Monthly Competition #2
November Photography Themes
“One of the theories of “Theme” photography is that it has its origins in photojournalism. The beginning of modern photojournalism took place with the invention of the first 35 mm camera, the Leica. It was designed as a way to use surplus movie film, then shot in the 35mm format. Before this, a photo of professional quality required bulky equipment.
The portable and easy to use 35mm camera allowed photographers to go just about anywhere and take photos unobtrusively, without cumbersome lights or tripods. The images and scenes captured in this manner were dramatically different than the commonplace and primarily “posed photo”.
The photographer’s presence is now able to blend in with the surroundings and capture new, natural photos of people as they really lived.
This candid style photography needed a landing place and the photojournalism magazine emerged in mid-1920s.
The main difference between traditional publications and photo magazines was the use of the photograph; traditional publications were story priority with a supporting image. Photo magazines produced an actual story told by pictures with captions.
The written story was kept to a minimum, and the one, dominant, theme-setting photo would be published larger, while additional pictures would help reinforce this theme.
Photographers were now on assignment shooting themes… and now, 100 years later we are still taking up the challenge of tackling a theme.
A few years ago, the club hosted a speaker who was a photojournalist and he spoke of the time when the editor of the Glasgow newspaper told him that he urgently needed a photograph to fill a gap in the paper. The speaker had to then co-opt one of the office girls along with some props from the area and promptly went down to foyer and took some images which then were published.
SO…..
Your Assignment “Themes” for November 2024
1. Square Format – Monochrome – SFM
a. The subject matter of this competition is wide open, point your camera at any subject you like, images must be presented to for judging in a square format.
b. This THEME is open to monochrome images only.
c. All sides of the image to be equal in length and all corners to be 90 degrees.
d. Advice from a previous square crop theme
i. The square format, where the equal-sided frame is symmetrical vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, generally produces a sense of harmony and balance.
e. Composing a square image takes care and thought.
i. If your camera allows selecting the 1:1 ratio in live view this can help with your composition, if not, be careful when composing your image to allow you to create a successful crop later.
2. Vintage Vibes – VV: Emulate the aesthetics of a past era through photography.
a. The subject matter of this competition is wide open, point your camera at any subject you like.
b. https://www.pinterest.co.uk/ideas/vintage-photography/899776231332/
c. https://youtu.be/Zi0BCltfbNk?si=Fzu8hUWVqXnSb7Da
You, as the photographer have a free choice on the type of camera that you use, from film to smartphone to capture your images.
Normal camera club monthly competition rules apply.
All of your images whether prints or digital must be supplied into the competition with a corresponding “final edited” digital image for projection purposes.
Captured Images must have been taken from the 25th of April 2024 and submitted by #2 Competition closing date 24th of October 2024.
Titles of images must be suffixed by either SFM or VV to aid identification of the chosen themed subject.
A good photographic image typically possesses several key elements that contribute to its impact and quality:
1. Composition – Strong composition is fundamental to a good photograph. This includes elements like balance, framing, leading lines, symmetry, and the rule of thirds. A well-composed image guides the viewer’s eye through the scene and creates a sense of harmony.
2. Lighting – Lighting plays a crucial role in photography. The quality, direction, and intensity of light can dramatically affect the mood and visual appeal of an image. Good use of natural or artificial light can enhance texture, create depth, and add dimension to the subject.
3. Subject Matter – A compelling subject or focal point is essential. Whether it’s a person, landscape, still life, or abstract form, the subject should be interesting and meaningful to the viewer. The subject should be clear and well-defined within the frame.
4. Emotion or Storytelling – The best photographs often evoke emotions or tell a story. They have the power to capture a moment, convey a message, or evoke a specific mood. Thoughtful consideration of the narrative or emotional impact can elevate a photograph from being merely visually pleasing to deeply engaging.
5. Technical Excellence – Good technical skills are important. This includes proper exposure, focus, sharpness, and appropriate use of depth of field. A technically well-executed photograph ensures that the intended visual message is effectively communicated.
6. Creativity and Originality – A good photograph often exhibits creativity and a unique perspective. This can involve experimenting with different angles, perspectives, or unconventional techniques to present a familiar subject in a fresh and interesting way.
7. Attention to Detail – Paying attention to details like background distractions, color balance, and overall visual harmony is crucial. Every element within the frame should contribute positively to the overall composition.
8. Post-Processing (if applicable) – Skillful post-processing can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a photograph. However, it’s important to use editing techniques judiciously to maintain the authenticity of the image and not overly manipulate the content.
9. Engagement and Impact – Ultimately, a good photograph captures and holds the viewer’s attention. It leaves a lasting impression, sparks curiosity, or invites contemplation. The ability of an image to resonate with its audience is a hallmark of its quality.
Remember, what makes a good photograph can be subjective and varies based on individual taste and context. However, mastering these fundamental aspects can greatly improve the overall quality and effectiveness of your photographic work.
https://www.creativelive.com/photography-guides/what-makes-a-good-photo
Themed competitions serve several valuable purposes for camera clubs:
1. Skill Development – Themed competitions encourage photographers to explore different subjects, techniques, and styles. By focusing on a specific theme, photographers are challenged to expand their skills and creativity beyond their comfort zone.
2. Inspiration and Creativity – Themes spark creativity and imagination. They push photographers to think critically about how to capture a subject in a unique or meaningful way, fostering innovation and new perspectives.
3. Community Engagement – Themed competitions create a sense of community within camera clubs. Members can share their work, receive feedback, and learn from each other’s approaches to the same theme.
4. Learning Opportunities – Participating in themed competitions provides a structured learning experience. Photographers can analyse their own work and that of others, gaining insights into what works effectively in different contexts.
5. Feedback and Improvement – Competitions often involve critiques or judging. This constructive feedback helps photographers understand their strengths and areas for improvement, ultimately enhancing their skills.
6. Encouraging Participation – Themed competitions can motivate members to actively participate in club activities. Having a goal or challenge (such as capturing a specific theme) encourages regular engagement and involvement.
7. Showcasing Diverse Perspectives – Different interpretations of a theme highlight the diversity of perspectives within the club. This can lead to discussions about the subjective nature of photography and the importance of individual vision.
Overall, themed competitions enrich the photography experience within camera clubs by promoting growth, community interaction, and a deeper appreciation for the art of photography.