Join monthly photography competitions in Hamilton, New Zealand with the Waikato Photographic Society. Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist or experienced photographer, our competitions offer a friendly environment to learn, improve and share your work.
Each month we run themed competitions where members can submit digital and print images for judging by experienced photographers. These competitions build skills, encourage creativity, and inspire photographers across the Waikato region.
Photography Competitions Overview
- Held monthly from February to November
- Set Subject and Open categories
- Professional judging with constructive feedback
- Entries presented at our 2nd Tuesday club meeting
- Promotions available through accumulated honours points at year’s end
Who Can Enter
All Waikato Photographic Society members are eligible to enter photography competitions. New members typically begin in the Novice grade, with opportunities to progress through Intermediate and A Grade based on competition results and honours awarded.
Why Enter Monthly Competitions?
Entering regular photo competitions is a great way to:
- Grow your photography skills through practice and feedback
- See diverse interpretations of photographic themes
- Learn from experienced judges who explain what works and why
- Connect with other photographers in the Waikato region
- Compete in a supportive, constructive environment
Regular competition helps photographers of all levels stay motivated, explore new genres, and build stronger portfolios.
Photography Competitions Entry Details
You can submit images either:
- Digitally via email before midnight on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, or
- Printed images delivered before 7:30 pm on club night.
Each member may submit a total of up to four images per round — with a maximum of two prints and two digital entries.
Monthly Photography Competitions & Judging Schedule
| Date Due | Date Results | Topic | Judge |
| 20 Jan | 10 Feb | On the Horizon | Dr Nick Munnings LPSNZ |
| 10 Feb | 10 Mar | Close up (including Macro) | Marie Bilodeau LPSNZ |
| 10 Mar | 14 April | Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) | Kate Beauchamp APSNZ (Digitals) A Graders (Prints) |
| 14 April | 12 May | Landscapes | |
| 21 April | 26 May | Photojournalism | Elizabeth Passuello FPSNZ FNPSNZ APSEM SAPS APSA EPSA EFIAP/s GPU CR2 |
| 12 May | 9 June | Nature | |
| 9 June | 14 July | Black and White | Lynda Mowat LPSNZ |
| 14 July | 11 Aug | Portraits | Judy Alley LPSNZ |
| 11 Aug | 8 Sept | Glass | Adair Wilson APSNZ |
| 18 Aug | 22 Sept | Memorial Landscapes | |
| 8 Sept | 13 Oct | Still Life | |
| 13 Oct | 10 Nov | Babies (Human and Animal) | |
| 10 Nov | 8 Dec | End Of Year |
New Members, Grades and Promotions
Normally new members start as a Novice, however if you have had previous photographic experience and wish to be considered for a higher grade, there is an opportunity to have a portfolio of 6-12 of your images assessed.
Please talk to the Competitions Secretary or Secretary when you join.
There are Three Grades
- Novice Grade Inexperienced Photographers
- Intermediate Grade Some Experience but not at A Grade level
- A Grade Experienced Photographers
Entry into Novice Grade competition will be accepted from competitors who:
- have been approved by the committee to compete in the Novice Grade, or
- have not previously competed in Intermediate or A Grade competition, or
- have received less than six Honours awards for entries submitted in Novice Grade competitions.
Promotions
- From Novice to Intermediate – Six Honours awards in Novice Grade.
- From Intermediate to A Grade – Six Honours awards in Intermediate Grade.
There is no time limit for gaining these Honours.
Promotions between grades will be made at the end of the competition year, unless you ask to be upgraded earlier, and will be announced annually at the Annual Awards event in December.
Photography Competition Entry Instructions
You can either:
Email your digital images to competition@waikatophotosoc.org.nz before midnight on the 2nd Tuesday of each month using the entry form emailed to you OR handed in prior to 7.30 pm on club night.
If you are entering printed images on the Tuesday club night, they must be handed in prior to 7.30 pm. Prints will need a slip attached to the back.
Only entries accompanied by an entry form will be accepted.
There a limit of two digital and two print entries per month. These can either be open or set subject.