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Year-End Competition Guidelines

Year-End Competition Guidelines

The Darkroomers Year-End Competition is typically held on the second Saturday of January and celebrates the best work submitted by members throughout the previous calendar year. This is a juried print competition and one of the most prestigious events in the club’s calendar.

Eligibility

  • Members may submit up to 10 images.
  • Entries must have been accepted into a monthly exhibition during the prior calendar year.
  • Each print must bear an official Darkroomers accept sticker.
    • Reprints or reworked versions must be approved by both the President and Vice-President. A reworked image must accompany the original accepted print for comparison.
    • Changes must be minor improvements (e.g., contrast, sharpness, or distraction removal) and may not add new elements.

Competition Categories

  • Entry categories are determined each year by a Year-End Rules Committee, formed in June.
  • An “Other” category serves as a catchall for entries that don’t fit the prescribed categories.
  • Categories (including “Other”) must have at least 6 entries to remain in the competition. Images from eliminated categories will be reassigned to “Other” if eligible, or the maker will be given a chance to reassign them.

Submission Requirements

  • Submit both:
    • A full-resolution JPEG formatted as follows:
      • JPEG format, sRGB color space
      • File size must not exceed 1.4 MB
      • Recommended dimensions: at least 1920 pixels wide or 1080 pixels tall
      • Filename format: FirstName_LastName_ImageTitle.jpg
    • A mounted print with the provided entry label affixed to the back
  • JPEGs are due by late December each year—exact deadlines will be posted in advance.
  • Mounted prints must be delivered at the first Wednesday meeting in January.
  • Labels will be provided and will include scannable codes for electronic scoring.
  • Title, category, and maker’s name must be submitted as part of the electronic entry.
  • Late entries will not be accepted.

Judging

  • A panel of three judges independently scores each image.
  • Each print is scored from 6–9 points by each judge (max score: 27).
  • Titles are not announced during judging.
  • Judges are not limited in how many high scores they assign.
  • Judges evaluate images within the context of their category (e.g., architectural images must reflect the architecture theme).
  • Tie-breaking is done by re-scoring, followed by a vote if needed.

Awards

  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place are awarded in each category.
  • Honorable Mention is awarded to the 4th highest-scoring image.
  • A single Best in Show is chosen from among the 1st-place winners.
  • Scoring is read aloud during judging for transparency and print sorting.

Best in Show & Nelson’s Award

The image selected as Best in Show will automatically represent Darkroomers in the SCACC Interclub Year-End Competition and is entered for the prestigious Nelson’s Award.

Event Preparation

  • The building is typically cleaned the morning of the competition, and member volunteers are appreciated.
  • Details, including date, time, location, categories, and updated rules, are communicated in advance to both members and judges.

Year-End Banquet

Following the Year-End Competition, Darkroomers hosts a Year-End Banquet and Awards Ceremony, typically held in late January or February. This festive event is a highlight of the club calendar, offering a joyful opportunity to reflect on the past year and recognize members’ photographic achievements.

Each year, the banquet is held at a local banquet hall or restaurant, with the venue announced in December. The event is prepaid, typically costing around $50 per person, and includes a delicious meal. Meal choices and payments are collected in December and early January.

Highlights of the banquet include:

  • A display of all winning images for viewing by members, spouses, significant others, and guests
  • Spotlighting each image on an easel as the maker accepts their award
  • Presentation of ribbons, medals, trophies, and a signed and sealed certificate—perfect for framing and commemorating the achievement
  • A generous raffle of door prizes, with recent years featuring up to $2,000 in giveaways

It’s a fun, celebratory, and meaningful way to close out the competition season, enjoy great food, and honor the outstanding work and creative spirit of our members.