also advise members if the email changes.

c. To ensure Janice does not miss your images use the following subject– “## Photos for MON - Last Name” Note the hashtags in the email.

d. Janice will respond with an email confirming receipt of your images. If you do NOT get a response, send a follow-up email to her.

e. Entries must be submitted by the Sunday evening preceding the meeting.