Competition Topics

Printable pdf files of the SSPS syllabus are available here.

Month Topic Definition
January A photograph that is characterised by sparseness and minimal use of elements within. The emphasis i
February OPEN

Any subject matter may be entered.

The Club reserves the right to reject any image which may be deemed offensive.

Judge - Gary Smith

March FLORA AND/OR FAUNA

An image of any flower, plant, tree, fungus, animal, bird, fish, reptile, insect, spider or crustacean.

Photographs of mounted specimens, domestic pets and obviously set arrangements are ineligible. Photographic manipulations which alter the truth are not acceptable.

A perpetual trophy is awarded for the best image in this subject each year.    

Judge - David Burren

April Minimalism

A photograph that is characterised by sparseness and minimal use of elements within.  The emphasis is on simplicity to convey the mood or to highlight the subject.

Judge - TBA

May SCAPES

Scapes includes Landscapes, Seascapes, Waterscapes, Skyscapes and/or Cityscapes. Any scenic view where the main subject matter is the view captured and depicted. People may be included in the scene as long as they are ancillary to the main subject.

A perpetual trophy is awarded for the best image in this subject each year. 

Judge - Rob Clark

 

June OPEN

Any subject matter may be entered.

The Club reserves the right to reject any image which may be deemed offensive.

Judge - Lin Richards

July In Camera Movement

An image taken by deliberately moving the camera, lens elements or the combination thereof.  The movement effect must be produced in camera and not in post processing.

Judge - Lisa Law

August PHOTOJOURNALISM / SOCIAL DOCUMENTARY

Story-telling photographs such as are seen in the news media and periodicals, which may include documentary, contemporary life, illustrative, spot news, sporting events or human interest stories. Alternatively, the photograph may be concerned with the portrayal and interpretation of society encompassing both human and non-human subject matter.
In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth are not acceptable. The story telling value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality.

In the interest of credibility, contrived situations or photographic manipulations which alter the truth are not acceptable. The story telling value of the photograph shall be weighed more than the pictorial quality.

A perpetual trophy is awarded for the best image in this subject each year. 

Judge - David Norris

September Portrait

A photograph of a person or persons that may range from a head study to full body length. This definition includes candid photographs and formal portraits.

Judge - Sam Mariani

October Creative

Creative is 'Altered Reality’; there are no restrictions on subject matter, allowing freedom to explore the possibilities of photographic art through the manipulation of images and the combination of images, but the photographic content must predominate.

Judge - TBA

November END OF YEAR

END OF YEAR: Entries of the best prints/digital projected images of the year. All entries must be presented exactly as originally submitted. No remounting, further manipulation, adjustments or changes to the titles.

December
End of Year Open

The best images from the monthly competitions.