The following themes are now in effect for the upcoming 2014/2015 competition season.
Note that Monochrome Print & both Nature themes have changed since last year. For more information about themes and their purpose, please read this article.
Section/Category Theme
Colour Print Creative/ Experimental Photography
Any printed colour image that complies with the general rules of the competition may be submitted under the Creative/Experimental Photography theme. Terms that cover this genre include abstract, altered reality, contemporary, creative, surreal, experimental. Images may be altered, either digitally or otherwise, by the maker, but all elements of the image must have been taken by the entrant (clip art, stock, licensed or copyright free ingredients are not allowed). Photographic content should predominate. The original image content may be changed with adjustments, scenes altered, elements added, removed or replaced. The only limit is your imagination.
Monochrome Print Environmental Portraiture
Any printed monochrome image that complies with the general rules of the competition may be submitted in the Environmental Portraiture category. An environmental portrait is a portrait taken of one or more people in their usual environment, such as their workplace or home, and should, in essence ‘tell a story’ about that person. Travel and street photography may be considered part of this category. Studio portraiture is excluded from this category. Manipulation of images in this category is permitted but must be kept to a minimum.
Projected Image The Human Face and Body
Any projected colour image that complies with the general rules of the competition may be submitted under the Human Face and Body theme. The centre of interest in the image must the human face and/or body in all its forms and manifestations, including nude and creative compositions. Images in this category may be taken indoors, in studio, or outdoors, and may include more than one person in the image.
Nature - Print Flora and Fungi
The use of cultivated plants and fungi is not permitted in this category. All images interested must be in the wild.
Nature - Projected Irish Wildbirds and Wildlife
Images entered in this category must have been taken in any part of the island of Ireland, its islands or seas. Images taken in any other part of the world, including Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) are not allowed. Images taken in Northern Ireland are eligible. Life forms such as fish, mammals, reptiles, insects and arachnids may be entered in this category. Captive and domesticated species are not permitted.
