Digital Interclub Competition Rules

General Rules

The Digital Interclub Competition is open to all New England Camera Club Council Member Clubs in good standing (dues must be paid).

The online entry form site remains the same as last year.  Anyone from your club can upload your club’s digital interclub entry as long as they have the eight-character password you selected previously. If you did not write it down or cannot remember it, please email the directors for that information at neccc-digital_competition@neccc.org.

There is a $15 fee to compete in the interclub competition in addition to the club dues. This fee can be paid at the same time as the club dues using the form at www.neccc.org menu item Club Membership/Club Dues & Fees.  Do not send the fee to the directors.

By entering these competitions, you give NECCC permission to reproduce your photographs in connection with the activities and publicity of the Council including display on the NECCC Internet website. You also give NECCC permission to use your photographs in competitions that the Council enters such as the PSA Council Challenge. The copyright, however, remains with the photographer and the photographer will receive credit when his/her photograph is used. If a member of your club objects to this stipulation, please do not enter his/her photographs.

Competition Categories

There are three categories of competition, Color, Nature and Monochrome. Each club may enter four photographs in Color, and/or four photographs in Nature, and/or four photographs in Monochrome in each competition. Please see individual category rules below for further information.

The Color, Nature, and Monochrome categories are divided into two classes, A and B. Class B Clubs who place in First Place in a category for a season will be moved up to Class A in that category for the next season.

Once classes are established, a club must compete in the same class for the entire season. Clubs may be in Class A for one category of competition and in Class B for the other. New clubs will typically begin competition in Class B, but may request placement in Class A based on their performance in other competitions such as those operated by PSA.

Each class will be judged separately. Judges will be asked to rank the entries against each other in each class rather than against some arbitrary external standard.

Class assignments are the same as the previous season except for clubs that were moved up or requested to be moved down as a result of their showing in the previous season. East club will be notified of their class in an email sent to all Directors in September.

Image Eligibility

A maker may be represented only once in each category (Color, Nature, Mono) of a single competition. You may enter the same four makers in all three categories as long as they only have one image per category.

An individual may compete for only one club in a category for the season. When an individual submits an image to compete in a category for one club, that individual cannot enter an image in the same category for a different club during that season. In the event that two photographs from one maker are entered in the same category for the same competition from two different clubs, the Interclub Directors will notify the clubs for a replacement image prior to the competition.

For example, if John Smith belongs to two clubs, Club A and Club B, and he competes in Nature through Club A, he cannot compete in Nature through Club B in the same season. He can, however, compete through Club B in Color and/or Monochrome but cannot compete through Club A in those categories. Please check with makers who belong to multiple clubs as to which Classes and/or categories they will be competing.

Images that have won a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or an Honor Award are not eligible to be entered again. Images entered in prior competition that did not win any of those awards are eligible for future competition entry. If you entered an image last year and it did not win but scored well you can enter it again this year.

Photographs that have been entered into other types of NECCC competitions (such as past Print Interclub, print individual comp and the new print study groups or Council Challenge) are eligible for entry into the digital image competition, regardless of score or award that may have been received in the other competition.

Image Titles

All photographs must have a title (the word Untitled is not a title). Note that titles are for identification; titles will be read during the judging.

Images are not critiqued. Comments are requested of the judges in situations where an image has scored particularly low such as a 7 or an 8. That commentary is sent back to the club with their report card.

A winning image may not be renamed so that it can be entered a second time. A maker is not allowed to enter a second image similar to one already entered regardless of title. In addition, clubs must be vigilant about maker’s titles and use of them in previous competitions. For instance, let us say an image had been entered as a horizontal image entitled Scenic but it did not win an award. The maker decides to revise this image to a vertical and re-enter in the next competition. The image should be retitled to Scenic 2 or some different title than the originally entered image.

A Note on Ethics

All participants have an obligation to act in an ethical manner when preparing images for use in these competitions. There is a rule that prohibits adding, moving, or deleting an element in the nature category. There is a rule in the color category that states that all elements of a composite image must have been captured by the photographer. There is a rule that a winning photograph may not be renamed so that it can be entered a second time. There is no objective way that we can enforce these rules; we rely on the honesty of the competitors and the club representatives.

Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Image Creation and Ownership

Capture of all photographs as well as any manipulation must be performed by the competitor.

All elements of an image must be exclusively the work of the person submitting the image, have originated as photographs (image/captures of objects via light sensitivity) made by the entrant on photographic emulsion or acquired digitally. Elements not the sole creation of the maker are NOT allowed.   If a photographer is combining different elements/layers, ALL of these must be from original photographs taken by the photographer themselves. By virtue of submitting an entry, the entrant certifies the work as his/her own. Images may be altered, either electronically or otherwise, by the maker and artwork or computer graphics created by the maker may be incorporated if the photographic content predominates. All final work must be an electronic file.

In all sections of competition, images must originate as photographs made by the entrant. They may not incorporate identifiable images produced by anyone else (for example: clip art, replacement skies, or stock images). Images created in whole or in part by image creation software (frequently called ‘AI’ images) are not allowed. Editing or alteration of images is permitted within the limits specified in the relevant section definitions that are available in the NECCC rules document for digital and prints.

Specifically, the use of Generative Fill in either Photoshop or Lightroom is not allowed when editing images for competition. This includes the “Auto” and “Generative Fill On” settings on the Remove Tool (set tool to “Generative AI Off” in settings drop down menu). Tools based on machine learning algorithms, such as Topaz Sharpen AI and Topaz Denoise AI are allowed. When in doubt, shut off your internet connection. If the tool will not work without an internet connection, it should not be used.

NECCC takes copyright, infringement, and outside sourcing very seriously and violations can result in photographers being barred from submitting to any NECCC competition and may include ramifications for the club they belong to in addition to personal sanctions. Therefore, all images entered in any category must be entirely the work of the maker.

If a photographer is combining different elements/layers, ALL of these must be from original photographs taken by the photographer themselves. You cannot purchase stock photography, use free images off the internet, trade images with friends nor use any other source than your own, original photographs. Any individual submitting or attempting to submit a totally AI generated image that does not begin with a light capture from the maker, for any NECCC interclub competition, social media, or event, shall be prohibited from competition for a period of 3 years.

The name of the maker, the name of the club, or the title of the entry may not appear on any photograph as a watermark.

Color Category Restrictions

Keep in mind that NECCC-sponsored Color competitions are intended for photographers, not Photoshop (or other editing program) illustrators. We recognize, however, that part of the attraction and fun of digital photography is the ability to alter the pictures captured by the camera, but the emphasis should be on displaying your photographs to best advantage either naturally or after manipulation (even extensive manipulation) for creative effects.

The Color category is open, other than to images that qualify for Nature or Monochrome categories.  This means that all subject types as well as a variety of different techniques (both in camera and computer manipulation) may be entered. However, remember that we have a diverse membership so please be sure that all photographs are in good taste.

Monochrome images, no matter what the subject matter, are no longer allowed in Color and must be entered into the Monochrome category. The only Monochrome images allowed in color will be a grayscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi toning or by the inclusion of spot coloring as it would not meet the definition of monochrome and is therefore classified as a Color work.

The major part of each image must have been captured by light sensitivity, either digitally or on film. Slides or negatives may be scanned (by the photographer or commercially) for entry into the competition. Once captured or scanned, photographs may be modified using digital image editing programs. A scanner may also be used as a camera to capture photographs of objects placed on the scanner glass.

Entries may display a realistic rendition of the subject(s) or be creative, having been manipulated using in camera techniques before scanning or using a digital image editing program. The judges will be asked to judge the photographs for overall photographic quality and interest, not the amount of manipulation required to achieve the effect.

Composite photographs are acceptable in the Color category as long as all elements included are the entering photographer’s own work. Commercial clip art, commercially available textures, parts of commercial photographic collections, or the work of another photographer may not be included. Artwork or computer graphics created by the photographer may be incorporated as long as the photographic content predominates.

Color Category Image Content

Keep in mind that adding commercial stock elements such as clouds, lighting, moons, frames, or fractals generated by image editing programs or accessories, is not allowed. However, clouds, frames, or moons photographed or drawn by the photographer may be combined with other photographs. Please refer to the Image Editing Limitations above.

In this context, work of the maker means that the work does not include any material copyrighted by others or commercial clip art elements, including borders, graphics, or photographs. Use of filters, such as those in Photoshop or third-party plug-ins such as those by NIK or TOPAZ to create or modify such elements are allowed and is not considered a violation of this ethics statement. However, when using plug-ins such as Topaz Textures any texture applied by the software must be one taken by the photographer; textures supplied with this plug-in are copyrighted by Topaz or other photographers who supplied them.

We recognize that the line between your own digital art and clip art is a gray one in many cases. A good rule to follow is that anything that changes an element you drew or photographed is allowed, but any action that adds an element other than from one of your own photographs, drawings, or digital art probably is not. Note that adding a mat or frame using the image editors drawing capabilities will normally be considered digital art by the maker and, thus, is allowed.

Nature Category Restrictions

All photographs must have been captured by light sensitivity, either digitally or on film. Slides or negatives may be scanned (by the photographer or commercially) for entry into the competition. The NECCC Digital Interclub Nature Competition uses the PSA definition of nature, click HERE. NECCC has reformatted the PSA categories definitions page to reflect only nature images.

Nature Category Image Content

Nature images must convey the truth of the scene that was photographed. A well-informed person should be able to identify the subject of the image and be satisfied that it has been presented honestly and that no unethical practices have been used to control the subject or capture the image. Images that directly or indirectly show any human activity that threatens the life or welfare of a living organism are not allowed.

Nature images consist of those showing a nature story, or a general nature image such as wildflowers, animal portraits, animals in their environment, etc. The judges will be instructed this year to score all nature images, whether story telling or not, on the same criteria. High technical standards are expected and the image must look natural.

Nature includes any subject which represents the undisturbed world. The handiwork of man should not be visible or implied, unless they are an integral part of the nature story or when they are a small but unavoidable part of the scene. Domestic animals, cultivated flowers or taxidermy subjects are not allowed. However, a subject such as a barn swallow’s nest, which shows a portion of a barn is permissible as this is the bird’s natural habitat, or a bird sitting atop a fence post. Controlled subjects such as zoo animals are permitted provided manmade objects are not discernable. Makers may perform any enhancements and modifications that improve the presentation of the image that could have been done at the time the image was taken but that does not change the truth of the original nature story. Cropping and horizontal flipping (equivalent to reversing a slide) are acceptable modifications. Addition of elements, removal of elements other than by cropping, combining elements from separate images, rearranging elements, or cloning elements are not acceptable. For complete information, please review the PSA rules.

Monochrome Category Image Content/Restrictions

Definition: Monochrome images, no matter what the subject matter, are no longer allowed in Color and must be entered into Monochrome. An image is considered to be monochrome only if it gives the impression of having no color (i.e. contains only shades of gray which can include pure black and pure white) OR it gives the impression of being a grayscale image that has been toned in one color across the entire image. (For example, by Sepia, red, gold, blue, etc.) A grayscale or multi-colored image modified or giving the impression of having been modified by partial toning, multi toning or by the inclusion of spot coloring does not meet the definition of monochrome and shall be classified as a Color Work and entered into the Color Section.

Any form of manipulation of the image file by the entrant (burning, dodging, masking, texture screens, digital enhancement, combining of images, etc.) not expressly prohibited elsewhere is considered acceptable.

The use of any photography or artwork that is not the original work of the entrant is not allowed. This includes clip-art of any kind, or any artwork (i.e. digital manipulation, airbrushing, coloring, etc.) performed on the image file by anyone other than the competitor. Cloning or healing to remove minor blemishes is permitted, not being considered artwork.

Preparing Images for Entry

Photographs must be entered as JPEG images with the .jpg extension using the entry form at https://www.greaterlynnphoto.org/neccc_entry.php

Specific entry form instructions are available at https://www.neccc.org/entry-form-instructions/

The web site contains a form where all required information is entered and buttons allowing you to select the image file for each entry. It is strongly suggested that you place all 4, 8 or 12 images in a single folder on your computer before starting the entry process.

Sizing Requirement. Photographs will be projected using a projector ion a 12-foot screen using a digital projector having 1920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1080 pixels in the vertical direction. Photographs must fit within those dimensions. The software on the entry form web site will enforce those dimensions and will notify you if the dimensions are too large, even by a single pixel. We will continue to accept smaller images of only 1400×1050 for this competition season. Please check your sizing prior to uploading your images. The entry form itself will show you the sizing for each image next to the maker’s name and title. Please check this prior to submitting your entry and if necessary, go back and resize the images as needed.

The 1920×1080 sizing requirement is explained by Rick Cloran, HonFPSA, HonNEC, this way:  “The 1920 x 1080 changes the aspect ratio. As a result, the 1080 vertical limit is going to come into play a lot more than it did when it was 1400 x 1050 (which was a 4 x 3 ratio). The 1920 x 1080 is a 16 x 9 ratio similar to the new screen and monitor dimensions. It is also the definition ratio for full HD.  You will find that most of your images will be sized on the 1080 vertical side even if they are a horizontal.”

It is required that all photographs be converted to the sRGB color space. That color space most closely approximates the capability of monitors and projectors to display color and usually results in the best presentation of your image.

Unless your photograph’s proportions are in the exact ratio of 16 to 9, one of these dimensions will be less than the maximum. For example, if you have a vertical photograph, the height will be 1080 pixels, but the width will be significantly less than 1920 pixels. A square photograph will be 1080 pixels by 1080 pixels under these rules. Images at 1400×1050 are acceptable but will not appear as large as other images on the screen that are sized correctly and therefore they may be at a disadvantage. Please check your sizing for all the images prior to uploading them. It will make your life easier and the NECCC Directors lives easier.

Any single submitted image cannot exceed 2M (2000 KB).

Additional Information

If you have any questions, please contact the NECCC Digital Interclub Competition Co-directors:

Susan Mosser, HonFPSA HonNEC (978-664-2620)

Pam Lintner, HonNEC (617-771-2460)

email us at: Neccc-digital_competition@neccc.org

Revised 8/24/26

To get further information about the Digital Interclub competitions, please go to the Competitions pull-down menu at the top of this page and click on Digital Interclub Comp. This will bring you further options for the Description, Schedule, Rules, Entry Form Instructions and the Entry Form.