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 - You Vote

March Environmental Portrait

'Environmental Portraits' are captured in the subject’s natural surroundings—such as their home, workplace, or a location tied to their identity.
The background and props are intentionally included to reveal more about the subject’s character, lifestyle, or profession.
Your image should include both the person and their surroundings to create a cohesive narrative.

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

Judge - David Jones

April Connection

An image which shows the connection between 2 or more objects.  'The objects' can be people, animals, birds, abstract shapes or lines, buildings etc - either depicting an implied connection or a physical connection - this is only limited by your imagination - BUT DEFINITELY NO AI (per club rules).

Judge - Lyn Haywood

May FAUNA OR FLORA

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 - Wade Buchan

 

June OPEN

Any subject matter may be entered.

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

Judge - Trish McKeown

July Pearadox

‘Pearadox’ is a play on words - emanating from the word Paradox. Members are to interpret the words, Pear, Pair or Pare through their creative photography! Composite images are most welcome – BUT DEFINITELY NO AI (per club rules). This is an opportunity to generate unique and original ideas by thinking “outside the box” to produce an image which illustrates PEAR, PAIR or PARE or combinations thereof.

Judge - David Norris

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 - Rob Sloane

September LANDSCAPE / SEASCAPE

A landscape/seascape is a photograph of natural scenery with land, sea and/or sky based elements displayed in a pictorial fashion.  It may include evidence of man, people or animals, provided that none of these additional elements dominate the photograph.

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

Judge - Daryl Whitaker

October HIGH KEY / LOW KEY

An image which depicts the attributes of either a Hi Key or Low key image - the subject matter is up to you! BUT DEFINITELY NO AI (per club rules).

Judge - Bronwen Casey

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.