MONTHLY/QUARTERLY COMPETITION

PRINT OF THE MONTH

Each month, with the exception of Salon Competition meetings, BPPA Members can submit up to two online images for Print of the Month.  Image preparation is listed below.  The categories are Portrait and Unclassified.  BPPA Members vote on the prints.  The highest scores earn first and second prize.  Those who win, as well as those who enter Print of the Month, are given points toward Photographer of the Year. This year we will have two Divisions; Challenger and Developing.

Challenger Division

This division is for those who are ready to push their skills to the limit! It's open to:

• Past BPPA Photographer of the Year, 2nd, or 3rd place winners
• Master Photographers
• BPPA Board Members
• Any member who wants a serious challenge!

We encourage you to refine and polish your images to meet the highest judging standards. Please ensure your prints adhere to all guidelines, including sizing, matting, and PPA image standards.

*Important: Members who compete in the Challenger Division cannot compete in the Developing Division. If you start in the Challenger Division you must remain in this Division for the remainder of the year.

Developing Division

This division is perfect for those who are still honing their competition skills and want to learn from others. Here, you can receive feedback and suggestions to improve your images. While you'll be doing your own editing, feel free to ask for help with specific techniques or enhancements.

Prizes and Recognition

We'll have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each division. Plus, you'll earn points just for submitting your work! This new structure ensures everyone has a chance to shine and receive recognition for their efforts.

CREATIVE QUARTERLY

Four times a year, BPPA Members can submit up to two online images for Creative Quarterly Competition.  Image preparation is listed below.  Entries are judged by Master Photographers.  The highest scores earn first and second prize.  Those who win, as well as those who enter Creative Quarterly, are given points toward Photographer of the Year.

Creative Quarterly Themes

The Board will be announcing the Creative Quarterly themes at our January meeting. Stay tuned for an email and website update with all the details.

Creative Quarterly is based on a theme.  The 2025 themes will be published once they are determined in January.

February: “In Motion”

• Ideas: Capture action by freezing a moment, showing motion blur, or using a panning technique to keep your subject sharp while the background streaks with speed. Think dancers, sports, traffic, or even water droplets. Let movement be your muse!

May: “Flowers”

• Ideas: From close-up macros showing stunning petal details to vibrant garden landscapes bursting with color, flowers offer endless inspiration. Experiment with lighting, backdrops, or a creative arrangement to highlight nature’s beauty.

August: “Traditional Still Life”

• Ideas: Think classic painting compositions—fruit bowls, antiques, or everyday objects meticulously arranged. Pay close attention to lighting and composition to evoke mood and drama. Use textures and contrasts to set a timeless scene.

November: “Abstract”

• Ideas: Go bold! Play with shapes, colors, patterns, and unusual angles. Use creative techniques like intentional camera movement, double exposures, or macro photography that turns reality into surprising, artistic forms.

IMAGE PREPARATION:  Print of the Month and Creative Quarterly images are prepared the same as Salon images.  Size the image at 4000 pixels on the long side.  Any ratio/dimension is acceptable.  Each file must contain an embedded color profile of either sRGB and saved at a JPEG quality setting of 10.  The  total file size should not exceed 7 MB.