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Preparing Competition Images

Preparing Color and Monochrome Prints

Prints must be mounted. The print mount may be up to 16”x20” in size, but no smaller than 5”x7”. The title, maker’s name and competition class must be on the back of each print in the upper left corner. Cover over any prior labels so that only one label is visible. Prints that are not properly marked are not eligible for competition. Turn in your prints to the Print Chairperson(s) at the competition meeting which is the first meeting of each month.

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Illustration A

Please make sure that there is no exposed adhesive on either the tape being used to hold the mat or on the plastic sleeve used to protect the image. This can cause damage to other images as well as yours.

It is recommended that your name be put on sleeves in case they are separated from the print. It is requested that members refrain from using honeycomb or foam filled board as a mat or mount, you may use the 1/8" thick board if you are not using a mat. Using honeycomb or foam filled board is bulky and takes up too much space in the shipping containers. You may use 1/8" foam core if you are not matting your image. (see Illustration A)

Upload a digital copy of your print entries using the Image Submission page on this site prior to the DCC competition meeting. These digital copies of your print submissions are used to print awards and to publish images in the newsletter, if they should win. These digital copies may also be entered in future interclub projected image competitions. The digital copy should adhere to the guidelines for preparing projected images as defined in the following section, "Preparing Projected Images".

Preparing Projected Images

All online entries must be received by 5 p.m. on the day of the DCC competition meeting.

To prepare a digital projected image for submission, follow the steps below. If there is a need for additional guidance in preparing an image, please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

  1. Open: Open image in any image-editing program. (The following instructions are for Photoshop, but other image-editing programs have similar capabilities.)
  2. Flatten: If the image has multiple layers, flatten at this time. Under the Layer drop-down menu, choose Flatten Image.
  3. Resize: You may watch the videos below for Lightroom and Photoshop or follow these simple instructions:
    Resize image so Pixel Dimensions do not exceed 1400 pixels in width or 1050 pixels in height. Under the Image drop-down menu, choose Image Size. Check the Resample Image and Constrain Proportions boxes and then change Pixel Dimensions to meet size constraints as defined.
    The videos below use 1024 X 768 for resizing, please use the new standard of 1400 X 1050 in place of the numbers used in the video.
    Resize an image in PhotoshopResize an image in Lightroom
  4. Set Color Space: It is recommended (though not required) that you change the color space to sRGB, if your setting is different. Under the Edit drop-down menu, choose Convert to Profile and select sRGB IEC61966-2.1 from the Destination Space-Profile drop-down list. Suggest using Adobe (ACE) Engine, setting Intent to Relative Colorimetric or Perceptual, checking Use Black Point Compensation, and checking Use Dither.
  5. Sharpen: If desired, sharpen the final image.
  6. Save: Save the image in JPG/JPEG/JPE format. Please use the naming convention below as this helps the PRINT and PROJECTED chairpersons sort your images for competition. Failure to do so could result in your image not being entered into the competition.
    1. Naming your file(s)
        This is for both Projected Images and the digital versions of your print(s) that also need to be submitted.
        • File naming convention:
          This is no longer an issue and makes no difference how you name your files.
        • No larger than 1400 X 1050 pixels. (This means vertically oriented images should not be taller than 768 pixels.)
          Please, .jpg ONLY.
        • File size is unrestricted.
        • The recommended (but not required) color space is sRGB.
    2. Under the File drop-down menu, choose Save As and select JPG/JPEG/JPE from the drop-down list. Check the ICC Profile box.
    3. Click Save which takes you to the next dialog box. Under Format Options, choose Baseline (“Standard”). Choose the highest image Quality setting.
  7. Submit: Upload your image from this site using the "Digital Image Submission Page" prior to the DCC competition meeting which is the first Tuesday of the month. You must be logged in and therefore a member to see this page or to have it show up in the menu.

Online entries must be received by 5 p.m. of the day of the DCC competition meeting. If the image size is too large, the image is not eligible for judging. A confirmation email will be sent after a successful upload. If you do not receive a confirmation message, you must assume that your image was not received. Rejected images may be resent if received before the deadline above.