Preparing for PDI competitions

Competitions are one way of helping to assess your abilities when they are compared to others in your class*. They are not the only way but we use a range of qualified judges who will assess your work in the competition environment and hopefully feedback in a constructive manner so that you can improve your work. But you don't need to make it easy for them to 'mark you down' by making silly mistakes so lets examine some do's and don'ts that will give you a better chance at success.

See also preparing for Print images

PDI Competitions (Projected Images)

These are often open themed competitions (although you find one or two themed throughout the year) and the method of submitting your entries is covered on the entry form page.

  • PDI images must fit inside a 1600 x 1200 pixel box. Horizontal + Vertical

  • So a 'portrait' orientated image can be no more than 1200 px. high

  • A 'landscape' oriented image can be no longer than 1600 px. wide

  • Images ideally should have the sRGB *profile embedded so as to be more compatible with the projector.

  • PDIs can also suffer with colour casts so its best to work with a calibrated monitor. Help is available from the committee on loaning out calibration equipment.


Mount cutting is also covered in these workshops. Ask when the next on is or check the events calendar.

(place holder video) New video coming soon for Southampton Camera Club specific requirements

class* - we classify our competitions according to your assessed ability when you join us; Primary, Intermediate or Advanced.