Contest Categories for 2025-2026
Click here to review and download Image Submission Guidelines
| September, 2025 - Images due by September 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
Macro (close-up)SPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | Get up close and personal. Show that which we seldom recognize because we're seldom close enough. While it's not required, here is an opportunity to try your hand at focus stacking. [...] |
NatureAdditional - 2 images + Comments | Restricted to the use of the photo process to depict all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify its honest presentation [...] |
| October, 2025 - Images due by October 1 | |
TravelREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | A Photo Travel image is a portrayal of the real world we live in, as it is found naturally. There are no geographic limitations. [...] |
LaughableSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | Give us an image of a person, thing, or situation that brought a smile to your face, made you snicker or even laugh out loud. Anything from subtly ironic or outright goofy will work. Please no selfies. [...] |
| November, 2025 - Images due by November 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
Cellphone OnlySPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | Explore the capabilities of your always-with-you camera. The Internet is your friend here, as phone brands and models vary in their capabilities. You'll find that it's capabilities are pretty amazing. [...] |
| December, 2025 - Images due by December 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
Think SimpleSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | Create a minimalistic image that features clean lines, a limited color palette, few featured elements and may employ negative space. Think uncluttered. [...] |
| January, 2026 - Images due by January 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
Unusual PerspectiveSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | Choose any common subject to capture from an unusual viewpoint (above, below, close-up - anything but regular eye-level). Think crazy angle. [...] |
NatureAdditional - 2 images + Comments | Restricted to the use of the photo process to depict all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and certify its honest presentation [...] |
| February, 2026 - Images due by February 1 | |
CreativeREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | The Simsbury Camera Club definition of Creative photography is a modified version of that defined by the PSA and it incorporates many of the NECCC Guidelines for Altered Reality. The image must display some alteration in color, texture, shape, arrangement or location of that subject matter that is different from the real life appearance. [...] |
ShapesSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | We're looking for images that feature triangles, squares or circles themselves, or that create a composition that employs a geometric arrangement of compositional elements. [...] |
| March, 2026 - Images due by March 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
Shot in the DarkSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | After the sun is long gone, show us the night sky, city lights, long exposures, light painting, fireworks... you pick. The moon is fine, but please no sunsets or sunrises here. [...] |
| April, 2026 - Images due by April 1 | |
PortraitREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | Image of a person or group of people that displays the expression, personality, and mood of the subject. This is done through the use of effective lighting, backdrops, and poses. [...] |
Shot Through and ThroughSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | The image must be shot, entirely or partially, through an element in front of the lens that is not commonly used. Examples: wavy glass, gauze, holey paper, drinking glass, mason jars. ND filters and specialty filters don't count. Be creative !!! [...] |
| April, 2026 - Images due by May 1 | |
OpenREGULAR - 2 images + Comments | This category is open to all types of photographic images. The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity. Photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass. [...] |
In FlightSPECIAL - 1 image, No Comments | If it's in the air, it's fair game - birds, planes, leaves, paper airplanes, dropped objects, people, rule books, drips - your choice. [...] |