Photo Challenges


The Thousand Oaks Photo Group offers judged photo challenges 10 months out of the year, from February through November. In January, we conduct a photo review of the best images from the previous year, and in December, we just have a party.

TOPG members can submit digital images and prints for evaluation by qualified judges. Our judges are selected from a pool of prominent photographers who are well known in the field of photography. Their experience and expertise enables our judges to offer valuable critique and assessment of photographs in a stress-free environment. Photo critiques are performed anonymously. Above all, the goal of our photo challenges is to learn by example what makes a good photograph and how your own photos can be improved. After all, all photographs, no matter how good they are, could be made into better photographs.

If you are new to our club, or if you need a refresher, please refer to the challenge guidelines summary following the list of themes for this year.  We thank Hutch Hutchison for suggesting many of these challenge topics this year.

2026 Photo Challenge Themes

 

 Month Theme
 January  2025 Photo Review – no photo challenge
 February Broken – Create an image that represents the concept of physically damaged, interrupted, or emotionally disconnected.
 March Minimalism – Use extreme simplicity as a "less is more" approach to create an impactful image by stripping away clutter and focusing on one or a very few elements.
 April A Perfect Pair – People, food, animals, objects, etc. Make an image that includes elements that go together in a complementary or intimate way.
 May Lead Actor – Make an image with an emphasis on a strong point of interest. Bonus points for including supporting actors. 
 June Curvaceous – Produce an image of objects or shapes that have a smooth curving form.
 July Diagonals and Triangles – Use diagonals and triangles to create “dynamic tension” in an image.
 August Chiaroscuro Effect – Make an image that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of drama, depth, or volume in a photograph. You may want to use a search engine to understand this one.
 September  Get Low – Shoot from a low angle to create an image with a dramatic and unique point of view.
 October  Corners – Corners are everywhere: streets, buildings, furniture, paper, ... We turn them, gaze at them, bump into them, and jab our fingers on them. Make an image where a corner or a group of corners is the dominant subject of the composition and not just a supporting element.
 November  Fairs, Rodeos and Parades – We end our challenge year with a fun one. Capture an element of a fair, rodeo or parade and share it with us and the judge.
 December  TOPG Holiday Party (no photo challenge)


If you are not sure what a particular theme means. Google it, and you will see lots of concepts and examples to help spur your imagination. Or ask a friend. Have fun and share your vision.

Photo Challenge Guidelines

We made a few changes fto our image submission guidelines for 2025, primarily related to maximum image sizes and use of artificial intelligence. No new changes have been made this year. Details of the most recent changes are describe below:

  • Image Size - All images must be resized to a maximum of 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high. We are making this change to be in compliance with the most common image sizing guidelines for PSA Exhibitions and for S4C competitions.

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence – Images created by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed in competition. TOPG members should refrain from submitting AI generated images (in whole or in part). This does not restrict the use of tools which may contain AI components in them for purposes of noise reduction, dust removal, sharpening or similar cosmetic enhancements. However, the maker’s original photograph should remain the primary information content for the final product.

  • Print Division Requirements – We have removed requirements for print competitions from this documentation. Since we have not conducted print competitions in several years, requirements for any print competitions will be announced in advance of any print competition. There are no plans for conducting print competitions at this time.

Images submitted to TOPG photo challenges are judged for their technical and pictorial merit. They should be properly exposed, be appropriately in focus, and have appropriate depth of field. Imagery should have impact, appeal, and strong composition. Each month we provide an assigned theme to challenge club members to make photographs that address a specific set of guidelines. We also provide an open category where club members may submit photographs without restriction.

Rules? I thought there were NO rules!

OK, there are a few pesky rules.

  • You have to be TOPG member in good standing to enter our challenges.
  • You must use a camera in the creation of your primary theme materials, and all key elements of your photo must be made by you.
  • You may submit up to 2 photos per month, either print of digital. The choice is yours.
  • All photographs must conform to specific size and naming requirements as described in the Photo Challenge Guidelines as well as in the Resizing and Labeling Instructions.

The Devil is in the Details

Our rules are simple and easy to understand. But if you are new to our club or need a refresher, please read:

 

The Photo Critique -
Softly passing judgement

Photographs submitted to our photo challenges will be reviewed and critiqued by a judge. The purpose of the critique is to help TOPG members better understand what constitutes an exceptional projected image or printed photograph. Learning by critique can be a highly effective way to improve one’s photography and post processing skills. It can help the photographer prepare for future TOPG photo challenges as well as photo competitions outside the TOPG. Our goal is to help every TOPG member become a better photographer and be less sensitive to receiving objective criticism of their work in an anonymous setting.

Whether reviewing a projected image or a print, each photograph is evaluated as follows:

  • The photo is displayed.
  • The photo title announced.
  • The judge takes a brief moment to study the photo. (Judges have already previewed images prior to the challenge meeting.)
  • The judge evaluates the photograph, providing critique and comment. The judge will comment about the photos artistic and technical merit, creativity, and presentation. The judge will also identify how the photo could be improved. If applicable, the judge will determine whether the photo fits the assigned category.
  • The judge will announce the images score using our 5-9 point rubric below.
  • If an image receives a score of 8 or 9, the name of maker will be announced.


How are photographs scored?

Judges assign scores according to the following grading scale:

9 – Photos exhibiting exceptional technical skill and impact
8 – Photos with very high technical skill and impact
7 – Good photos, worthy of award consideration
6 – Average quality photos
5 – Below average photos, needing improvement
4 – Below average photos with serious defects
3 – Photos with multiple serious defects

Note: when photos are submitted to an “assigned” category or topic, they must meet the requirement of that topic or category to receive consideration. Photos which do not fit the assignment will be disqualified for rating and may not be critiqued (depending on the judge).
All images, even the best ones, can be improved. It is hoped that everyone will learn from the discussion. All judge’s decisions are final. Our photo challenges are intended to be instructional.

Again, if you have any questions, please refer to our complete photo challenge guidelines:


Questions?

If you have any questions, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..