- There are two categories, Open and Set – Odd, Weird, or Strange. Members can submit up to 2 open entries and 3 set entries, so a maximum of 5 entries.
- This is a competition for digital images only.
- The format will be a set of 4 images that have a theme so that they work together as a whole, either sequentially telling a story, or as a set reinforcing the stated theme.
- The 4 images will be judged both individually and collectively. An image that is under standard will lower the entire set, so consistency across the images comprising the set is very important. Ultimately it is a “Set of Four”. The whole should be greater than the sum of its parts.
- Digital enhancement of images is allowed with no restrictions. However, the images must be four different images i.e. not a single image transformed or colourised in several different ways.
- All images must be the work of the entrant captured on any type of camera.
Odd, Weird, or Strange – Definition
The subject or subjects of the set are to be something unusual, out of the ordinary and perhaps even bizarre. There is a wide scope here, but the real challenge is to come up with images that are well out of the normal and expected. It could be an unusual object, people acting in a strange way, or a really abstract treatment. Anything goes, as long as it makes the viewer think something along the lines of “what the heck is that?” or “what is going on there?”
THEME
- The theme title is to be chosen by the entrant. “Untitled” is not an acceptable theme.
- The theme must be recorded at the time of entry.
- Relevance of the images to the theme title is essential as the images making up the set are intended to be judged individually and collectively.
ENTRY FORMAT
- This competition is digital only.
- Format; Image size to be a maximum of 1920 pixels wide and a maximum 1080 pixels high, sRGB and jpg (the same as for Club night)
- For each entry, 5 images are to be submitted; the 4 images that make up the Set of Four and a “5th Image” which is a composite of your 4 images.
- Each of the 4 images must be different; not a single image which has been transformed or colourised to create multiple versions of the same.
- In the 5th composite image, the 4 images cannot touch, there must be clear separation.
- In the composite, the background should read as such, not as another image.
Each file name should be in the format;
SOF25_Open_Joe_Bloggs_Theme_1 to 5 or
SOF25_Set_Joe_Bloggs_Theme_1 to 5
Here, for example, is the winning set from 2023;
“Cats of Chefchaouen” by Lynn Fothergill
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Entries will have been judged prior to the display night, however, it is intended that the judge will be present on the night to answer questions and provide commentary.
- The judge’s decision will be final.
- There is no entry fee.
- Entrants must be financial members of Manukau Photographic Society.
- Images previously entered at club nights may form part of your set.
TIMETABLE
- Entries are now open.
- Entries must be uploaded by midnight Sunday 17 August 2025. Click HERE to upload photos.
- A presentation will be held on Google Meet. Here is the link:
Set of Four: Odd, Weird, or Strange / Judge Jane Thorne
Tuesday, 26 August · 7:30 – 10:30pm
Time zone: Pacific/Auckland
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nxk-bxuy-tdz - All entries will be viewed and our judge Jane Thorne will provide commentary.
- Winners will be announced; 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Open and Set. From the two category winners, the Best set will be chosen and awarded the Set of Four Trophy.
CONTACT
If anyone has any questions please contact Bryan at digital.manukauphoto@gmail.com
Manukau Photographic Society 