Printable version of the 2026 program here
Assessment Competition Rules here
SPC Policy on the use of Generative AI here
Digital/Projected Images Assessment Guidelines here
Assessment entry form (two per page) here
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2026 SPC Club Program
11th Feb: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Complementary Colours"
Look at the colour wheel. Aim to capture images prominently featuring colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel. If you need help with the colour wheel, check this out
25th Feb: Workshop: Paper Bag Team challenge
The idea is that we will team up at random (names drawn from a hat). Together we will work out how best to photograph a mystery object (the one in the paper bag). These images will be presented from critique at the March workshop.
11th March: Digital assessment: Subject: "Unloved"
This encompasses any subject that gives the impression of being unloved, neglected, abandoned, run-down, left behind etc.
25th March: Workshop: Members only (i.e. no outside judges and not contributing to the the annual pointscore)
Critique of paper bag challenge images. Tell us about your image, what you were trying to present and discuss with others how well you managed to achieve your vision and, if you didn't manage, discuss with others how you might achieve that vision. Because this is a workshop related excercise, there will be no pointscores awarded.
8th April: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Landscape/Seascape"
Pretty self-explanatory. Be sure to exploit morning or evening light for mood enhancement in this assessment. Avoid the empty foreground syndrome.
22nd April: Workshop: Collaborative photoshoot with a local dance group.
Venue will be the Nowra School of Arts. There will be opportunities to take traditional "studio" type portrait shots of couples dressed in their finery and of movement and action from various places on the dance floor, amongst the dancers.
13th May: Digital assessment: Subject: "Animals"
The subject "animals" is specifically chosen to avoid strict nature definitions. You can photograph animals in the wild, domesticated/farm animals, pets, mammals, fish, insects, birds etc. No limits but must be alive and not from the plant kingdom or man-made (eg statues)
27th May: Workshop: Table top photography.
Your images will be ideal for the August digital assessment later in the year.
10th June: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Transport"
Think planes, trains, automobiles, buses, bikes, balloons, skateboards. Anything that moves you!
24th June: Workshop / Photo Outing: Nowra CBD night walk (weather dependent)
Your images will be ideal for the September assessment of "Night Outdoors"
8th July: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Macro or Close up"
If you have a macro lens, great. If not try to get close up in camera with zoom or close-up rings.
22nd July: Workshop / Photo Outing: Sunset at Orient Point
More information from Denis re meeting time and place closer to the event.
Also in July (Date TBA) Scribbly Gums Studio Photo Outing. More information once things are arranged
12th August: Digital assessment: Subject: "Table top photography"
Images from the May 27th workshop on Table Top photography will be ideal for this assessment.
26th August: Workshop: Light Painting
9th September: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Night Outdoors"
You will be able to use images from both the June Nowra CBD night walk and the August light painting workshop.
23rd September: Scribbly Gums Studio photo competition judging and prize giving
14th October: Annual General Meeting;
immediately followed by Print-based Assessment: Subject "Portrait"
28th October: Workshop / Photo Outing: Floriade in Canberra. (Overnight stay recommended)
More information from Denis will be available well before the date.
30th October: Annual awards dinner:
Last year's dinner was rated the best in memory for the venue and the food. At a heavily subsidised price it makes for a very enjoyable and modestly priced event. Put it in your diary now.
11th November: Print-based assessment. Subject: "Flora"
If you went to the Floriade outing in Canberra you will have some great images for this one.
25th November: Workshop: Photo critique or guest speaker
A photo critique will take the form of bringing along an image that you are either very proud of and would like to share and tell us the story behind it. You may also choose to bring along an image that has vexed you. One that just didn't seem to come together. Be prepared to share the story also and see if your fellow members can help resolve your problems with it. These critiques are for educational purposes only and will not count towards the annual pointscore.
9th December: Print-based Peer assessment: "Open" (i.e. no set subject)
Christmas break