Competition Themes 2026

During 2025 we challenge our members with six (6) competitions throughout the year and an "End Of Year" competition at year's end.

Members are encouraged to take photos for the purpose of entering the competition rather than trawling their catalogue for images that match the set theme. The purpose of a competition is to inspire creativity and to challenge members to produce quality images for the purpose of entry. With each set subject we will also include an Open category. In the Open category you are permitted to enter any image for consideration.

In 2026 includes print and digital image formats for all competitions.


1. Monochrome

An image is considered to be Monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no colour (i.e. contains only shades of grey which can include pure black and pure white) OR it gives the impression of being a greyscale image that has been toned in one colour across the entire image. (For example, by Sepia, red, gold, etc.) A greyscale or multi-coloured image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi-toning or by the inclusion of spot colouring does not meet the definition of monochrome and shall be classified as a Colour Work (Definition via the  APJA).

Entries due: February 10th, 2026

Judging: March 10th, 2026


2. Action

An image depicting a subject in dynamic motion, or a decisive moment of activity. It can either be freezing the action, motion blur or panning to convey a sense of energy. Examples include sports, wildlife and people.

Entries due: March 24th, 2026

Judging: April 28th, 2026


3. High Key

Generally use a soft light coloured palette with soft or minimum shadows, backgrounds are light coloured tending to white. Images may also be Black and White with a high contrast between the subject and the white background. Image details are preserved and the histogram tonal values are to the right of centre.

Presenter Gary Smith and will be judging this competition.

Entries due: May 12th, 2026

Judging: June 9th, 2026


4. Weather

Specific atmospheric conditions at a given time and place, which act as a natural, dynamic light source and compositional element, significantly influencing the mood, texture, and visual impact of an image.

Entries due: June 23rd, 2026

Judging: July 24th, 2026


5. Night

A photograph made outdoors at night after dusk (after golden hour ends) and before dawn (before golden hour starts), therefore may include *blue hour, using ambient low-intensity light or limited light source like the stars or moon, or from artificial light for example cityscapes or vehicles to define the scene. *Blue hour is the time just after sunset and before sunrise.

Entries due: August 11th, 2026

Judging: September 8th, 2026


6. Triptych - Telling a story

Entries will be judged on both technical merit and the story told by the series of three images with emphasis on the story.

Presenter Mark Boothford and will be judging this competition.

Entries due: September 23rd, 2025

Judging: October 28th, 2025


End of Year Competition - Open

Entries for the End of Year Competition is considered an open competition. Your images must have been entered in an earlier competition during 2024 in either the open or set subject categories. The image doesn't have to have earned a place; just have been entered. It may only be entered in original format; digital or print.

You may enter up to 2 digital images & 2 print into the End of Year Competition

Entries Due: October 28th, 2025

Judging/Awards: December 9th, 2025

Members who require further clarification are encourage to contact the Competition Steward  competitions@williamstowncameraclub.com.au. See the Competition Rules for full details of entry requirements.  


Interclub Competitions 

Below are the Interclub competitions in which Williamstown Camera Club participates annually. Members are encouraged to provide images for selection by the entry date below. Both competitions accept print and digital entries.

VAPS Interclub

Subject: Open

Format: Print and Digital

Entries due: February 25th, 2026

Knox Monochrome Interclub

Subject: Monochrome

Format: Print and Digital

Entries due: May 12th, 2025

Upcoming

Meeting: Welcome Back BBQ - Triptych

Our traditional Welcome back BBQ, we provide the food, you bring along what you would like to drink.

In our meeting part we'll discuss what have you done in the break. We will look at what it takes to make a Triptych. And our competitions will be explained.

Entries due: Competition 1: Monochrome and Open

Walker Close Community Centre
10th February 2026 7:30 pm
Photo Shoot: Heathcote Pink Cliffs Pink Cliffs Reserve
21st February 2026 10:00 am

View full calendar