Preparation before you can enter you first need to prepare your pictures for projection, files will be judged at actual size 1400 pixels wide and 1050 pixels high and submitted files should be this size, this is for both landscape and portrait pictures.

Here is one way you can prepare your pictures using Photoshop 7, Open your picture, if the layer is locked then double click and ok the New Layer dialogue box to unlock it.
Then go to Image>image size… in the Image size dialogue box check the resample box and constrain proportions boxes, if you have a landscape picture then you need to set the width to 1400 pixels if you have a portrait picture then you need to set the height to 1050 pixels.
In the Pixel Dimension boxes type the relevant new size for your picture the other dimension will change to suit, just check that this is smaller than the other finished dimension should be, if it is not then you need to change this dimension. Click ok and your picture is sized in one direction, you then need to size your image in the other direction, use IMAGE>Canvas Size in the dialog box change the dimensions to pixels, one will of course be correct so you need to type the correct number in the other box. OK and the image will resize. then fill the extended canvas with black, to do this create a new layer and fill with black move it under your image and flatten the layers.
Saving before saving set the colour space to sRGB use Edit>Assign Profile and select sRGB IEC61966-2.1 from the drop down menu. you might have to make some adjustment to correct your image.
Your files can be saved as jpeg or tiff, but must have the file name format as below; this is to allow us to use the competition viewing software Easy comp.
Start with A,B or C for the slide projection order, if we have to many images then we could drop picture C from the competition.
Then your name in lowercase followed by the title in upper case so your filenames will look like this
A jeff coles DOG ON THE BEACH
B jeff coles MAN IN CAR
C jeff coles SUNSET
If you are saving as jpeg then set the quality to maximum from the drop down box or Quality number 12, this will stop any unwanted file compression.

I would suggest you use tiff file format for saving your files as this will not degrade your images.

For files in the take 5 competition please use the letters A, B, C, D and E, this will set the projection order.
Submitting

You MUST submitted on, or before the meeting of the competition (one week in advance), this will allow us time to sort the entries and prepare for viewing.
You can submit by CD or USB memory stick, we will have the laptop available for you to submit your entries at most meetings and I we are happy to take entries at any time before the competition closing date.

For technical and practical reasons it will NOT be possible to take entries for competitions by email or on the evening of the competition.

Click on image to open the full test image to Down load.

Print Competitions

To enter a print you will need to mount it on board. Most people use a 40x50-cm board regardless of their print size – it does help to make the picture look more impressive. Whilst this is the maximum size board you can use a smaller board, if you prefer. Board can be purchased pre-cut or in A1 size from art supplies shops or Office World. A1 will provide at least two competition boards.

Colour choice is of course yours, although white is the most popular as it is neutral and helps display the print regardless of its colour range. Black or grey boards are also used, but heavily coloured boards are best avoided unless you are confident it will help your presentation.

To mount the picture directly on the board you can use spray adhesive or double sided tape (available from WH Smith; office suppliers etc). Most people cut an aperture in the board using a mat cutter, which gives a professional beveled edge. These range in price, up to top quality cutters by Logan, which cost £50+ although they are worth the price if you plan to enter competitions regularly. Mat cutters can be bought from art supplies shops, whilst masking tape to hold the picture in place can be obtained from DIY stores.

Finally your print should have your name and title on the back; if it is not obvious also indicate which way up the picture should be viewed with and arrow or ‘top’ written on the back.

On the back of each print should also be marked your print numbers, one for each print. Below you will find a table with the print numbers you are to use. Please ask if you have not been allocated numbers.

Please remember if we have too many entries then print 3 will be withdrawn.

Slide Competitions

To enter a 35mm slide in competition you will need to place a coloured spot (available from WH Smith; office suppliers etc) on the bottom left hand corner of your slide, as you view it the right way around (see below). You also need to write your name and title on the slide. Pens that write directly on plastic can also be bought form WH Smith, office suppliers etc.

It is advisable, but not essential to place your slide in a glass mount. This will ensure the slide is held flat for better projection and will also protect it from damage. GePe glass slide mounts can be purchased from photo stores.

If you wish to mask an area of your slide (usually to eliminate some unwanted part of the picture from being viewed) GePe also make a range of glass mounts with pre-determined masks to reduce the width or height of the viewed area. An alternative method is to use kitchen foil. Cut a strip the to the required length then fold it over – this will produce a clean, straight edge. Open your slide mount and mask your picture by holding the foil in place with sellotape, before closing your mount again. Please note some manufacturers (thin) mounts will break or not reseal when opened, so you may need to buy GePe mounts.

Fill in and print competition entry form or download a blank form