MPC 2021-2022 Season
Black &White – A black and white image containing various shades of grey from black to white is considered to be a 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).
Landscape (Pictorial only) – Landscape photography shows wide-open scenes. For this competition, images must not qualify for nature competition. The landscape must include man-made objects or domesticated animals. For example, a road may provide a leading line or a farm animal, pet, barn, or house may be used to enhance the composition, act as an anchor point, or show scale relative to the vast landscape. Images of cityscapes (e.g., skyline or city park), street scenes, or seascapes will not qualify for this competition.
Macro (no animals or plants) – Macro photography refers to taking pictures of small things at close range. Any small object, or a small portion of a larger object, can be a subject for macro photography. A good macro photo reveals details and textures in the object that can’t be observed with normal photography or by an undiscerning eye. For our Macro Photography competition, the main subject shown in the image should be 3 inches or smaller. The main subject shown may be a small portion of a larger object. For this competition, only non-living objects will be qualified. Pictures of animals, insects, birds, plants, or any parts of them (dead or alive) will not be accepted. Still life objects made of wood are okay.
Creative Use of Water – The water, or water and ice, must be a significant element in the picture and used creatively. Think about reflections, refractions, distortions in ripples, close-ups of dripping water drops, etc. A person on a boat in a river or lake would not make a strong water picture, but a close-up of a person drinking water might. Landscapes with lakes, oceans, or rivers are also not strong water pictures, but a close look at a waterfall spray or cascade might.
Travel – A Travel image expresses the characteristic features or culture of a land as they are found naturally. There are no geographic limitations. Images from events or activities arranged specifically for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for photography are not permitted. Close-up pictures of people or objects must include features that provide information about the location.
Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable adjustments are removal of dust or digital noise, restoration of the appearance of the original scene and complete conversion to greyscale monochrome. Other derivations, including infrared, are not permitted. All images must look natural. (PSA definition)
Flower(s) – The flower or flowers must be a key element in the picture. It’s not enough to have it fill a large part of the image. It needs to be the main subject or an important supporting element. For example, a model posing in a garden of flowers is not a good flower picture, but a close-up of a bride’s hand holding a bouquet is. Close-ups of parts of a flower and floral abstracts may work too. Cultivated and wildflowers are acceptable.
Street Photography (people) – Street photography is a form of spontaneous photography that portrays everyday life as it happens, on the streets and elsewhere. Street photography is not limited to bustling city streets, narrow alleyways, and busy urban centers. It can happen in any public space. Street photography must capture an unstaged moment that reveals some true aspect of society. For this competition, the picture must include a person or multiple people and have some emotional impact.
Open – The open category has no subject restrictions and can also be in the subject area of any of the assigned subjects.