MPC Assigned Topic Definitions 2024-2025
Black & White A black and white image containing various shades of grey from black to white is considered to be monochrome photo. A black & white work toned entirely in a single color will remain a monochrome work able to stand in the black & white category (e.g., sepia toned). No additional colors will be allowed in the B&W images (e.g., selective coloring).
Sunrise/Sunset – Pictures for this competition must be taken during or shortly after sunrise or during or shortly before sunset and include the warm-color sky. The sun itself may or may not be visible (e.g., hidden behind clouds or outside the frame) but the sky and clouds must be. The subject of this competition is the sunrise or sunset. Pictures of landscapes, cityscapes, or other objects that are simply lit by the warm light at sunrise or sunset will not qualify, except for the sky and clouds.
Motion with Blur– Use of panning, shutter-drag, long-exposure, time-exposure, or slow-shutter photography to capture the moving elements of images while showing the motion blur. Examples include the paths of bright moving objects, moving clouds that form broad bands, vehicle lights that draw bright streaks, star trails in the sky, and people walking. Movement must be evident in the image—a static image of a plane flying or shots “freezing the action” would not be permitted. Long exposure for this competition could vary in time from about a quarter of a second to a few seconds, minutes, or hours. Techniques that combine many frames taken in short intervals to create the effect of long exposure are permitted, but the use of “motion blur” filters in post processing is not permitted. Intentional camera movement is not allowed.
Human Emotions – Human emotions refer to the complex, subjective experiences that arise in response to internal or external stimuli. Emotions typically involve physiological arousal, cognitive appraisal, and expressive behaviors. Emotions to consider include (but are not limited to) happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, love, guilt, shame and jealousy. Most often, human emotions are observed by looking at the subject’s facial expression. A big smile, laugh, frown, crying are the most common indicators of the person’s emotional reaction. However, body language and action may also be signs of emotion. For this competition, the image must capture the emotion of a human subject, or multiple subjects. It should feature a subject in an emotional way and present people and their problems, concerns, or achievements in a way that resonates with the viewers on an emotional level, allowing them to connect with the subject and feel what they feel. The emotion being depicted must be clearly evident. Human interest subjects may be about an event, organization, or historical happening but must contain people. Images should capture a moment that resonates with viewers on an emotional level, allowing them to connect with the subject and feel what they feel.
Storytelling – Storytelling in photography is the art of using pictures to tell a story, convey ideas, or express a viewpoint. Provoking images capture the viewer’s imagination and get them involved in figuring out the visual story being told. The story may be the photographer’s personal story, told in metaphors and symbols, or a story about the social and political world told through the lives of people. For this competition, the story must be clearly evident in the image.
Architecture The main subject must be an architectural structure or a portion/element of a structure. Successful images may be of unique details of objects that fit this category or compositions that focus on interesting shapes (e.g., arches, staircases, railings, and domes), but may also use other techniques to emphasize the subject, such as unique angles, strong perspective, special lighting, selective focus, close-ups/macro or vignetting. Successful images should show a unique view of the subject rather than a straight documentary capture.
Negative space/minimalism Negative space and minimalism in photography focus on thoughtful reduction of distractions, simplicity, restraint, and the deliberate use of space to create compelling visual narratives and evoke strong emotional responses from viewers..
The use of negative space isolates the subject and minimizes distracting elements that pull the eye from that subject. This may be achieved through depth of field, color separation, framing and composition and/or lighting. When done well, there is a sense of balance and harmony. The use of negative space may be used to illustrate emotion and adds to the story being told.
Minimalism in photography features simplicity with clean lines, uncluttered compositions and a clear subject, clarity, and the use of space to convey a powerful visual message. It may involve a limited color palette, emphasis on form and texture and may involve abstraction and symbolism
New Life New life photography aims to capture the essence of new beginnings and the beauty of growth and transformation. Images for this competition should be related to the beginning or early stages of life and may encompass images related to both human life (newborn, maternity, birth) as well as animal life and plant life. Images must contain a live being.
Seasons-Winter – The picture must convey that the image was taken in the winter and depict an element of cold. A pretty landscape with snow may not be as strong as a person covered with layers of clothing sitting outside, a scene with ice, or a snowstorm. Pictures solely depicting a holiday without the inclusion of winter/cold elements are not permitted.
Open – The open category has no subject restrictions and can also be in the subject area of any of the assigned subjects.