COMPETITION ASSIGNMENTS

September 2026 – May 2027

For a printable PDF click here.

September 2026 - OPEN

Any photograph taken within the past 2 years. (Must be taken on or after September 1, 2024)

October 2026 - GEOMETRIC FORMS

The photo’s composition showcases geometric forms such as triangles, circles, diagonals, or rectangles. The subject can include literal objects with geometric forms, such as architectural elements, or implied shapes found in natural landscapes that create geometric patterns, such as a triangle. The goal is to capture lines, shapes, and patterns that exist, transforming ordinary scenes into visually appealing compositions. (Must be taken on or after October 1, 2024)

November 2026 - STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL

A photograph that captures people, animals, or plants struggling to survive. This can include street photography or nature photography. Acceptable subjects also encompass protests, climate change, economic hardships, natural disasters and storms where people or plants or animals are the subject. Nature scenes can include the “hand of man.” (Must be taken on or after November 1, 2024)

December 2026 - LUMINANCE

A photograph where light itself is a central element of the image. The photo may feature sun rays, moonlight, shadows, or artificial light. The source of the light does not have to be shown, but its effect must be key to the picture. (Must be taken on or after December 1, 2024)

January 2027 - OPEN

Any photograph taken within the past 2 years. (Must be taken on or after January 1, 2025)

February 2027 - COLORFUL FOOD

Any food people consume, whether raw, processed, being cooked, cooked or still growing on plants, qualifies as an acceptable subject. Other items such as cooking utensils, plates and bowls, baskets or market stalls may be included in the image; but recognizable food must be the subject. The image has to be in color. Close-up and macros, still lives, multiple images captured in camera, composites or other creative approaches are allowed. Images of graphic slaughtering are not allowed. (Must be taken on or after February 1, 2025)

March 2027 - NATURE

May depict observations from all branches of natural history in such a way that the nature subject can be readily identified by a knowledgeable person as being presented accurately. Any post-processing adjustments (including HDR and focus-stacking) must appear natural. Color images may be converted to monochrome greyscale. NBCC’s expanded definition of Nature is here (acceptable animals, birds, plants, general, etc.). (Must be taken on or after March 1, 2025)

The following types of images are NOT permitted and will be disqualified:

Images containing people or any human elements, or signs of human activities, no matter how small these elements appear.
- Examples include roads, buildings, fences, manicured lawns, telephone poles and wires, etc.
Multiple-exposures or composite images
- (but confirming, you MAY do HDR and focus-stacking, stated above.)
Intentional camera movement (ICM) images
Infrared images

April 2027 - INTENTIONAL CAMERA MOTION

A photo taken where the camera is moved during the exposure (while the shutter is open) to create artistic or creative effects. This technique can result in images that are impressionistic or abstract. It may involve shaking the camera, moving it in a straight line or curved motion or zooming the lens while the shutter is open. This assignment does not include panning, which holds a subject in sharp focus while the camera follows it. Composites and multiple exposures are allowed as long as at least one of the components shown includes camera motion. The motion effect must be achieved in the camera. Creating the effect in post-processing defeats the purpose and is not permitted. (Must be taken on or after April 1, 2025)

May 2027 - BLACK & WHITE, OPEN

An image rendered in Black & White (i.e., ALL color has been removed either in the digital process or through the choice of film or camera). The purpose of this assignment is to find interesting subjects in which color does not create the impact. Black & White infrared is acceptable. NO toning is permitted. (Must be taken on or after May 1, 2025)

Assignment Committee: Jean Solari, Rodolfo Ghirlando, Jill Randell, Sarah Salomon

September 2027 – May 2028

For a printable PDF click here.

September 2027 - OPEN

Any photograph taken within the past 2 years. (Must be taken on or after September 1, 2025)

October 2027 - LEADING LINES: CREATING VISUAL PATHS & DEPTH

Leading lines are visual guides that often direct the viewer’s eye toward a main subject. These can be natural shapes - like a river or an “S” curve winding through a meadow. They can also be straight elements, such as railroad tracks, fence lines, or floor tiles that draw the viewer into the scene and add a sense of depth and direction. Avoid horizontal barriers or chaotic lines that block, confuse, or distract the viewer’s natural entry into the scene. (Must be taken on or after October 1, 2025)

November 2027 - OBJECTS IN YOUR HOME

Ordinary, everyday objects found in the enclosed area of your home (including porches, garages, etc.) become extraordinarily interesting photographic studies. Your home might be single-family, garden apartment, high-rise, etc. This assignment is strictly about the objects within that home, not the rooms, environments, or broader scenes. The object(s) should clearly be the dominant subject of the image. Transform how they are usually seen - through angle, framing, scale, or lighting. Examples: a tightly framed close-up of a fork; the texture of a soapy sponge; the abstract shape of a doorknob; or the details of a worn tool. This assignment excludes people and live animals. (Must be taken on or after November 1, 2025)

December 2027 - REFLECTIONS

The primary subject of the photograph must be a reflection. The reflected image may be abstract or clearly recognizable. The photograph may include the object - or part of the object - being reflected, but this is not required. The reflective surface may be any material that reflects light, such as water, glass, plastic, metal, or a mirror. The goal of this assignment is for the photographer to discover reflected shapes, patterns, and visual relationships. (Must be taken on or after December 1, 2025)

January 2028 - OPEN

Any photograph taken within the past 2 years. (Must be taken on or after January 1, 2026)

February 2028 - CONTRAST

Is the visual difference that creates a conversation between competing elements - or striking opposites. This assignment invites a range of interpretations that explore its many different forms. Examples of the numerous contrast possibilities are light and dark, sharp and blurred, large and small, rough and smooth, old and new, natural and artificial. The contrast should clearly be the photograph’s primary visual idea. (Must be taken on or after February 1, 2026)

March 2028 - NATURE

The following types of images are NOT permitted and will be disqualified:

Images containing people or any human elements, or signs of human activities, no matter how small these elements appear.
- Examples include roads, buildings, fences, manicured lawns, telephone poles and wires, etc.
Multiple-exposures or composite images
- (but confirming, you MAY do HDR and focus-stacking, stated above.)
Intentional camera movement (ICM) images
Infrared images

April 2028 - DIRECT GAZE

Create an image in which eye contact between a subject (human or animal) and the photographer is the central focus. If there are multiple subjects, they can be looking elsewhere within or outside the frame, as long as at least one subject makes direct, clear eye contact with the photographer. The photo should use this eye contact to show connection, emotion, tension, or story. Images where eye direction is unclear, hidden, or accidental may be judged less favorably. (Must be taken on or after April 1, 2026)

May 2028 - OPEN

Any photograph taken within the past 2 years. (Must be taken on or after May 1, 2026)

Assignment Committee: Dick Knapp, David Terao, Maude Svensson