Q: The  photo competition page mentions three skill levels.  What does the A, B and C stand for?

A: C is novice, B intermediate, and A accomplished. When you join the club and enter photos you pick which level you would like to compete in. Most new people pick C. If you have been in another camera club you might pick B. If you are an accomplished photographer, you might pick A. You may change your section each year.

Q: What is the "Mastery Series" program?

A: The Mastery Series program is a specific group of club activities geared to help members participate and prepare for the Photo Exhibit held at the Academy Art Museum. Historically, the club has provided a print exhibit at the Academy about every other year. These activities are specifically selected to assist members with selecting appropriate photos, preparing photos in Photoshop, printing and matting for a museum quality exhibit. The club is very happy to be working with the Academy. All members are encouraged to participate.

Q: I don't think I can make every meeting, or participate in everything the club lists for activities. Can I just pick and choose which activities I wish to do?  Do I need to be at the meetings to enter the competition?

A: The club has to offer lots of different things designed to appeal to a wide range of member interests. Nobody will do everything the club offers. However, the club schedule has been designed to work together and build as the year progresses. A member who devotes time enough to participate in most activities will have the greatest access to growth and development in photography. For instance, some speaker meetings have topics covering an aspect of an upcoming photo competition. Photo outings provide opportunity for using new skills to take photos that can then be used in competition or printed and displayed at a club print exhibit. Like most things in life, you get out in proportion to what you are willing to put in.

Members are allowed to submit photos to club photo competitions and are not required to be at the meeting where the photo will be critiqued. While it is nice to support the club by submitting to competitions even when you can't make a meeting,, much of the benefit is obtained through hearing the judges critique and getting member feedback on your entry. You have to be at the meeting to ge the full benefit.

Q:  What is the difference between a workshop and a speaker meeting?

A1:  A speaker meeting is generally a lecture / slideshow format presentation, while a workshop is designed to provide more interaction with the speaker/presenter.

A2: Speaker Meetings are held on Monday evenings, while workshops are scheduled on Saturday mornings. It is hoped that a varied schedule will allow more members to participate.

Q: Is it ok to modify my photos using image editing software?  

A:  So long as the images you submit are your own, and represent what you wanted to achieve when you took the picture, your photo is welcome.  The club may enact additional rules in the future, but members will be given advance notice so as to avoid confusion and embarrassment.

There is some current controversy over digital manipulation of images. The controversy particularly applies to photojournalism or forensics where the accuracy of the image exactly as it was when taken. While some larger camera clubs are isolating manipulated images into a seperate category for competition, this club has not grown to such a size to require or accommodate this seperation. Our philosophy of education and member growth in photographic skills is benefitted by allowing manipulation and critiquing the final product. The principles of composition and technical excellence are not diminished through careful use of digital manipulation. For those who want to do it all 'in camera'- we applaud your dedication to your craft, and you will be supported in your efforts as well at this club.

Many of the 'old masters' manipulated their images in the dark room to achieve their artistic vision. This controversy is far from concluded, and it is our wish that anyone who is interested in sharing a love of photography will find a home at Tidewater Camera Club.

Q:  What criteria will be used to judge my photo entries?

A: The criteria for judging include: technical quality, composition, and impact. Images are rated on a 15 point scale with 15 being the highest. Three judges will judge each image online, score and provide critique prior to the competition meeting. At the meeting, judges will be present to critique and comment on the images as they are presented to the members on screen. Members are also encouraged to bring prints to club meetings. As time permits, judges will critique the print quality to foster better understanding of the printing part of our art.

Q:  How should I prepare my photos for a camera club print exhibit?

A1: All prints destined for exhibit are to be matted and framed. Each exhibit may have requirements as to theme, or even size and framing mandates. This club website has the specifics posted, and the club also provides assistance with obtaining framing, matting and printing for those members just getting started. Feel free to ask an officer at a club meeting or email inquiries.

Q:  What do I do with my print at a club meeting competition?

A: Prints prepared for display can be brought to the meeting. A table in the rear of the room will have some metal easels to accommodate the prints. Time permitting, judges may comment on the prints and provide comments about the print quality.

Q:  How do I change the size of my photos for the digital competition?

A: Assuming that you have some image manipulation software like Photoshop, you need to open your image, adjust the width or length (while maintaining proportions) and save as - giving it a name which includes the image title, your initials, and your section. We have prepared a tutorial which will guide you through the steps.

Click here to open the tutorial - you can then read through or print it out.

Q:  How do I email my photos for the digital competition?

A: The simplest method is to go to the Photo competition page on the club website, find the competition you wish to enter, and click on its title. Your email program should open, with the correct address and subject filled in for you. You would then replace the question marks with your name and section. Attach your photo submissions to the email, and click send. The club web server will send you a confirmation email when it receives your email. If you still have questions, the club has produced a written tutorial available.

Click here to open the tutorial - you can then read through or print it out.