Competitions form a

central activity in which

ESPS members

participate. The

competitive process

allows members to

hone their photographic

skills, learning from

each other's efforts and

from the comments of

visiting judges.

The ESPS Competition Program

Even if a member never enters a competition, the various hallmarks of a

winning photograph can be absorbed simply by seeing what others

have done. Applying these principles to one's own work is a useful path

towards taking better photographs.

Internal Competitions

Each month at our Competition Night, members can submit examples of

their work in a friendly but structured competition. The topic alternates

between a pre-defined subject which all contestants must use as the

basis for their entries, or "Open" competitions in which images of any

subject may be entered. There are well defined rules governing the

entries, but participation is entirely optional. Although the competitions

are a fundamental core activity of ESPS, there are many members who

simply enjoy the spectacle rather than actively participating.

Judging is conducted by a range of independent judges from other

clubs. Their comments and assessments not only help members to take

better photographs, but they illustrate how different judges will bring

different perspectives to what constitutes a "good" photograph.

Ultimately, it is not so much a matter of the "best" photograph winning ~

for the whole concept of "best" in photography is ultimately a matter of

personal preference. Rather, it is an indictation of which photograph

fulfills the requisite standard at a given point in time to a particular

judge. Members are always free to re-submit unsuccessful photographs

in subsequent competitions.

The competition rules are aimed at ensuring a range of competition with

scope for both inexperienced and experienced photographers alike. A

range of categories ensures that entrants can submit either small prints,

larger prints or digitally projected images depending upon their area of

interest or skill level. In addition, two skill gradings ensure that the more

successful entrants are judged separately from the less experienced

contestants. This ensures that newer photographers are not forced to

compete directly with the more competent. Awards take the form of

certificates and are granted to the place getters of each category with

additional certificates able to be granted for entries which demonstrate

significant merit.

Two of the monthly competitions are of special significance, namely the

BERRIS STOKES MEMORIAL AWARD and KOONUNG WOOD

TURNERS AWARD. These are considered the more prestigious of the

competitive events and the winners are awarded trophies rather than

certificates. Places are keenly contested in both events and bring out

the best in the Society's photographers. More information is available in

the rules which can be downloaded here.

External Inter-Club Competitions. 

In addition to the internal competitions, the Society also participates in

competitions between ESPS and other photographic clubs. The ESPS

Competition sub-committee chooses images for competition from

among entries submitted by ESPS members. These entries are then

entered in a combined competition competing against photos taken by

members of 3 or 4 other local clubs. Entries being judged on a similar

basis to the internal competitions. The primary difference lies in the

increased standard of entries and the nature of the competition which is

"Open" rather than a "Set Subject".

From time to time in the history of the Society, other external

competitions have also been arranged, and the potential to do so

remains if circumstances and demand exist.

Click here for a complete listing of the Competition Rules and Entry

Conditions, forms which provide a complete description of the relevant

processes involved.

Audio Visual Competitions

In past years, ESPS engaged in Audio Visual competitions via a now

outdated system of slides and amplified sound. The advent of digital

technology rendered this activity somewhat redundant and A/V

competitions faded from the range of club activities.

In 2009 a new form of A/V productions began to emerge involving

sophisticated computer software and more complex production

techniques. These A/V productions are now conducted by a number of

camera clubs throughout Australia and show potential as being a new

and interesting avenue for enthusiasts to pursue. ESPS is venturing

down this path also and has already produced A/V productions for those

members attending the General Meeting nights. ESPS will be adopting

the VAPS Rules for A/V competitions, and a copy of those rules may be

downloaded here.

The Society's end-of-year

function recognises consistent

success in competitions and

also acknowledges the efforts

of various other individuals

throughout the year. An award

ceremony ensures that the

efforts of members do not go

unrewarded.

A document outlining the

elements of a good

competition entry and how to

generally improve your

photography is available for

Want to improve your photos?

Download the

competitions rules

and entry forms

Make sure your digital

entries are correctly

presented each and

every time.

DIGITAL ENTRIES

“Entry Maker” software

available for only $5.00

(see the Competition

Steward for your copy).

Any enquiries about this website should be directed to the Webmaster (Bob Thomas) at  esps@vicnet.net.au