CONFERENCE REGISTRATION HERE

Print Entry is now online. Click HERE to enter your prints for 2009

Here is a very important list of print competition topics and FAQs. Knock yourself out!

What Is A Print Competition
What You Need To Do
What You Can Win
Print Case Information
Other FAQ's
2009 Judges

WHAT IS A PRINT COMPETITION?  

   Print Competition, why even have one?? Let me start off by saying there are really two parts to having a print competition. The first part is you deciding you really want to improve your image making by having the print critiqued and judged by other professionals in this field. It’s to see how your work measures up to the standards of quality work. Is it just average images or can you WOW the judges with images that make you stand out among your peers. I’ve said this before and will say it again, you're not competing against others here; you’re competing against yourself to become better at your craft. Any awards that may come along the way is just icing on the cake.

   Why is it some do well at this every year? They continue to work to improve their overall skills, they aren’t afraid to try something new; whether it be creating a new look, style or being at a location early or late to capture the perfect moment on digital or film. Then are willing to present their image in front of panel to be judged and critiqued. My hat is off to everyone who has entered print competition and continues to do so every year.

   Entering your prints at a state level is absolutely the best way to springboard one to next level of either Regional or National print competition. One can determine if it should go to the next level, or if the image maker should select a different image for Regional or National. In effect, you’re getting multiple chances to earn a merit at the PPA National/International Print Competition.

   Now for the second part of having a Print Competition, one learns not only from listening to the judges, but by participating and helping during this event, your knowledge base will increase faster than others who don’t get involved and help. By helping on the print crew, you get a head start over everyone else who wants to learn how to create better images. Get involved with PPC, whether it’s to help just for an hour each day at the convention, be part of the print crew or creating change by being part of the PPC board. It is your organization, be a part of it.

Thomas J. Henn, M.Photog CR., CPP
PPC Chairman of the board
PPC Print Chairman

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO!

   The Print Committee of PPC has acquired a new software to help register your prints, keep score during the competition and keep track of print awards.

   They are in the process of fine tuning the software and will post print entry instructions and entry forms and labels here very soon. We thank you for your patience.

   Here is some very important info in the mean time:

Print Case Fees
     RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 24th
     PPC Members $65
     Non-Members $80
     Member of YOUR State Assoc.
     (Not PPC) $65

     AFTER SEPTEMBER 24th
     PPC Members $95
     Non-Members $105
     Member of YOUR State Assoc.
     (Not PPC) $95

     NEVER BEFORE ENTERED PRINTS IN A PPC PRINT COMPETITION
     FREE . . .  YUP, WE SAID FREE

   If you attended the July "Print Critique" event, we will send you a certificate for $25 off your print case fee. Pays to attend, don't it? Watch for that in your email!!

   Print Entry is now online. Click HERE to enter your prints for 2009

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!

   Here are the print categories for 2009. Remember . . . there are 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards for each category for BOTH Masters and Open (NON-Master) photographers!

Portrait
Illustrative
Electronic Imaging
Commercial
Wedding
Wedding / Event Album
Female
Male
Baby / Child
High School Senior
B&W
Out of State

PLUS . . .
Highest Score CPP
(PPA Certified)
Highest Score ASP
(American Society of Photographers)
Best of Show
(Highest Score)
Top Ten
(10 Highest Scoring Print Cases)
Photographer of the Year
(Highest Scoring Print Case)

Print Case Information (NOTE: PRINT CASES ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR PPC COMPETITIONS)

   Approved shipping cases are defined as those intended for reusable shipping of photographs or artwork. These would generally include straps, zippers, or twist type clasps and a space to attach shipping labels. Portfolio cases such as those used for storage or for hand carrying artwork, cardboard or homemade cases and boxes are not considered approved shipping cases.

   Where to find approved shipping cases
Print cases that are made specifically for shipping photographs and art and are available many places. This is a partial listing of suppliers that should be able to help you.

www.bhphotovideo.com
www.adorama.com
www.printfile.com
www.lightimpressionsdirect.com
www.tallyns.com
www.photobarn.com
Ted Saylor Custom Cases, 352-568-8888

FAQ's

PPC follows PPA competition rules, yet we have additional categories not available in PPA competition...
There are three distinct differences in all photographic competitions, the rules, the awards and the entry categories. PPC has many awards not available in PPA and so on. States using PPA rules still have their own entry and awards categories to reward makers.

What are the deadlines for entering competition?
Actually, there are several deadlines to keep track of. All competition entries must be registered by September 22, 2009. For First Timers, the Print Competition is FREE when registering for the convention!  For the members who attended the July 2009 print critique and had your print critiqued, you get a $25.00 discount on the case fee of $65.00. (discounted fee = $40.00). September 22, 2009 is the final date for Print Competition registration, normal print case fee is $65.00. All entries not registered by midnight will be disqualified.


The actual prints of the entries registered on-line must be physically delivered no later to Following places:
Thomas Henn, 17365 Caribou Drive E, Monument CO 80132-7410 (719-481-8529)
         Thursday, September 24 between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Avalos Fine Portraiture, 511 West Northern Ave, Pueblo CO. 81004
         Thursday, September 24 between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Jill Bailey (Flare Of Art), 13723 WCR 39, Platteville CO 80651 (970-396-0509)
         Thursday, September 24 between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM
Jeff Johnson, 10990 West Powers Ave, Littleton CO 80127
         Thursday, September 24 between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM (303-921-4454)

Final drop off, Thomas Henn byThursday, September 24 between 9:00 AM and 8:00PM. Late entries after this date will incur a print ase fee of $95.  Print cases may also be shipped by UPS or FedEx to Thomas Henn 17365 Caribou Drive E, Monument CO 80132-7410 (719-481-8529).
All album entries must be submitted in digital format and be uploaded within the registration deadlines. Album files may also be shipped in a CD format to the same location as print cases above to arrive on or before the registration deadlines. Album makers should place a duplicate CD in their entry case as a back-up.

Where can I pay my case fees?
You will be able to pay your case fee by check or credit card with each case.

When entering albums as "Multi-Maker" do both makers submit the album files?
It is not necessary to do so. Both makers must be members in good standing and register the entry along with case fees.
Where can I go for registering entries and uploading files?

Is there a list of the judges for 2009?
You can find a list of Judges at the bottom of this page.

I don't have a print case; can I use a cardboard box?
Although PPA Accepted Cases are recommended, members may submit entries in a well protected box with your name, address and phone number on the box.

What happened to the Art-Tech category?
In keeping with the language of the PPA rules, Art-Tech has been re-named to Electronic Imaging to better identify the category. The sub-categories have been changed and members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with them. The rules are available at www.ppa.com/competitions/international/rules.php

Can I see my entries being judged?
Judging will begin on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 1:00PM and is open to anyone. You will be asked to leave the room during honor entry selections. We anticipate judging will finish late Saturday afternoon.

What are Colorado Fellowship degrees?
You find out more about the Fellowship Degree program by going the following web site www.ppcolorado.com/fellowship.html

When will I know my entry score?
Your entry score will be announced to the room after the judges scores are tabulated. If you, or someone you know is in the room, you will know your score. After that, your score will be posted on your print entry when it is displayed in the hotel lobby on Sunday, September 27, 2009. For questions about your prints, please see the Print Chairman.

Will someone be available to help me understand my score?
Judges and Masters of Photography degree holders will be available during the convention to help you understand your score. In addition, check the 12 Elements of a Merit Image on the PPA web site www.ppa.com/competitions/international/12elements.php

How can I win an award for my entry?
Entries marked "Print of Distinction", scoring 80 prints of higher, are eligible for awards. Awards are determined by the judges or by the print score itself. These awards will be announced at the PPC Awards Banquet on Sunday, September 27, 2009. If you paid for a Full Registration, Banquet tickets come with the registration.

When will I be able to pick up my entry case?
Entry case pick-up is on Monday afternoon, September 28, 2009. All cases MUST be signed for when picked up; PPC will not be responsible for cases left at the hotel.

How do I volunteer to work on the Print (Competition) Committee?
Volunteers are always welcome in all areas of the convention. It is a unique learning opportunity as well as meeting many new friends. To volunteer, contact Jeff Johnson, a PPC board member or Thomas Henn. Merits are given to volunteers who work a minimum number of hours.

I'm confused about choosing an entry category...
Choose categories here. Before submitting your registration and if you have a question, please feel free to contact Thomas Henn at 719-481-8529 with any questions you may have.

Am I allowed to use someone else's image in my entry?
In the Photographic Open Category not only is it a violation of copyright laws, it is also strictly forbidden in the rules to use images not created by the maker. Entries should show your creativity and not intentionally copy any existing work from someone else. In the Electronic Imaging Category, entries which have been reproduced from an existing photograph, portrait, graphic or any other artwork produced by another person must be accompanied by permission from that maker and pasted on the back of the entry.

Why are some entries odd sizes?
Makers who have earned their Master of Photography or Master of Electronic Imaging degree from PPA are permitted to enter sizes other than the standard 16 X 20 required of all other makers.

What finish is best for my entries?
Generally speaking, the high gloss finish provides the clearest presentation to the judges. Some makers use a metallic paper, others use gloss or mat paper. Seek the advice of a Master Photographer or trusted PPC member with print competition experience for help.

My entry is supposed to be 16 X 20, should the image fill that space?
Last year's winning entries are located here: Print Awards '08. Take time to see example of the entries from last year. PPA rules state that the minimum viewable image on a 16x20 is 80 square inches (example: 8x10).

How can I use the competition in publicity about me?
Use the Publicity Release form to send to your local newspaper for a free article about your accomplishments.

What is the Kodak Gallery Award?
The Kodak Gallery Award is presented by the judges to 5 entries scoring 80+ in the following categories: Commercial, Illustrative, Social Event, Portrait and the image printed on Kodak Metallic Paper in any category. Visit Kodak Gallery Award for more information.

What is the Fujifilm Masterpiece Award?
The Fujifilm Masterpiece Award is presented by the judges to 2 entries scoring 80+ and having used Fujifilm output products in the printing of the entry in the categories Portrait and Social Event (Wedding). Visit Fujifilm Masterpiece Award for more information.

The Judge's for 2009 are:

Sunny Carrel
Carl Caylor
Thom Rouse
Don Emmerich
Nancy Emmerich
Bob Coates
Rick Avalos
- Jury Chairman

Fall Conference Schedule

Print Entry is now online. Click HERE to enter your prints for 2009

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION HERE