Update: As of January of 2009 I regret that I am no longer a member of the NWHPC photo club but my comments below still stand. John
As of August 2007, I’ve been a member of the Northwest Houston Photo Club (NWHPC). Currently we have approximately 40 members, ranging from novice amateurs to practicing professional photographers. We meet twice a month with one of the nights dedicated to print competition. (We also have a monthly workshop meeting, a monthly field trip and a yearly portfolio challenge among other activities.)
Every competition consists of two categories – open and assigned. A third category, outside the box (OTB) is included several times a year. Categories are defined as follows: Open – Anything. Assigned – A subject is provided and the photographer applies his/her interpretation in a manner intended to convey that vision to the viewer. An example: “crossroads”. This could be interpreted literally as in roads crossing each other or figuratively as in crossroads of America. OTB – This is meant to be a fun exercise that allows the photographer to apply whimsical techniques to the original image capture, post processing and printing.
We allow up to two entries per person per category. Entries must be presented as mounted, matted prints. Typical print sizes will be 8x10 in 11x14 mats and 12x16 in 16x20 mats although the sizes are not specified. Each competition will usually have 18 to 24 or more images per category.
Each category of prints is judged by five or six members (occasionally by outside judges), using score sheets containing several criteria, each of which is assigned a value from 0 to 10. Scores are totaled and first, second and third place ribbons are awarded. Following the judging, each print is presented to the audience where we offer constructive criticisms and/or accolades. The entire exercise is meant to be a learning experience so that we may all improve our photographic skills.
So that’s where I’m coming from. The two galleries below represent my successes and my non-successes. I don’t use the term failure because even when an image doesn’t win a ribbon it still provides a lesson on how I can improve the next time.
A few parting words. When joining NWHPC I was asked why I take pictures. After giving this considerable thought (weeks after the question was asked), I came up with my answer that I wish to share with you. “I find it a challenge to see things overlooked by the casual observer then be able to capture, refine and present those images in a visually stimulating manner.”
It’s a fun trip with no end in sight.
John Edinburgh, 2008
