For many photographers who join a local camera club or photographic society, the monthly competition quickly becomes one of the most rewarding parts of membership. These competitions are not about winning at all costs — they are a structured way to improve your eye, receive honest feedback from experienced judges, and learn from the work of your peers.
Competitions sit at the heart of most camera club calendars. They provide a focused environment where members can test their skills against a set theme or category. Unlike informal photo sharing, a judged competition introduces a clear set of criteria and an external perspective. This forces you to think critically about your own images before you submit them and to consider why certain photographs score higher than others.
Most clubs run a competition every month or every two months during their active season. These rounds often have a specific theme such as "reflections", "street life", or "abstract" — but many also include an open category where any subject is allowed. Clubs vary in how many images each member can enter per round, but two to four is common.
Two main formats exist: prints and digital projected images (DPIs or PDIs). Prints are physical photographs, usually mounted on board, displayed on easels for the judge. DPIs are digital files projected onto a screen for the whole room to see. Many clubs hold separate competitions for each format, and some have combined scores for an annual trophy.
To keep competitions fair, clubs often split entries into ability levels — a "Beginners" or "Novice" class and an "Advanced" or "Open" class. Some clubs use a points system that allows a photographer to move up a level after accumulating a certain number of wins.
Many camera clubs invite an external judge — often a respected photographer from another club — to score and critique the entries. This brings a fresh, impartial eye. The judge typically spends a few seconds looking at each image, then gives a verbal commentary on its strengths and weaknesses before assigning a score.
Judges usually consider composition (how the elements are arranged within the frame), technical quality (exposure, focus, sharpness), impact (the emotional or visual punch of the image), and creativity (originality of subject or approach). Scores are often given out of ten or out of twenty.
After the judge has scored all entries, the results are announced and winning images discussed in detail. Members can ask questions about why a certain image scored higher than another. If your image receives a low score, the judge's comments can point you directly toward the area that needs improvement. Over several rounds, you learn to see your own work more objectively.
Many photographers who cut their teeth in local camera club competitions eventually step up to larger national and international photography competitions. The skills gained from regular club judging — receiving constructive criticism, learning to edit ruthlessly, and building a portfolio — translate directly to these bigger stages. Well-known options include the International Photography Awards (IPA), the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA), the CEWE Photo Award (free to enter, significant prizes), and the London Photography Awards.
Each competition has its own rules about file size, resolution, colour space, and when prints must be mounted. Overlooking a technical requirement can disqualify a strong image.
Look for a photograph that works on its own — one that tells a clear story, has a strong focal point, and holds the viewer's attention for the few seconds the judge will spend on it. Impact matters.
After each competition, take notes on the judge's comments. If the same criticism appears more than once, you know exactly where to focus your practice.
Club competitions are a safe place to try something new. The feedback you receive will broaden your understanding of light, composition, and subject matter.