SET SUBJECT COMPETITION

The following describes each of the Set Subject Topic to provide guidance, examples and some boundaries for the set subject. Note that it is at the discretion of the Competition Secretary whether a submitted image meets the guidelines., i

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• MAXIMALISM -

 

1. Maximalism art is characterised by the use of bold, vibrant colours, and or intricate patterns, and or an abundance of detail.

2. It contrasts with minimalism by embracing complexity, layering (the assembly of physical artefacts or colour but not multiple exposures or a Photoshop activity) and excess. It can best be summarized as "more is more", contrasting with the minimalist motto "less is more".

3. It aims to aesthetically deliver a feeling of sensory overload.

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• CALM -

1. Slow down and breathe… capture your moment of calm;

2. It can be something that gives a sense of calm - a sleeping child or pet, a book, a wine, a moment in the sun, feet in the sand, an embrace; it could be an object like burning candles, etc.;

3. Specific colours, such as blues and greens, have a calming influence on our mood and when outdoors around water or trees these hues evoke feelings of peace and happiness;

4. High key images and images with a lot of negative space can also convey a sense of calm.

5. These are just a few thought-starters for you to create your own story of calm.

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• BELOW THE KNEES -

1. How often do we stop to look down - below knee-level? Well there’s a hidden world of photo opportunities there.

2. It’s up to you to get out there, get yourself down on your knees and have a look at the world from a different perspective.

3. Great opportunity to take landscapes from a different viewpoint.

4. Look at a garden from ground level.

5. Watch people walking by from a different perspective.

6. Don’t think about it - just have a go. If yours knees aren’t what they used to be then just sit down (and have someone there to help you up again) - or be creative from the bottom of a flight of steps or stairs.

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• BLACK & WHITE at HOME -

1. An excellent opportunity to look at your dwelling space - minus colour. (Think of Leo Tancredi’s photos of coffee cups and glassware).

2. Shadows will play a big part in this set subject.

3. Angles and lines are everywhere inside our homes as are textures, objects for a still life and opportunity to explore the elements of design like repetition, rhythm, juxtaposition.

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• REAR VIEW -

1. We always look at the front view of things - but what do they look like from behind?

2. Great opportunity to photograph people as they walk away from you. Photographing people from behind can tell a powerful story.

3. Look behind well-known buildings, experiment with your car’s rear view mirrors.

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• SLOW SHUTTER -

1. Self-explanatory - but think outside the square. By all means photograph the sky, the ocean, people walking by, but look at other moving things and see the possibilities.

2. Maybe set up your own S/S scenario! (This is not ICM - you will need a tripod or somewhere to rest your camera to capture slow-shutter speed, capture the movement blur - not create it).

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