In 2009 members of the GEM Camera Club Inc. started the competition to enable amateur photographers within Western Australia to enter a photographic competition. In 2012 the exhibition moved to the new Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda and in 2023 the exhibition moved to the Ballroom at the Kalamunda Hotel. The competition has been well supported over the years, and all amateur photographers within WA are encouraged to enter.
Entries are open to all amateur photographers of any age.
In 2009 members of the GEM Camera Club Inc. started the competition to enable amateur photographers within Western Australia to enter a photographic competition. In 2012 the exhibition moved to the new Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda and in 2023 the exhibition has moved to the Ballroom at the Kalamunda Hotel. The competition has been well supported over the years, and all amateur photographers within WA are encouraged to enter. KEY DATES for 2024
24th June 2024– Online digital entries open
6th August 2024– (midnight) Online digital entries close. No late entries will be accepted after this date.
5th October 2024 – Exhibition opens to the public
5th October 2024– Presentation night of awards/prizes
13th October 2024 – Exhibition closes – collection of prints.
COMPETITION Amateur photographers that reside in WA can enter. Young photographers, who are under 16 years of age on 7th August 2024, are encouraged to enter any of the categories.
ENTRY CRITERIA Digital entries for the Spring in the Hills competition open on 24th June 2024 and will close at midnight on 6th August 2024. Any entries received after this date will not be considered.
Digital photographs can be taken with a digital format such as DSLR; smartphone/tablet; android phone/tablet; drone.
Enter images in digital format as per the rules available under the “The Rules & How To Enter” section.
Entrants may submit up to eight images with a maximum of two entries per any one category. Cost per number of entries
Entry Number
Cost
Entry Number
Cost
1
$20
5
$90
2
$40
6
$100
3
$50
7
$110
4
$70
8
$120
...
The Rules and how to enter
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Rules
Please read carefully.
The competition is open to amateur photographers who reside in Western Australia. For the purpose of this competition a professional photographer is a person whose photography is their prime source of income.
All elements of an image need to be 100% photographic in origin and captured/created by the author, including all developing/post production. Main elements of an image must be captured within the 24-month period before the closing date for entries. Supporting elements may be captured outside the 24 – month period.
Artificial Intelligence generated/render images will be considered in violation of rule 2 and will therefore be disqualified.
The category requirements in the category descriptions form part of the rules.
The purpose of the competition is to judge and reward visually impactful images. The same subject may be used across multiple entries, though it is a requirement that entrants submit images that are significantly different.
Each image entered, regardless of category, shall be substantially different in subject and interpretation from any other image entered by the same author in the current or previous Spring in the Hills competition.
All entrants, including prize winners shall be able to provide evidence that the rules have been followed. This might include a file of the submitted image in a layered format, together with all image files used to create a composite image with their metadata.
Images cannot be watermarked or logo embedded.
The competition review committee reserves the right to reject an image if in their opinion
it is or may be attended by unlawful or immoral aspects, or
publication might expose GEM Camera Club to criminal prosecution or civil liability
Copyright remains with the entrant, but the entrant agrees that the GEM Camera Club may have limited license to use any entered image for GEM Camera Club promotional purposes, either online or in print. If used, the photographer will be credited, though, no logos or watermarks will be applied.
Entries that do not comply with the rules or topic will be disqualified. There will be no refund of entry fees for entries deemed to be ineligible and disqualified.
Judges and Review Committee decisions will be final, no correspondence or discussion will be entered into.
All prizes must be taken as offered, and all prize money will be paid electronically. It is the entrants’ responsibility to provide bank details. If bank details have not been provided within 2 months of the close of the exhibition, the prize money will be forfeited.
Entrants may submit up to eight images with a maximum of two entries per any one category.
It is the Entrants responsibility to collect their images at the completion of the exhibition. GEM Camera Club will store any uncollected images for a period of 3 months. After this 3 month period GEM Camera Club reserves the right to dispose of the image as GEM Camera Club sees fit. GEM Camera Club takes no responsibility for any damage to the image whilst the image is stored.
How To Enter
Enter online using this portal, the digital image submitted must be ‘ready to print’. All post processing needs to be completed including cropping and image adjusted to correct size for printing, please refer to the required aspect ratios listed below. Entries close at midnight on 6th August 2024.DIGITAL IMAGES Files MUST contain metadata with full EXIF data so that the date of capture can be confirmed.
File Specifications of Digital Images
Each image must adhere to one of the size/aspect ratios outlined below.
Print Size (mm)
Ratio
400 x 267 (4724 x 3154 pixels)
2:3
400 x 300 (4724 x 3543 pixels)
3:4
400 x 225 (4724 x 2657 pixels)
16:9
400 x 285 (4724 x 3366 pixels)
5:7
300 x 300 (3543 x 3543 pixels)
1:1
300 x 375 (3543 x 4429 pixels)
4:5
Resolution of 300 dpi/pp
The colour space for all entries to be sRGB
The file format is to be JPEG
GEM Camera Club have negotiated for a special price with Midland Camera House for all images to be printed. The entrant will be liable for the cost of printing their images.
Midland Camera House will allow for entrants to visit their printing lab to view their images prior to printing. The details of this will be provided to entrants whose images are selected to be hung in the exhibition.
Use the green Click here to enter button on the home page to start the entry process.
Data Storage & Security
By entering the competition, the entrant is accepting that images and limited personal information will be stored on the Spring In the Hills Exhibition Portal (This Site).
The limited nature of personal information required when entering the competition is not considered to be a security risk, although every effort is made to keep the website secure.
Any payment, and details of payment are handled via PayPal on a secure network connection. GEM Camera Club accepts no responsibility for any loss of images or personal information from our website or social media sites.
Exhibition
The exhibition of Spring in the Hills is the second component of the competition. All finalists printed images will be hung in the exhibition for the public to see. The Exhibition will open to the public on 5th of October 2024 in the ballroom at the Kalamunda Hotel in Kalamunda, which is a fabulous facility.
Opening hours are: Monday to Friday from 10am ~ 10pm Saturday and Sunday from 10am ~ 10pm
Printed Images
In 2024 printing will be arranged by the competition organisers at a cost to the entrant. Prints will be printed on high quality paper; flush mounted on a high-density foam core board, and matted to the maximum size of 40 x 50cm. The maximum image area will be A3 [297 x 420mm].
The images will be printed on Ilford Gallery Smooth Pearl Paper and mounted on 5mm Foam Core backing board with a 2mm thick Matt board, at an estimated cost is $40 – $45.00 per print. This cost will be confirmed by GEM Camera Club if your entry is selected to be hung in the exhibition.
Midland Camera House has offered for any entrant to view their image prior to printing to ensure the image is printed to the entrants satisfaction. The entrant will be required to liaise with Midland Camera House to organise a time and date for reviewing their image prior to printing. This option will only be available for a certain timeframe.
The arrangements include sending the digital image to the Midland Camera House; collecting the finished print and transporting to the exhibition in preparation for the exhibition will be handled by the GEM Camera Club.
The exhibition provides the opportunity for the finalists to sell their image/s. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to buy the images that are marked for sale. The image that is hung is the one that is sold. Collection is arranged at the end of the exhibition by the GEM Camera Club, funds for images sold will be transferred by EFT only.
The GEM Camera Club takes a 10% commission on images sold, and the sale of work is between the author and purchaser. The images for sale are to be priced by the photographer, therefore price prints accordingly.
Example on how to price is: (Printing cost x 3) + entry cost + 10% commission = sale price.
Damage Loss and Insurance
GEM Camera Club, GEM Camera Club Members and the staff and management of the Kalamunda Hotel accept no responsibility for loss or damage that may occur to an entrant’s images. Insurance is the responsibility of the entrant.
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Sponsors
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Sponsors
Without sponsorship our event would not be possible and so your support and patronage of all our sponsors is very much appreciated. If you would like more information on becoming a Spring In The Hills Sponsor please click on the Sponsorship Info button below
Ilford offers an extensive range of high quality photographic papers and darkroom chemicals. With a selection of papers in the Galerie Prestige, Omnijet, Ilfojet, Ilfoguard, and Ilfochrome range, Ilford will have all you photographic requirements covered. Explore the Range
Hoya is one of the leading makers of optical glass and lens filters. Open up possibilities with Hoya’s range of variable neutral density filters, circular polarisers, infrared filters, and many more, all while protecting your expensive lenses. Explore the range.
Capture and keep the perfect shot or video clip wherever you are with help from Sandisk. Sandisk has been a trusted name in the field of digital storage for decades, thanks to their diverse and reliable digital storage options. Explore the Range
At C.R. Kennedy, we pride ourselves on having the best lenses for every photographer and videographer. Wherever your passion lies, our collection of professional Sigma lenses will help you get the perfect shot. Explore The Range
The West Australian Photographic Federation Inc (WAPF) is an organisation that represents and supports the interests of member photography and camera clubs across Western Australia. See More…
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
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Categories and definitions
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Photographic Categories
1. People
Applying all principles of photography with a person/people as the main subject of the image. Images can be studio, environmental or staged portraits, key elements to consider are lighting, composition and interaction with other elements within the image.
Images must be the photographers own work and composite images are acceptable.
Images can be either colour or monochrome. Monochromatic images must be toned with a SINGLE hue, or Black and White; for colour, must have 2 or more colours.
2. Macro/Up Close
Highlight the smaller world around us, using techniques of depth of filed, lighting and composition. Images must be the photographers own work and composite images are not acceptable.
Images can be either colour or monochrome. Monochromatic images must be toned with a SINGLE hue, or Black and White; for colour, must have 2 or more colours.
3. Scape – Urban/Sea or Land
Applying the principles of landscape photography to other environments. Urban or city scapes for example, treat buildings and other features as graphical elements the same way as mountains or trees would be in a traditional landscape composition.
Images must be the photographers own work and composite images are not acceptable.
Drone/aerial photography is permitted and must comply with CASA requirements. Drone log files or any required permits may be requested. Images can be either colour or monochrome. Monochromatic images must be toned with a SINGLE hue, or Black and White; for colour, must have 2 or more colours.
4. Animals/Bird (Wild or Domestic)
Capture our furry, feathered, or scaled friends in their environment, subjects can be domestic or wild with attention paid to the subject and not its surroundings.
Images must be the photographers own work and composite images are not acceptable.
Images can be either colour or monochrome. Monochromatic images must be toned with a SINGLE hue, or Black and White; for colour, must have 2 or more colours.
5. Pictorial (Open)
Any subject that is treated pictorially, embodying the elements of good design, composition, which reflects the personal interpretation of the photographer.
The choice of subject is at the Photographers discretion. There is free interpretation of fine art photography. Show your technical expertise in capturing the image and creativity in the digital darkroom. ALL elements of the image are to be photographic and captured by the photographer.
Images must be the photographers own work and composite images are acceptable. If a composite image is entered all elements within the composite must be the creators own work and the creator may be asked to provide proof of image ownership.
Drone/aerial photography is permitted and must comply with CASA requirements. Drone log files or any required permits may be requested.
Images can be either colour or monochrome. Monochromatic images must be toned with a SINGLE hue, or Black and White; for colour, must have 2 or more colours.
Entrants may submit up to eight images with a maximum of two entries per any category.
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Entry Fees
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Entrants may submit up to eight images with a maximum of two entries per any one category. Entry Fees can be paid either by direct deposit or via Pay Pal (fees apply)
Cost per number of entries
Entry Number
Cost
Entry Number
Cost
1
$20
5
$90
2
$40
6
$100
3
$50
7
$110
4
$70
8
$120
...
Exhibitions
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n 2009 members of the GEM Camera Club Inc. started the competition to enable amateur photographers within Western Australia to enter a photographic competition. In 2012 the exhibition moved to the new Zig Zag Gallery in Kalamunda and in 2023 the exhibition moved to the Ballroom at the Kalamunda Hotel.
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Catalogues
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Completed catalogues will listed here:
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Judging
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The judging in 2024 is on the digital images. The finalists/winners will be selected by an independent panel of three professional judges. The judging will commence on 11th August. Finalists will be notified by 30th August. *this date is anticipated. There may be a delay if any unexpected episodes occur.
Judges for 2024 are:
Claire Gilham-Martin
Claire is a talented photographer originally from London, residing in Perth for the past 13 years. Claire’s journey in photography began as a hobby and has since evolved into a full-time passion and career. In 2019, Claire earned her professional photography certificate, marking a significant milestone in her artistic development.
In 2024, Claire’s dedication and skill were recognized when she achieved a top 3 finish in the prestigious Landscape Photographer of the Year competition (professional level). Her work was also featured in the June edition of Australian Photography magazine, further cementing her reputation in the industry. Known and recognized for her unique style in landscape photography, Claire has won various local competitions, showcasing her distinct artistic vision.
As a freelancer, one of Claire’s services is beginner photographer and post-processing workshops, sharing her expertise and inspiring others to pursue their own creative journeys.
www.gilham-martin-studio.com
Info@gilham-martin-studio.com
Steve Wise
Steve Wise (B.Env.Des RBI MPhotogIII) is a fine art portrait/commercial photographer (27Creative) and accredited medical photographer, videographer and graphic artist with AIMBI, in line with his work as Coordinator of the Medical Multimedia Design Dept at Royal Perth Hospital. He feeds his personal love of art and visual narrative through his fine art portraiture and thrives on the collaborative approach inherent in this work; and has judged photographic competitions and awards locally, nationally and internationally.
Steve has won many awards for his fine art portraiture, most recently the 2022 Premier Award Winner Still Image Personal Work BCA Bio Images (USA), 2021 Winner Siena International Creative Photo Awards for Portraiture (Italy) and the 2018 AIPP Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year.
27creative.com.au
Simon Westlake
Simon has been a photographer since he was 13, never wavering for a single moment.
An unusual mix of practical mechanic and visual artist, he grew up to the smell of photo chemicals as he learned the craft from his grandfather in their tiny home darkroom.
Consumed by this magic, it would take him several years and a win as the AIPP Western Australian Student Photographer of the year, before realising he was able to harness it as a creative tool.
Considered one of WA’s leading commercial photographers for over 30 years, with numerous state and national awards to his credit, including an unrivalled four times AIPP WA Professional Photographer of the year, he says working with Art Directors in a collaborative way is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
Despite a large proportion of his work stemming from the advertising industry, “I don’t consider myself to have a specialty area at all” says Westlake, who maintains experience is one of the best tools to have in your kit.
“Back in the day, we had to achieve everything in camera, without the benefit of today’s post production, so commercial shoots were bigger and more involved. And I feel that experience has made me a guy who people come to with a tricky shoot that simply can’t be stuffed up”
However, the opportunity to document humans and their place within the living and working environment is at the top of the tree.
“Having constructed large studio setups for so long, I now favour the spontaneity and unpredictability of achieving the animate image. It brings me untold satisfaction.
Recently, he has shot unit stills on two Warner Bros feature films, which really have forced him to alter the way he shoots.
“Unable to direct, light or change a single thing, all the while in a visual toyshop, you just get on with it.
Sometimes you only have seconds. There’s no fiddling about”
On the more recent film, he also shot production stills on set, as well as the off set gallery shoots, working directly with the actors and studio creatives to produce the publicity images that will be used to create the movie poster.
“I consider myself very fortunate, as photography has always been something I live, rather than do.
I see images everywhere and am compelled to document them”.
