The whole year on one page.
Grab your copy of the FCC 2026 Competition Topics 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 are minimal restrictions on the use of software, camera filters, in camera controls, etc. to edit a digital photo, as long as it is clear that the image started out as a photograph. No generative AI images; submitted images must begin as a photo from a camera. Also, at least 50% of the image must be your original image and any composite must be constructed of all your own images.
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. See our Competition Rules PDF for a full description and limitations on entered images.
Competitions are generally held on the 4th Wednesday of each month (no December competition meeting). Check our Calendar or any Newsletter PDF for details.
2026 Competition Topics
January 22 – 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 25 – A CHAIR – Your image must have a chair as a main element in the shot. Whether there is a person or animal or something else in it is up to you. Or maybe some creative lighting is all you need. Find a way to tell a story.
March 25 – WEATHER PHOTOGRAPHY – From simple Rainstorms to extreme weather events, go out and capture some sort of weather other than perfect sunny days.
April 22 – 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.
May 27 – ARTIFICIAL LIGHT – The title of this month’s topic says it all; the primary light source for any image must be artificial, i.e., it cannot be the sun, moon or stars. Examples include use of flash/strobe, LED lights, streetlights, building lights, and light-painted night photographs. For example, a photo of star trails would not qualify, but star trails with a light-painted foreground element would.
June 24 – UPSIDE DOWN – Shoot something that’s upside down in real life, your pets, kids on the playground, etc. Or vertically flip an image you shot normally Be sure it makes sense in that inverted orientation.
July 22 – WINDOWS – Whether it’s from the outside looking in or the Inside looking out incorporate one or more windows into your composition.
August 26 – 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.
September 23 – ODD MAN OUT – Shoot a group of similar items, with one of them looking out of place. The difference should be obvious – color, size, type of thing, a “one of these things is not like the others” kind of image.
October 28 – TEXTURE – Lighting will be a key factor to a successful image showing texture. Low angle or Side lighting produces highlights and shadows that enhance seeing the texture of an object.
November 24 (Tuesday) – SHOOT FROM THE HIP – A common technique in street photography. But you can use it anytime you want Without looking thru the viewfinder or LCD screen shoot a nice photo from waist level.
December – No competition meeting.