Lowestoft Photographic Club 2nd Printed Image Competition November 4 2026 Open Colour and Monochrome
A printed photograph changes the way people look at an image. It slows everything down. The paper, tones, crop, and tiny finishing choices all start to matter. That’s what makes Lowestoft Photographic Club’s 2nd Printed Image Competition such a good night for anyone who enjoys photography beyond the screen.
The competition takes place on Wednesday, 4th November 2026, at 7.30 pm, with entries judged by Simon Ciappara FRPS. The two categories for the evening are OPEN Colour and OPEN Monochrome, giving photographers plenty of room to choose their strongest work.
Printed Image Competition - What’s happening on the night
This is a printed image competition, so the focus is on photographs as finished physical pieces. That can give an image a very different feel from seeing it on a phone, laptop, or projector.
The two competition categories are:
OPEN Colour
Any subject can be entered, as long as colour plays a part in the final image.
OPEN Monochrome
This covers black and white work, plus other single-tone images where shape, light, texture, and contrast often do the heavy lifting.
The word OPEN matters here. It means there’s no set subject. A quiet Suffolk seascape, a street scene, a portrait, a wildlife shot, or a close-up detail can all sit side by side. That variety usually makes for a better evening, because every print asks to be judged on its own merits.
Why this competition matters locally
For photographers in Lowestoft, club competitions aren’t just about scores or placings. They’re a useful way to see how images land with other people.
A print can reveal things that are easy to miss on a screen. Perhaps the shadows are too heavy. Maybe the crop is stronger than expected. Maybe a simple monochrome treatment gives the subject more impact than colour did. Seeing those choices discussed in the room can help amateur photographers improve faster than working alone.
There’s also something encouraging about seeing local work on the stand. Lowestoft and the surrounding coast give photographers plenty to respond to, from changing light over the sea to harbour details, architecture, nature, and everyday life. A competition like this gives that work a proper moment.
Simon Ciappara FRPS will judge the entries
The judge for the evening is Simon Ciappara FRPS. FRPS is a Fellowship distinction from the Royal Photographic Society, and it reflects a high level of photographic achievement.
A good judge doesn’t just pick favourites. They explain what works, where an image could be stronger, and how the print supports the photographer’s intention. That feedback is often the most valuable part of the night, especially for members who are still building confidence with printed work.
How to enter
Members planning to take part should prepare printed entries for either OPEN Colour, OPEN Monochrome, or both if the club rules allow it.
Before the evening, check the club’s current competition guidance for:
print size and mounting requirements
how many entries can be submitted
hand-in arrangements
eligibility for each category
any club-specific rules for printed competitions
For entry details, membership information, and the latest club updates, visit the Lowestoft Photographic Club website.
FAQ
When is the 2nd Printed Image Competition?
It takes place on Wednesday, 4th November 2026, at 7.30 pm.
What are the competition categories?
The categories are OPEN Colour and OPEN Monochrome.
Who is judging the competition?
The judge is Simon Ciappara FRPS.
Do entries need to follow a set theme?
No. Both categories are listed as OPEN, so there is no fixed subject theme.
Where can I find the entry rules?
Check the Lowestoft Photographic Club website for current entry details, print requirements, and club competition guidance.
A good reason to get printing
If there’s an image sitting in a folder that deserves more than a glance on screen, this is a good reason to print it. Choose work that feels finished, look carefully at the tones and crop, and give it the best presentation you can.
The 2nd Printed Image Competition should be a strong evening for local photography, with useful feedback, varied entries, and a proper focus on the craft of the printed image.
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