2016-2017 SCPC competition topic descritions

Topic descriptions, presentation descriptions, and critique descriptions are all available on the main page, visible with the following instructions:
Black & White – A black and white image containing various shades of grey from black to white is considered to be monochrome photo. A black & white work toned entirely in a single color will remain a monochrome work able to stand in the black & white category (e.g., sepia toned).  No additional colors will be allowed in the B&W images (e.g., selective coloring).

Shadows – A shadow is a dark area or a dark figure cast upon a surface by an object blocking the light rays from a source of light. Photographer, author, and instructor, Rick Sammon says that Light Illuminates, Shadows Define. Shadows can be the main subject in a picture or greatly enhance it by creating the mood or supporting the subject with strong graphics, framing, leading lines, etc.  For this assigned topic, the shadows should not be incidental in the picture. The shadows must be a critical part that is either the subject itself or the element that creates the impact. Silhouettes are not considered shadows in this competition.

Neglected – The picture must convey that the subject is given little or no attention and is left undone or unattended to through carelessness. For this competition, the neglected subject can be anything, except for people. Neglect must be evident when the picture is viewed, not with the help of the title or because it’s a known subject.

Artistic Interpretation – The photographer’s creative vision must be depicted in the picture. It should not be a simple recording of the subject or the scene, but show that the maker used the scene to create a unique image. For example, a simple picture of a flower will not fit the topic, but an abstract of colors, shapes, and textures that the maker created with a portion of a flower or a group of flowers might work. Creative manipulation in post work is another way to apply an artistic interpretation to a photo.

Water (all forms) – The water, ice, or steam must be a significant element in the picture. It’s not enough to have it fill a large part of the image. It needs to be the main subject or an important supporting element. A person on a boat in a river or lake would not make a strong Water picture, but a person trying to stay afloat in white water might. Landscapes with lakes, oceans, fog, or snow are also not strong Water pictures. A waterfall, icicle, or steaming hot pool would be stronger.

Cold – The picture must convey that either the subject was cold (e.g., ice or a cold drink) or that the picture was taken in a cold place. A pretty landscape with snow may not be as strong as a person covered with layers of clothing sitting outside, a scene with ice, or a snow storm.

Mobile Photography (smart phone, tablets) – The picture must be taken with a phone or a tablet, not with a standard, video, or action camera.


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