Changes in Exhibition Night for 2026
- Changes in Exhibition Night Schedule
Monthly Exhibition Nights will change from the first Tuesday to the first Wednesday. This will not change submission deadlines, which will remain on the second Friday before the exhibition. ALL OTHER CCCC EVENTS WILL CONTINUE ON TUESDAY.
General Statement on Authorship of All Submitted Work:
All submitted images must be the original work of the member submitting them. Limited exceptions are permitted for narrowly defined uses of generative AI and the inclusion of third-party texture files (as described below). In all cases, the creative vision, primary image creation, and final execution must be the member’s own.
AI Guidelines:
For submissions in all categories (unless specifically allowed for special assignments or challenges):
● AI tools that enhance or refine member-created content (e.g., masking, noise reduction, sharpening, denoising, or tonal adjustments) are permitted.
● Tools that generate new subject matter or replace major image elements are not allowed; the member must supply all original content.
New Members Exhibition Recognition
Awards Night Recognition – New Member Division
● New members will be encouraged to submit images to monthly exhibitions and offered mentorship with a club member related to Exhibition protocols.
● During the Awards Presentation (before presentation of Images of the Year), we will share images entered by new members and introduce them (if present) to members in attendance.
● In addition to sharing new member images, we will use their submissions to acknowledge high scores among them. and recognize them as a New Member Division.
● All new members will also be eligible for regular award consideration. Any new member receiving club-level recognition will not be eligible in that category for New Member recognition beyond the initial sharing and introduction.
● New members will be eligible for their division awards for a period of not more than two full years of participation.
● Members wishing to be excluded from this designation may opt out by request.
New: People’s Choice Award
Early in the year after the Annual Awards Presentation, members will be invited to select their favorite images from the past year. These will be images submitted by:
● Photographers who were not recognized as award recipients or finalists at the Annual Awards presentation, and,
● All accepted images not selected as Image of the Year Finalists and images with a final score of 18, 19, or 20
This activity will take place in conjunction with a program night or 4th Tuesday presentation after the start of the 2026 club activities
Website Updates
We’re in the process of refreshing the website a bit.
Here are some news related links below:
We’re looking forward to a great year of virtual meetings and photography.
Expanded Nature
At the March, May, July, and October Exhibition Nights this year, the traditional Nature Category will be expanded to include some subjects and techniques not previously allowed. During these months you are allowed (but not required) to submit Nature images that go beyond our current Nature Rules. You may also continue to submit images that meet the traditional requirements. This is not a new category. Images submitted under these rules will be scored as Nature submissions and no changes to end-of-the-year recognition are being made. Consider it as a few opportunities to expand what you present as Nature.
At three Exhibition Nights this year, the traditional Nature Category will be expanded to include some subjects and techniques not previously allowed. For exhibitions in March, May, July, and October this year, you may choose to submit Nature images that go beyond our current Nature Rules. You can also choose to continue to submit images that meet the traditional requirements. This is not a new category choose to submit Nature images that go beyond our current Nature Rules. You can also choose to continue to submit images that meet the traditional requirements. This is not a new category.
Here’s what you can do differently with your Nature submissions in those months:
Here are the specific rules for Expanded Nature:
- The Expanded Nature option allows for the depiction of the intersection of nature and humans.
- Images may depict subjects that have adapted to an environment modified by humans, where these human elements are an integral part of the nature story; or where the human elements are in situations depicting natural forces, like hurricanes or tidal waves; and…, well, it’s up to you.
- Solid black and solid white backgrounds and studio shots are allowed in Expanded Nature.
- Humans as non-essential subjects and/or human-made elements that contribute to the storytelling nature of the image are allowed.
- The removal of minor, distracting elements or defects (dust spots) is also allowed. Note that all Expanded Nature images will be scored as Nature submissions and no changes to end-of-the-year recognition are being made… just a few opportunities to expand what you present as “Nature.”
We’ve added the option to pay your dues online. You’ll find that information on the Membership Page.
RANDOM PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:
1. Fill the frame. Be bold. Eliminate distractions.
2. Try a different point of view. High, low, anything that makes a viewer take just an extra second or two digesting your image. It’s all about perspective, share yours.
3. Keep it simple. You don’t need to include everything you see in your images. Let your subject shine through by avoiding clutter. Remember, the parts are often greater than the sum of the whole.
4. Keep your camera with you. Don’t leave home without it. You’ll be surprised by the results.
5. There’s always something to shoot. Take an idea and go from there.
- Sculpting with Light special interest group
- Mentorship Program
- Non-competitive image sharing
- Bird Photography Group
- Mentors Wanted