Annual Exhibition 2022 Overview and Introduction
Annual Exhibition 2022
Please read the WPS 2022 Annual Exhibitions Terms & Conditions for more information about the Exhibition and entry submission.
About the Exhibition – Updated 20 March 2022
Since its foundation, in 1923, Winchester Photographic Society has held an exhibition almost every year. In the “Covid years” of 2020 and 2021 we moved our exhibition online. We are now delighted to be back with printed images in a superb gallery setting, and are grateful for the support of Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT).
This is, to many of us in WPS, a highlight of the society’s year, putting on a high-quality exhibition of our members’ work, showcasing our photography to the wider community
Much work goes on in the background for the photographers, WPS and HCT.
We tried to encourage participation across all members of WPS, whatever their level of experience. We arranged a talk, workshop and a mentoring scheme to support participation.
We restricted the entries per photographer to 12 (down from 16 last year – and 30 when I first joined WPS!) – the intention was to allow broader participation.
About the judging and the results – Added 20 March 2022
See also Annual Exhibition 2022 Gallery and Annual Exhibition 2022 Results
Exhibition organiser Gavin Bowyer writes:
Three external judges spend a day selecting the images.
It is something of a cliché to say that the standard was high – but it really was.
The judges each marked from 0 to 5, independently. They scored 5 for an image that clearly deserves an award, 4 for an image that should certainly be exhibited, 3 for a competent image.
Almost without exception, those images that were selected for exhibiting scored two or more 4’s or better.
We are, of course, constrained by hanging space in the ARC – unlike the previous two years’ online offerings.
I am delighted that we have 123 successful entries, producing 139 images to exhibit in the ARC (there are 8 “Set of Three” successful submissions – the standard in this class was particularly high).
This is just within the maximum that HCT felt could be accommodated. Obviously significantly fewer than 2021 when we were just online. I was delighted that this represents the work of 53 of our members, and it was particularly gratifying to see that some members who compete in our beginner or intermediate classes in our internal competitions have done particularly well in the Exhibition.
If you have suggestions for improving the process or breaking down barriers to entry, please let me know (using the contact form).
We all sincerely hope you enjoy the Exhibition and have gained something positive from participation in the process.
Preparing your entries
Members may submit a maximum of 12 entries, with no more than four in any of the defined classes, referencing popular photographic genres.
In Class B, a set of three images (with a fourth composite image showing the layout) counts as one entry.
A trophy will be awarded for the winner in each class, together with a number of certificates of merit.
The purpose of these classes is to encourage members to make work in a variety of styles, rather than to concentrate on one particular specialisation.
The rules for classes are designed to be broad and inclusive, rather than narrow, and to encourage diversity of work. They may be adjusted from year to year if needed.
There is also a dedicated class for members of the WPS Beginners Class.
The classes for 2022 are as follows:
| Classes | Trophy | |
| Class A | Beginners | Cliff Pinn Trophy |
| Class B | Set of Three | Challenge Trophy |
| Class C | Free Subject | D J Cup |
| Class D | Hampshire | Hampshire Chronicle Bowl |
| Class E | Human Portrait | Pyne Medal |
| Class F | Nature | King Alfred Cup |
| Class G | Street/Urban | Robert Moore Trophy |
| Class H | Action | Ronald Toms Trophy |
| Class I | Monochrome | Jubilee Cup |
| Class J | Creative | Florence Wilcocks Cup |
| Class K | Scapes | Discovery Trophy |
| Public Vote | Murla Trophy |
Entry process
Entries must be submitted electronically via the online PDI upload system which will be available for one month, prior to images being judged. Please read the Terms and Conditions before doing this.
Images will be entered in classes, checked for adherence to society and class rules, and judged by a team of three expert judges who are not members of WPS.
After judging, entrants will be notified which of their images have been accepted and whether they have been awarded any Trophies or Certificates of Merit. At this stage, entrants must submit prints of the accepted images, which must be available to the organisers within three weeks of the results being announced. They will be retained for framing and hanging and returned after the exhibition.
The Exhibition
It intended that the Annual Exhibition will include a Private View evening, when members and their guests may view the exhibition.
Trophies and Certificates of Merit will be presented.
Each visitor to the exhibition receives an exhibition catalogue, has the opportunity to purchase work, and is invited to enter the Public Vote for their favourite print.
The winner of the Public Vote will be awarded a trophy.
Helpers needed
All members of WPS are encouraged to enter work for the exhibition and to assist in the process of organising and staffing it.
Volunteers are required at each stage and are vital to its success, but volunteering also offers an enjoyable experience and the opportunity to learn what distinguishes a successful exhibition print.
Next Steps
Detailed rules, and Terms and Conditions of entry for the 2022 Exhibition are now available here.
Key Dates in 2022
| Digital entries | Monday 31 January to Monday 28 February |
| Digital judging | Sunday 13 March |
| Submission of mounted prints for accepted entries | Tuesday 15 March to Saturday 2 April |
| Sorting/framing prints | 2, 3 April |
| Hanging exhibition | Week of 4 April (HCT to arrange) |
| Exhibition opens | Friday 8 April |
| Exhibition closes | Monday 16 May |
Please contact Gavin Bowyer WPS Print Exhibition Coordinator via ku.co1732356501sotoh1732356501pniw@1732356501ofnin1732356501oitib1732356501ihxe1732356501 for further information.
