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 will remain in the skill level you choose until you accumulate enough points from placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the monthly competitions. You will then 'Graduate' to the next higher level for the next year.

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.

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

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. 

There is some controversy over digital manipulation of images. The controversy particularly applies to photojournalism or forensics where the image is expected to be 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 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.

A: The criteria for judging include: technical quality, composition, and impact. Images are rated on a 15 point scale with 15 being the highest. Competition judges will judge each image online, score and may provide written comments / critique prior to the competition meeting. At the meeting, judge's scores and comments will be presented. Members are encouraged to participate in group discussions about the photos entered.

A: All prints destined for exhibit are to be matted and framed, including a wire type hanger on the back of the frame. 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 wishing to work together. Feel free to ask an officer at a club meeting or email inquiries.

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.

 Link to tutorial

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