Competitions
We hold competitions and challenges throughout the year. During the winter season, we most notably have four inter-club competitions with clubs that form the YCPG (Yorkshire Coastal Photographic Group). The clubs that form this group are Beverley, Bridlington (f.0cus), Driffield, Pocklington, Hornsea, and Malton.
BPC members should use the Members Portal to enter competitions.
Upcoming Competitions
Wildlife from Nature Reserves – Internal
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Definition: Photographs of wild animals, birds, insects, or other wildlife taken within officially designated nature reserves or protected areas. Images should depict subjects in their natural habitat and must not show evidence of captivity, human interference, or staged conditions. The focus is on authentic representation of wildlife as observed in the wild within these reserves.
Max Images: 2
Judge: Club Members
Creative Fun Knockout – Internal
Closing Date: 7 October 2025
Definition: TBA
Max Images: 2
Judge: Club Members
Festive Fun Christmas Challenge – Internal
Closing Date: 25 November 2025
Definition: TBA
Max Images: 2
Judge: Club Members
YCPG Norman – External
Closing Date: 1 December 2025
Definition: Effects of Time Colour or Monochrome DPI For a photography competition with the subject “Effects of Time,” the focus should be on images that visually represent how time has impacted a scene or object. This could involve capturing changes over a long period, the progression of decay, the effects of nature on human structures, or any other visual representation of the passage of time. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: Key Elements: Time as a Process: The images should convey the idea of something changing over time. This can be done through: Before and After: Comparing a location or object at two different points in time. Progressive Changes: Capturing the slow decay of a structure, the growth of a plant, or the wear and tear on an object. Cyclical Changes: Representing the seasons, tides, or other natural cycles. Visual Representation: The photographs should use composition, lighting, and other visual elements to effectively communicate the passage of time. Storytelling: The images should ideally tell a story about the effects of time, whether it’s a story of decay, resilience, or the beauty of change. Variety of Perspectives: The subject can be interpreted broadly, allowing for a variety of approaches, from landscape photography to portraits or even abstract compositions. Consider the following: What is changing and why? How does this change make the subject interesting or meaningful? What emotions does the image evoke? Examples of what to look for in the “Effects of Time” theme: A photograph showing an old building that is slowly crumbling. A series of images documenting the growth of a tree or flower. A time-lapse photograph capturing a sunset or the tide coming in. A portrait of someone older than before, emphasizing the changes time has wrought. An abstract composition where the colour and textures are used to represent the passage of time. In essence, the goal of the competition is to encourage photographers to explore how time affects the world around us and to capture that transformation in a compelling and visual way.
Max Images: 2
Judge: Selection Com
Woodall-Layton Trophy Award – Internal
Closing Date: 23 December 2025
Definition: In a three-image panel, each photograph plays an essential role. Together, they should follow a common theme, reflect a shared visual style, and tell a story that is greater than the sum of its parts. A successful three-image panel might show: A sequence or narrative (e.g. The Journey: departure, travel, arrival) Different perspectives on a single subject (e.g. The Oak Tree: roots, trunk, canopy) Variations within a theme (e.g. Urban Geometry: lines, shadows, textures) To work as a panel, the images must feel like they belong together. This means: A consistent editing style (colour tone, contrast, lighting) Visually balanced composition across the three frames Thoughtful layout or spacing of the images if they are presented side by side In short, three images become one unified visual statement, not just three separate pictures, but one cohesive piece.
Max Images: 2
Judge: Selection Com/External
YCPG Millennium – External
Closing Date: 1 January 2026
Definition: Colour or Monochrome A set of 2 related PRINTS, colour or monochrome – Judged as individual prints but alongside the other print in the pairing – The totals are added to determine the winner – Each print is to be marked out of 20 – Judged as an individual entry, NOT a club entry
Max Images: 4
Judge: Selection Com
Brooklands/Barton Interclub – External
Closing Date: 6 February 2026
Definition: Open – Any Subject Colour or Monochrome
Max Images: 3
Judge: Selection Com
Competition Entry Rules
We have adopted the PAGB (Photographic Alliance of Great Britain) guidelines. Images must entirely be the work of the photographer. In composite images, all component content must meet this requirement. For the avoidance of doubt, use of images from any other source, including but not limiting to, royalty free image banks and clipart are not permitted. If you haven’t made the input, you can’t claim the output.
At present there are no image age restrictions, but we would ask members to restrict images to those taken within the last five years if possible.
The deadlines ‘Closing Date’ given on this website, the member’s portal and in the programme are the dates for you to submit the work. YCPG competitions are judged by our internal selection committee and are therefore prior to the dates we need to submit the chosen images that will represent the club within the relevant competition.
Our club selection is usually used as the topic for an indoor meeting where feedback and the selection results are shared for the entered images so that we can all learn (it’s all subjective of course!).
Use of AI in Images
Images generated solely via Artificial Intelligence (AI) are not permitted. All images or parts of images submitted must be based on photographic images taken by the author. AI tools may be used only for minor edits such as the cloning out of small, distracting objects that do not alter the fundamental narrative or authenticity of the photograph.
Creating or significantly altering objects, elements, or features that form an essential part of the storytelling or meaning of the photograph using AI is strictly prohibited.
The club relies on the integrity and honesty of its members. However, in certain circumstances, the club reserves the right to request additional evidence, including RAW files or EXIF data, acknowledging that such evidence itself may not always provide definitive proof.
YCPG Competitions additional rule
Any images that have previously been selected by the club to enter the final judging of a YCPG competition on behalf of the club cannot be re-entered into a subsequent YCPG competition.
DPI (PDI) entry rules
Max size 1600 pixels x 1200 pixels or 1200 x 1200 if square at 300 PPI.
File format should be Baseline (standard) and sRGB colour space JPEG.
Maximum file size 1.9Mb
Each image must have a File name with a meaningful title:
- The title should briefly describe the image or words to complement the image or guide the viewer to implied meanings.
- The full title length is limited to 32 characters, with no punctuation e.g.: full stops, commas, apostrophes or symbols. Capitals, Numbers and Spaces are allowed.
- The first letter of each word should be capitalised for titles.
Consider adding a thin, white/grey 1 or 2px border for images with dark edges when entered into a DPI competition. This can help show the viewer where the edges of your image are, especially when projected onto a screen.
Digital images should be uploaded via the Members Portal, they will be checked upon upload to ensure the above rules are followed.
NOTE: When an external competition is for prints but the member entries are DPIs (i.e. Bell and Millennium) the club may provide a mounted print of the selected images using club funds; in this case a higher resolution image may be requested from the member prior to printing to ensure the best possible print quality to represent the club. Alternatively, the member can of course still provide this printed image if desired instead.
Print entry rules and guidance
Max size of mounts is 400 mm x 500 mm. Photos (or mounts) can be any size within that mount size. YPU (Yorkshire Photographic Union) prints must also be maximum 4mm thick.
Mounts can be cardboard, foam, MDF etc but must not be picture frames. The print can be attached directly to the mount with glue, on foam board or mounting board. (Not recommended but easy and cheap.) Double sided tape or Sellotape for cardboard mounts can be used. Judges are looking for well mounted images.
On the rear of the mount put the print title. (Not your name)
On a separate sheet to accompany the prints write your name along with the print titles.