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 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 download here Want to improve your photos? Download the competitions rules and entry forms HERE. Make sure your digital entries are correctly presented each and every time. DIGITAL ENTRIES Any enquiries about this website should be directed to the Webmaster (Bob Thomas) at  esps@vicnet.net.au Need to contact the Competition Steward? esps.competitions@gmail.com Entry Maker Software. Click here to download your free copy! This software ensures that your digital competition entries are named and re- sized in accordance with the rules. Instructions included! EXTERNAL LINKS Digital Photography Review - the best internet photographic resource VAPS - Victorian Association of Photographic Societies AusPhotography - The local photo club for virtual members Digital Photography Blog - photographic news and views Flickr - the global photo sharing site for everyone Photobucket - free online storage for sharing your photos