Photographic clubs offer members a variety of opportunities to learn and practice their hobby, one of which is regular competitions. In addition to challenges with other clubs and the occasional light-hearted contest, the six internal competitions of Sidmouth Photographic Club’s ‘season’ are open to members of all levels of skill and experience – and invite entries in a combination of print, digital projected image (DPI) and mobile formats.

Our independent judges each have their own style and approach to judging, but all will look for a message or story in an image, in addition to reviewing technical and aesthetic aspects. A competition is a valuable opportunity for us to share images with fellow members and learn from the judge’s comments and constructive feedback, helping us gain a better understanding of our own photographic strengths and weakness.

Competition 1 of the current season was held on October 20th and saw a bumper entry of accomplished images - 17 print and 63 digital submissions - including many from members who have only recently joined the club. Bath-based photographer, lecturer and competition judge Marko Dutka provided a friendly, entertaining and considered critique and complimented the club on the exceptionally high standard of photography in the entries. Following the club’s judging guidelines, Marko awarded 50 per cent of the images in categories Gold, Silver, Bronze and Commended.

On November 15th the club welcomed Marija Lees (from Exeter Camera Club) to judge the second internal club contest. This invited up to two printed images and one DPI image and provided for an enjoyable evening with a diverse range of image topics. As always, the standard was extremely high and Marija had the unenviable task of selecting the winning photographs from a field of 16 print and 29 DPIs. Her positive critique was comprehensive and encouraging and helpful comments suggesting how to improve images were well received by the audience. Marija complimented the high quality of the prints and DPIs submitted and both she and Marko look forward being invited to judge for the club again in the future.

High scoring images from both competitions are featured on this page and more information about the club’s programme of meetings and activities is available on the website sidmouthphotoclub.org