Our internal competitions give Society members the chance to have their work assessed, often by well-known external judges. Apart from the competitive aspect, much can be gained from the advice given as part of the judging process. Competitions also provide members with an opportunity to see the work of other members which can extend knowledge and inspire.
Members are encouraged to enter their preferred competitions, but it is not compulsory.
The competition season runs from September to July with a one month break in between. These are for Projected Digital Images (PDI) and Prints:
Bi-Monthly PDI League Competitions
Four rounds of PDI competitions, with three classes for different experience levels plus an open prescribed section with different themes selected by the Competition Secretaries. The scores are accumulated over the rounds, leading to trophies at the end for those with the highest scores.
Bi-Monthly Print League Competitions
Four rounds of Print competitions, with three classes for different experience levels plus an open prescribed section with different themes selected by the Competition Secretaries. The scores are accumulated over the rounds, leading to trophies at the end for those with the highest scores.
Annual PDI Competition
A PDI competition, with three classes for different experience levels plus an open Nature section.
Annual Print Competition
A Print competition, with three classes for different experience levels plus an open Nature section.
President’s Cup
A PDI panel competition, open to any member without any distinctions or photographic qualifications above the level of LRPS or equivalent. This is intended to encourage less experienced members to get involved. Each entry consists of a panel of three PDI images on a related theme.
Garmston Bowl
A Print panel competition open to all. Each entry consists of a panel of five Print images on a related theme.
Creative Competition
A Creative photography competition for both PDI and Print entries of all levels of experience.
At the close of the competition season, the following medals and trophies are awarded:
| Competition Group | Competition Winner | Medal | Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|
| PDI Bi- Monthly Competition | PDI League winner Club Class | Yes | The Hewitt Cup |
| PDI League winner Intermediate | Yes | Avonia Trophy | |
| PDI League winner Advanced | Yes | ||
| PDI League winner Prescribed Subject Class | Yes | ||
| Print Bi- Monthly Competition | Print League winner Club Class | Yes | BPS R J R Fry Comp. |
| Print League winner Intermediate | Yes | BPS Print Competition | |
| Print League winner Advanced | Yes | ||
| Print League winner Prescribed Subject class | Yes | ||
| PDI Annual Competition | Annual PDI Competition Club Class | Yes | |
| Annual PDI Competition Intermediate | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Advanced | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Best People | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Best Travel | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Nature | Yes | Annual slide comp. | |
| Annual PDI Competition Best Action | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Best Mono | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Best Landscape | Yes | ||
| Annual PDI Competition Best Overall | Yes | H Salanson trophy | |
| Print Annual Competition | Annual Print Competition Club | Yes | |
| Annual Print Competition Intermediate | Yes | ||
| Annual Print Competition Advanced | Yes | E G Watts Memorial | |
| Annual Print Competition Nature | Yes | R J Fry comp. (Animal Studies) | |
| Annual Print Best Image (All levels) | Yes | Roderick J Fry trophy | |
| Annual Print Competition Mono | Yes | ||
| Annual Print Competition Best People | Yes | ||
| Annual Print Competition Travel | Yes | ||
| Annual Print Competition Best Action | Yes | ||
| Annual Print Competition Best Landscape | Yes | ||
| Presidents Cup | Presidents Cup (PDI Panel) | Yes | Presidents Cup |
| Garmston Bowl | Garmston Bowl (Print Panel) | Yes | Garmston Bowl |
| Creative Competition | Creative Competition Best PDI | Yes | |
| Creative Competition | Creative Competition Best Print | Yes | |
| Creative Competition | Creative Competition Overall winner | Yes | Bob Faris Trophy |
Members must submit entries to competitions using the Society’s web-based competition management system (PhotoEntry).
The full, detailed BPS Internal Competition Rules are governed by the Council and members entering competitions must adhere to them. These can be downloaded as a PDF below:
If you have any questions about internal competitions, you can contact the Print and PDI Competition Secretaries by email: competitions@bristolphoto.org.uk
