The whole year on one page
Grab your copy of the FCC 2023 Competition Subjects list PDF here. Print it out and keep it as a handy reference. Be sure to also download a PDF of the FCC Competition Rules for reference.
General Information on editing and image-making. UNLESS TO THE CONTRARY IN THE SPECIFIC DEFINITION, there is no restriction on the use of software, camera filters, etc. to edit a digital photo or to make prints, as long as it is clear that the image started out as a photograph. Thus, editing an image such that it cannot be casually determined that it was originally a photograph, would not be acceptable for submission in Focus Camera Club, even though it might be a great piece of artwork.
Competitions are generally held on the 4th Wednesday of each month (no December competition meeting). Check our Calendar or any Newsletter PDF for details.
2023 Competition Subjects
January 25 – OPEN – The Open category allows photographers to submit images of any subject matter. Members are encouraged to explore photographic techniques and subjects outside their usual style.
February 22 – STREET PORTRAIT – A headshot to full length portrait is your choice, but it must be obvious this was shot on the street. No models; no multi-light setups. Natural portraits of real people you encounter is what we want. You can (and should) talk to your subject and may pose them a bit to better convey your message.
March 22 – FRAME IN A FRAME – Use a natural element (a frame) in your composition to direct the viewer to the main subject in your frame (the outer edges of your image). A digitally created frame added via Photoshop is not permitted.
April 26 – WABI SABI – Wabi Sabi is about finding the beauty (or humble simplicity) in things that are decaying, broken, cracked, incomplete, weathered or aged, etc. “Things are more beautiful for bearing imperfections.”
May 24 – OPEN – The Open category allows photographers to submit images of any subject matter. Members are encouraged to explore photographic techniques and subjects outside their usual style.
June 28 – MONOCHROME – Black & White is the most popular form of monochrome photos, but variations of single hues (sepia, cyan, etc.) also qualify. Whether you choose greyscale (including infrared) or go full cyanotype is up to you.
July 26 – 3 B’s (Benches, Barns, Bridges) – Images that have a bench, barn OR bridge as the main subject. Images can include all or part of a bench, barn or bridge but that portion represented must be clearly identifiable as one of the 3Bs.
August 23 – BLUE/GOLDEN HOUR – The “magical light” about an hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Submitted images must be shot during these times. Be sure to utilize the warm or cool lighting to your advantage; choose a subject and your white balance wisely.
September 27 – OPEN – The Open category allows photographers to submit images of any subject matter. Members are encouraged to explore photographic techniques and subjects outside their usual style.
October 25 – IN MOTION – Water, kids, a blender, wildlife, planes, trains, automobiles, you name it. There are thousands of things in motion around you every day. Capture an interesting image to effectively portray that motion to the viewer.
November 21 (Tues.) – HASSELBLAD (Square Images Only) – Forget about 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 or anything else BUT 1:1 ratio. The subject can be anything you’d like, but your square composition needs to be on point! (Many cameras can shoot 1:1 – check yours and simplify visualizing the final image.)
December – No competition meeting.