I. Theme

The theme is nature photography, which is defined as photographic images of nature scenes, animals and plants. No element may be added or deleted from the scene except as described in Section IV, A, below. There are no restrictions on where photographs may be taken. “Hand of Man” is Not allowed except in those instances where the human elements enhance the nature story and give scale to the image. In those situations where the issue of “Hand of Man” is in question the decision of the judge(s) will be final.

The photography standards of the NatureVisions Expo are extremely high. Photographers are asked to be selective, submitting only their superior photographs, printed with care, and matted per the guidelines below. Custom cut window mats of archival or acid free material are encouraged.

II. Judging Categories

The following categories have been established. A participant may enter their images in the category(ies) of their choice. There is no limit to the number of images an individual may enter in a category as long as the total number of entries for the Expo does not exceed 10.

The categories are:

Birds – All types of birds. Images in this category would feature birds such as songbirds, hummingbirds, owls, eagles, other birds of prey, etc.

Wildlife – All animals other than birds. Images in this category would feature animals such as: zoo animals, wild animals, pets, marine life, etc.

Macro/close up/abstracts/other – all images, to include: Insects, spiders, snakes, flowers, lilies, frogs, etc…

Taken with any type of lens, long telephoto lenses, macro lens, wide angle macro, and scanned images would be appropriate.
Macro/close-up images are generally taken with a narrow/small field of view, where the subject matter is specifically identified.
Abstract images submitted in this category can be created through various techniques: panning images, multiple exposure, computer manipulation, or other abstract techniques.

Water – rivers, lakes, waterfalls, oceans, ponds, streams. Generally, images submitted in this category will have a medium field of view, where the water feature is prominently featured and clearly the subject matter of the image. For something, such as a frog surrounded by water, you may consider submitting into the macro category, if the frog is clearly the subject of the image, as opposed to the pond it is resting in.

Landscapes – The images submitted in this category will generally be of a broader field of view and would include all large vista images. Subject matter could include all landscapes and skyscape images, including weather (cloud formations). If you are submitting a larger ocean or lake vista, it should be submitted in the Water category.

Flora other than macro – Images submitted in this category would generally have a medium field of view and could include gardens, stands of trees prominently featured. As opposed to macro or close-up, the nature/flower/plant-life featured in this category should give the viewer the feeling they are standing before the subject, not quite able to reach out and “touch it” and where the viewer is looking at the flora in a broader perspective.

All images submitted must be images of nature. The final decision is up to the artist. If the judges feel that the image is not submitted to the proper category, they may, at their discretion, remove it from the competition. If you are unsure of which category in which to submit your image, please check with your photography club’s Nature Visions representation for guidance.

III. Awards

A “Best in Category” award will be given for each category . A “Best in Show” will be selected from among the “Best in Category” awards.

Expo attendees will be provided an opportunity to vote for a “People’s Choice” award from among the juried images having received the vote of all of the judges. These images will be displayed separately and be specifically identified as candidates for the People’s Choice” award.

IV. Eligibility

You must be a member of one of the following clubs to submit images.

Loudoun Photography Club
Manassas Warrenton Camera Club (MWCC)
McLean Photography Club (MPC)
Northern Virginia Photographic Society (NVPS)
Reston Photographic Society (RPS)
Vienna Photographic Society (VPS)

Each club member may submit up to six (6) photographs at no charge. You may submit up to four (4) more images (ten total images) for a fee of $20, payable to your club rep upon submission. The fee for additional images is a flat fee, NOT $5 per image.

ACCEPTANCE OF YOUR IMAGES FOR JUDGING IS CONDITIONAL UPON YOUR AGREEMENT TO VOLUNTEER FOR A LEAST ONE TASK FOR THE EXPO. THE CLUB REP MAY GRANT EXCEPTIONS ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.

All photographs juried into NatureVisions Expo exhibits become ineligible for consideration in a future NatureVisions juried exhibit. Images juried into any previous NatureVisions exhibit or its predecessor exhibits is also ineligible for consideration in the Expo.

V. Format

A. Photographic Images

Dimensions: Photos must be two-dimensional. Traditional in-camera images including composites, montages, and multiple exposures are permitted. Computer manipulation such as spot removal; curve and level; saturation , contrast and color adjustments are permitted. Minor cloning to remove extraneous elements such as trash, telephone wires, etc. is also permitted. Three dimensional photo collages are not permitted.

Image/Mat Size: There is no minimum print size. Maximum outer dimensions are 16″ x 20″ (including matting. Exception: Panoramas may be up to 24 inches on the longest side.

B. Labels

A discreet label affixed to the back of each image is to include the photographer’s name, club affiliation, category in which photograph is entered, and image title. Additional information may be provided (photo description, photo location, photographer bio, price if for sale, etc.) The label’s text will serve to indicate the correct orientation of the photo. Arrows should not be drawn on the back of the mat.

C. Signature

Signatures are NOT allowed prior to the judging. If the photographer wishes to add a signature it may be done after the image has been juried into the Expo and before it is displayed in the exhibit.

D. Titles

Titles are NOT allowed on the cover window mat or the print (refer to Labels for use of titles).

E. Matting/Mounting

Framed Images: Framed photos are not allowed.

Color: All mats and backing material must be white. They must also have white cores.

Mats: Cover window mats are required. Single matting is preferred. Double matting is permitted. If an image is double matted, both mats must be the same white color and the same texture. Triple matting is NOT permitted. Floating photos (where a white or colored border appears between the print and the cover mat) ARE ALLOWED.

Backing: The cover window mat must be securely affixed on all four sides to a firm backing of at least 1/4 inch foam core or similar material of equivalent stiffness.. Failure to comply may result in the disqualification of the image for consideration.

Borders: A minimum 1.5 inch border (along all sides of the image) is required for photographs up to 8×10 inches. A minimum 2 inch border (along all sides of the image) for photographs larger than 8×10 inches.

The border need not be the same on all sides.

VI. Waiver of Liability

Submission of an image for inclusion in the juried exhibit, or any special constitutes the photographer’s assumption of all risk. Every precaution will be taken to safeguard photographs. However, it is expressly stated that the participating camera clubs, juror(s), sponsors, lecturers and volunteers accept no liability in the event of loss or damage.

VII. Donation

Photographers are required to send the Northern Virginia Photography Expo Inc. a 10% donation of the selling price for any photo sold at the Expo. This donation can be given to your club rep after the Expo. All donations will go towards improving the Expo and are tax deductible.