There shall be two (2) Competition Classes in the Color category only. There shall be one (1) competition class in all other categories. For the Color category only, , there is a Beginner and an Advanced class. The primary purpose of competing in a class is to have your work compared to those with similar skill levels. As a first time competitor you may rate yourself as an A (Advanced photographer) or B (Beginner photographer). Once you have accumulated a total of 3 blue or red ribbons (in any combination) in triannual competitions OR won any award ribbon in a Year-End judging you will automatically be moved from Class B to Class A for all future competitions.

There are four categories, each judged separately. In all categories, only images that are totally the work of the individual photographer may be submitted. Work that is not completely your own is not allowed.

• Color - This category is for color images, except those defined as “Creative” below. Digital enhancement in post-processing is allowed but the resulting image must maintain a realistic and natural appearance. If the image is obviously manipulated or over-processed with excessive sharpening, saturation, contrast, etc. or shows evidence that it is a composite, where at least two images are combined, it is not considered a Color image but could go in Creative. Good skills in post-processing are required to prepare an image that maintains a realistic and natural appearance for the Color category.

  The only exception is a multi-colored infrared image whose color may not be realistic or natural. It is allowed in this category as long as all the other requirements for this category are met.

  An image taken with very narrow depth of field creating bokeh in the background and/or foreground is allowed in Color as long as the image looks realistic and natural except for the intentional blur. Natural looking HDR (High Dynamic Range) images are also allowed in this category.

  Images that have been altered by in-camera processes, such as shaking, zooming, double exposure, excessive blurring, etc. belong in the Creative category if they do not appear realistic and natural.

  A stroke, outline or border of any color is allowed but it must be limited to a solid thin line around the perimeter of the image.

  Color Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Color" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  

• Mono - This category is for monochromatic images, except those defined as “Creative” below. Monochromatic images that have been creatively altered in post-processing, belong in the Creative category. Natural looking HDR images are allowed in this category as long as they are monochromatic.

  Monochromatic means that the image is in black and white, often having shades of grey, or is toned overall in one single color such as sepia, blue, purple, etc. Digital enhancement in post-processing is allowed but the resulting image must maintain a realistic and natural appearance.

  The only exception is Monochromatic infrared image. It is allowed in this category as long as all the other requirements for this category are met.

  An image taken with very narrow depth of field creating bokeh in the background and/or foreground is allowed in Mono as long as the image looks realistic and natural except for the intentional blur. Natural looking HDR (High Dynamic Range) images are also allowed in this category.

  A stroke, outline or border around the perimeter of the image is allowed but must be limited to a solid thin line in black or white or in the same monochrome tone (e.g. sepia, blue, etc.) as the image.

  Mono Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Mono" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  

• Creative - This category is for color or monochromatic images that have been recognizably altered by combining elements from more than one image (a composite) or by obvious changes in color, form, shape, or any combination thereof. Creative images may not be constructed entirely in the computer, but must originate from the maker’s photograph or photographs. Abstracts are allowed if the main elements are recognizable as originating from a photograph or photographs. Any type of border or vignette is allowed in this category.
  Creative Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Creative" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  

• Documentary - This category includes images that portray "a moment in time." Images must represent real life as it actually happened with its flaws and peculiarities. The art is in the story or the message using the existing lighting and surroundings. Some global correction on the entire image is allowed for exposure, contrast, clarity or sharpening, de-noising, and color balance. Corrections are to be kept to a minimum. The image can be straightened and cropped. Correcting only parts of the image is NOT allowed. Judges will use existing judging criteria to score images but will give the story the most weight. Subjects may include people, animals, sports, music events, night scenes, rural or urban environments, etc.

  NOT ALLOWED: Corrections in selected areas; Monochrome; filters on camera or in post-processing; Infrared; set-up situations or studio captures; HDR processing or blending images; vignettes, frames or borders.

  Documentary Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Documentary" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

Don't Get Confused (click to expand and collapse)

This is "Color":

This is "Creative" because of the unnatural look of the sky:

---

This is "Color" because it looks natural and realistic:

This is "Creative" due to the unrealistic saturation and sharpening:

---

This is a "Color" image:

This is NOT "Color". It is "Creative":

---

This is a "Color" image because of the blue eye:

This is "Mono":

---

This is "Color", NOT "Mono". The grass is brown-orange:

This is "Mono":

---

This could be "Documentary" (or "Color"):

This must go in "Mono":

1. Prints may vary in size and shape but must be mounted on 16" x 20" foam core or mat board, no thicker than 3/16".
2. Mattes, framed prints, prints wrapped in cellophane, prints taped to the back of an open window, prints with projections or hangers on the back, and prints with tape or other foreign material that may damage prints laid beneath them are not acceptable and shall be disqualified.

1. After the entry fee is paid, digital versions of the entries must be submitted via the FCCC website for approval on the Submit Images page.
2. Image files must be in JPG or PNG format, and can be no larger than 1mb each.
3. When you upload your images, they must be no larger than 1024 pixels tall or wide. Anything under that will automatically be adjusted by the website to fit within 1024 pixels on the longest side.
4. Make sure the title reflects your image, and does not contain your name, your club's name, or anything else that identifies you as the maker. Choose a title carefully. A good title will complement the image. Avoid using your name, numbers or the manner in which it was processed. Please try to keep the title to four words or less; less is usually better. Examples: "Swallowing it Whole", "Buddies Forever", "A Gift for You", "Smooth Landing", "Veronica", "Blue", "Beach Ruins", "Abandoned", "Beyond the Pale", "Bigger Than Life", etc.
5. The actual entry prints from each club must be collected at the club and shipped together in a box that is reusable for returning the prints. A return address label must be included in the box.
6. Entry prints must be received by the club hosting the competition by the print delivery deadline noted on the Competition Schedule on the website.
7. Participants must begin this process early in the competition period to allow time for the club to collect prints from all members entering and mail them to the host club by the print delivery deadline.
8. After the judging, the host club must return the prints to each club by United States Postal Service (USPS). No other carrier may be used.

1. After paying the entry fee and uploading digital images of your prints, the images must be approved by the Director of Competition. Once they are approved, usually within 2-3 days of submission, print out a set of labels and entry forms from the Submit Images page. The labels are to be attached to the back of each print in the upper right-hand corner.
2. If the print wins a ribbon in any of the 3 triannual competitions, the maker can re-enter the print into the end of year judging. Keep the print and label intact for this judging. Information shall not be placed in any manner on the front surface of the print.
3. The Competition Entry Form shall accompany each entry.

1. Each qualified entrant will be limited to a total of four (4) images per triannual competition in any one category or any combination of categories.
2. All images that have won a ribbon in any of the three (3) triannual competitions during that year can be entered in the Year-End judging. The digital image will automatically be entered into the competition. However, makers must provide the prints, with the original label and judges’ scores on the backs, to their host club representatives in plenty of time to mail them out together to the judging site. Makers are responsible for holding on to winning images so that they can be considered in End-of-the-Year judging.

1. Any member in good standing of any member club of the FCCC shall be eligible to enter any FCCC Competition.
2. No print that has previously received an award or honor in any FCCC competition shall be acceptable for any future print triannual competition. Prints that have not received an award can be re-entered.
3. Entries into the annual Year-End Judging shall be limited to only prints that have received an award during the season.
4. Eligibility of entries will be confirmed through the Approval Process. Only entries conforming to all Rules and Regulations will be judged.
5. Only prints that are totally the work of the individual photographer may be submitted. Work that is not completely your own is not allowed. Clip art and photographs obtained online or from other sources are not allowed.
6. Another person’s artwork, such as a painting, sculpture, street art, etc. may be included in an image as long as there is evidence that the maker used the artwork as only a part of their own image in an effort to tell a story or to create an interesting visual.
7. Images that are sexually suggestive beyond normally acceptable boundaries or sexually explicit are not allowed. Acceptance to the competition will be determined by the FCCC Competition Approval Committee whose decision is final.

Procedure for Approval of Images

Each image entered on the Submit Images page will be reviewed by members of the FCCC Competition Approval Committee to ensure that it meets all Rules and Regulations prior to its being accepted for competition. If there is an issue with an entry, the maker will receive an email noting changes needed. Makers are responsible for checking their email for such notices. Makers must also check the Competition Gallery frequently after submitting images to ensure that all their images have been approved. The Competition Approval Committee will make every effort to approve images quickly. However, approval is not automated and may take a few days to complete.

If an image is not approved, the maker may make the required changes or submit another image for approval if there is time before the end of the submission period. If the maker does not respond in a timely manner, the image will be excluded from competition.

There shall be two (2) Competition Classes in the Color category only. There shall be one (1) competition class in all other categories. For the Color category only, , there is a Beginner and an Advanced class. The primary purpose of competing in a class is to have your work compared to those with similar skill levels. As a first time competitor you may rate yourself as an A (Advanced photographer) or B (Beginner photographer). Once you have accumulated a total of 3 blue or red ribbons (in any combination) in triannual competitions OR won any award ribbon in a Year-End judging you will automatically be moved from Class B to Class A for all future competitions.

There are four categories, each judged separately. In all categories, only images that are totally the work of the individual photographer may be submitted. Work that is not completely your own is not allowed.

• Color - This category is for color images, except those defined as “Creative” below. Digital enhancement in post-processing is allowed but the resulting image must maintain a realistic and natural appearance. If the image is obviously manipulated or over-processed with excessive sharpening, saturation, contrast, etc. or shows evidence that it is a composite, where at least two images are combined, it is not considered a Color image but could go in Creative. Good skills in post-processing are required to prepare an image that maintains a realistic and natural appearance for the Color category.

  The only exception is a multi-colored infrared image whose color may not be realistic or natural. It is allowed in this category as long as all the other requirements for this category are met.

  An image taken with very narrow depth of field creating bokeh in the background and/or foreground is allowed in Color as long as the image looks realistic and natural except for the intentional blur. Natural looking HDR (High Dynamic Range) images are also allowed in this category.

  Images that have been altered by in-camera processes, such as shaking, zooming, double exposure, excessive blurring, etc. belong in the Creative category if they do not appear realistic and natural.

  A stroke, outline or border of any color is allowed but it must be limited to a solid thin line around the perimeter of the image.

  Color Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Color" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  ---

  

  

• Mono - This category is for monochromatic images, except those defined as “Creative” below. Monochromatic images that have been creatively altered in post-processing, belong in the Creative category. Natural looking HDR images are allowed in this category as long as they are monochromatic.

  Monochromatic means that the image is in black and white, often having shades of grey, or is toned overall in one single color such as sepia, blue, purple, etc. Digital enhancement in post-processing is allowed but the resulting image must maintain a realistic and natural appearance.

  The only exception is Monochromatic infrared image. It is allowed in this category as long as all the other requirements for this category are met.

  An image taken with very narrow depth of field creating bokeh in the background and/or foreground is allowed in Mono as long as the image looks realistic and natural except for the intentional blur. Natural looking HDR (High Dynamic Range) images are also allowed in this category.

  A stroke, outline or border around the perimeter of the image is allowed but must be limited to a solid thin line in black or white or in the same monochrome tone (e.g. sepia, blue, etc.) as the image.

  Mono Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Mono" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  

• Creative - This category is for color or monochromatic images that have been recognizably altered by combining elements from more than one image (a composite) or by obvious changes in color, form, shape, or any combination thereof. Creative images may not be constructed entirely in the computer, but must originate from the maker’s photograph or photographs. Abstracts are allowed if the main elements are recognizable as originating from a photograph or photographs. Any type of border or vignette is allowed in this category.
  Creative Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Creative" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

  

• Documentary - This category includes images that portray "a moment in time." Images must represent real life as it actually happened with its flaws and peculiarities. The art is in the story or the message using the existing lighting and surroundings. Some global correction on the entire image is allowed for exposure, contrast, clarity or sharpening, de-noising, and color balance. Corrections are to be kept to a minimum. The image can be straightened and cropped. Correcting only parts of the image is NOT allowed. Judges will use existing judging criteria to score images but will give the story the most weight. Subjects may include people, animals, sports, music events, night scenes, rural or urban environments, etc.

  NOT ALLOWED: Corrections in selected areas; Monochrome; filters on camera or in post-processing; Infrared; set-up situations or studio captures; HDR processing or blending images; vignettes, frames or borders.

  Documentary Examples (click to expand and collapse)

  These are examples of acceptable "Documentary" category images:

  

  

  ---

  

Don't Get Confused (click to expand and collapse)

This is "Color":

This is "Creative" because of the unnatural look of the sky:

---

This is "Color" because it looks natural and realistic:

This is "Creative" due to the unrealistic saturation and sharpening:

---

This is a "Color" image:

This is NOT "Color". It is "Creative":

---

This is a "Color" image because of the blue eye:

This is "Mono":

---

This is "Color", NOT "Mono". The grass is brown-orange:

This is "Mono":

---

This could be "Documentary" (or "Color"):

This must go in "Mono":

1. After the entry fee is paid, entries must be submitted via the FCCC website for approval on the Submit Images page.
2. Image files must be in JPG or PNG format, and can be no larger than 1mb each.
3. When you upload your images, they must be no larger than 1024 pixels tall or wide. Anything under that will automatically be adjusted by the website to fit within 1024 pixels on the longest side.
4. It is recommended for display consistency (but not required) that you use the sRGB color space when saving your images.
5. Make sure the title reflects your image, and does not contain your name, your club's name, or anything else that identifies you as the maker. Choose a title carefully. A good title will complement the image. Avoid using your name, numbers or the manner in which it was processed. Please try to keep the title to four words or less; less is usually better. Examples: "Swallowing it Whole", "Buddies Forever", "A Gift for You", "Smooth Landing", "Veronica", "Blue", "Beach Ruins", "Abandoned", "Beyond the Pale", "Bigger Than Life", etc.
6. Final entries must be received by the cut-off date and time indicated on the website and preferably earlier. Participants must allow ample time in the event that the image is not approved as submitted (see Approval process, below).

1. Each qualified entrant will be limited to a total of four (4) images per triannual competition in any one category or any combination of categories.
2. All images that have won a ribbon in any of the three (3) triannual competitions during that year will be automatically entered in the Year-End judging.

1. Any member in good standing of any member club of the FCCC shall be eligible to enter any FCCC Competition.
2. No image that has previously received an award or honor in any FCCC digital competition shall be acceptable for any future digital triannual competition. Images that have not received an award can be re-entered.
3. Entries into the annual Year-End Judging shall be limited to only images that have received an award during the season. They will be automatically entered.
4. Eligibility of entries will be confirmed through the Approval Process. Only entries conforming to all Rules and Regulations will be judged.
5. Only images that are totally the work of the individual photographer may be submitted. Work that is not completely your own is not allowed. Clip art and photographs obtained online or from other sources are not allowed.
6. Another person’s artwork, such as a painting, sculpture, street art, etc. may be included in an image as long as there is evidence that the maker used the artwork as only a part of their own image in an effort to tell a story or to create an interesting visual.
7. Images that are sexually suggestive beyond normally acceptable boundaries or sexually explicit are not allowed. Acceptance to the competition will be determined by the FCCC Competition Approval Committee whose decision is final.

Procedure for Approval of Images

Each image entered on the Submit Images page will be reviewed by members of the FCCC Competition Approval Committee to ensure that it meets all Rules and Regulations prior to its being accepted for competition. If there is an issue with an entry, the maker will receive an email noting changes needed. Makers are responsible for checking their email for such notices. Makers must also check the Competition Gallery frequently after submitting images to ensure that all their images have been approved. The Competition Approval Committee will make every effort to approve images quickly. However, approval is not automated and may take a few days to complete.

If an image is not approved, the maker may make the required changes or submit another image for approval if there is time before the end of the submission period. If the maker does not respond in a timely manner, the image will be excluded from competition.