“Dancing to Celebrate Indigenous Culture” by Duane Mills
Photography Competitions
National Competitions
One of the many benefits of joining Camera 35 St. John’s is participating in the Canadian Association of Photographic Arts (CAPA) competitions. CAPA is a national organization of Canadian camera clubs and individual members from Canada, and around the world, who have a common interest in photography. CAPA promotes the art and science of photography, and furthers public interest, by encouraging and promoting participation in exhibitions, circuits, competitions and like endeavours on regional, national and international levels.
Our club is one of 94 across Canada and participates in each competition by selecting the best photographs submitted by club members. Members submit their best photo to be judged by our internal Competition Selection Committee. The six strongest images are chosen and submitted to the CAPA competition.
Camera 35 St. John’s historically has done very well in CAPA competitions, having placed Gold. Individual member photos have also received top awards and special recognition.
SELECTION PROCESS
Unless CAPA rules require otherwise, the club submits six photos to CAPA for each competition. Club members submit one image to the club and all entries are reviewed by our Competition Selection Committee who are tasked with choosing the final submissions. Club members must submit their photos to the committee by uploading their photo files to the club by the Submit to C35 deadline dates listed below. All CAPA submission photos are displayed that night at the meeting. CAPA judges score all the images to determine the winners and honourable mentions. Competition results are revealed at club meetings by the National Association Director and announced to members in our Camera 35 Facebook group.
Competition REMINDERS
Photos will be disqualified if they do not meet committee and CAPA requirements. Once your photo is disqualified, you’re out!
Read and follow the competition rules listed on the CAPA website before every competition.
Ensure image size, dimensions, title and filename meet CAPA requirements.
You cannot submit the same photo in more than one CAPA competition, including all individual and/or club entries.
You cannot enter photos in a competition that is being judged by your camera club, unless the judges are not members of the club itself. (Camera 35 currently does not host competitions or have official judges.)
CAPA Answers
Please review the CAPA website first, including their list of frequently asked questions and the following summary:
What are the file specifications for image submissions?
Answer: Images must typically be JPEGs, with a maximum size of 1400 pixels on the horizontal side and 1050 pixels on the vertical side. Files must not exceed 1.8 MB and be saved in the sRGB colour space. Files must include complete metadata generated by their camera (see AI below). It is the responsibility of members to familiarize themselves with image specifications included on the bottom of every competition page.
How many images can I submit per competition?
Answer: CAPA usually allows a set number per competition, often 4-6 images for entries per club, depending on the competition. Camera 35 selects these entries from the photographs submitted by members, which is limited to one each, unless otherwise directed by the club.
Are there specific themes or categories?
Answer: Yes, CAPA offers competitions in several categories such as Nature, Open, Fine Art, and Photojournalism, with each having specific guidelines. It is the responsibility of members to familiarize themselves with category rules on the CAPA website.
Do images have to be unpublished or original?
Answer: CAPA requires that images be the original work of the photographer and not previously awarded in other CAPA competitions.
Can images be edited or digitally manipulated?
Answer: Editing is often allowed to some degree, but certain competitions, like Nature, may restrict significant digital manipulation to maintain authenticity. It is the responsibility of members to familiarize themselves with category rules on the CAPA website.
Is AI (artificial intelligence) permitted to create, edit, or enhance images?
Answer: Given rapid advancements in AI, CAPA has proactively addressed the use of AI-generated and AI-enhanced images in competitions. The Canadian Association of Photographic Art (CAPA) has established clear guidelines regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in images submitted to their competitions. It is the responsibility of members to familiarize themselves with the Summary of CAPA AI rules below and carefully study CAPA’s stance to address the use of AI-generated images and photos enhanced with AI-generative features.
What are the judging criteria?
Answer: CAPA typically evaluates submissions on composition, technical quality, impact, and adherence to the theme, with scores given in each category.
Summary of CAPA AI Rules:
Prohibition of AI-Generated Images: Images entirely created by AI, such as those produced through text-to-image generators, are not permitted. CAPA defines a photographic image as one captured by a light-sensitive device, like a camera or smartphone.
Restrictions on AI-Driven Editing Techniques: The use of AI generative techniques, including in-painting (where AI fills in missing parts or removes and replaces elements from a photograph) and out-painting (where AI extends the image beyond its original boundaries), is prohibited. This means features like Photoshop's Generative Fill and Expand are not allowed in submitted images.
Permitted AI Features: AI functionalities that assist in traditional photo editing are acceptable. These include tools for noise reduction, sharpening, masking, and tone adjustments, provided they don't introduce elements not originally captured by the photographer.
Mandatory Metadata Inclusion: When submitting images, photographers must include complete metadata generated by their camera. This practice aids in verifying the authenticity of the image and ensures compliance with CAPA's guidelines.
CAPA Questions?
If have a question that cannot be answered by reviewed the CAPA website, and the information on this page, contact our National Association Director using the following form:
In-Club Competitions
THEME COMPETITIONS
From time to time, Camera 35 hosts friendly photographic competitions for our membership. Themes are based on photography concepts such as composition, genre, specific subject matter, or format, such as black and white. Suggestions for in-club competitions are encouraged. Club competitions are announced by email.
For more information on how to share files, please read How to Share Photos.
ANNUAL YEAR-END COMPETITION
In June of each year, Camera 35 hosts an annual photo competition. Members can enter their best photos of the year into the Print and/or Digital competition, as described in the current year competition rules.
2023 OPEN THEME PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION - CELEBRATING ORIGINALITY AND ARTISTRY
This year we celebrate the creativity, skill, and vision of photographers like you! This competition is designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the world captured through your lens. We encourage you to unleash your imagination and submit your best photographs.