Pictorial print connections

PSA Journal, Sept, 2004 by Anthony Winston

The Pictorial Print Division (PPD) serves those who make prints or have their work displayed as prints. Prints may be self-made, commercial, digital, or darkroom printed. If the final copy is a print, then consider what the Pictorial Print Division has to offer.

Activities for Individuals Print Study Groups

A group of 8-12 photographers make up a Print Study Group. A portfolio of prints is mailed to each member in turn, and the member comments on each print, removes a previous print, inserts a new print, and adds a personal newsletter. The last member sends the portfolio to the "commentator," an experienced photographer who provides an "expert" opinion on each print. The secretary sets a new schedule and starts the portfolio on the next round. The following are some of the portfolios available: American Portfolio--Approximately 30 portfolios to fit individual needs: color, monochrome, nature, contemporary, commercial, assigned subjects, digital printing, darkroom printing, 8x10, 11x14, etc. Portrait Portfolios--Five Study Groups, including Character Studies, Children, Animals, Figure Studies, and Glamour Girl. The emphasis is on posing, lighting, apparel, and backgrounds. Canadian and European Portfolios--Canadians and Europeans participate with fellow members from their own or neighboring countries.

Picture of the Month (POM) Contests

POM is a monthly print competition for all PSA members. Subject matter and printing techniques are "open." Four classes, two for color and two for monochrome, allow experienced and less experienced photographers to compete on their own levels. Qualified PSA judges critique your prints and provide written comments and suggestions for improvements. Each month 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive certificates, and the winning prints are posted on the POM Gallery web pages. A "Picture of the Month" is selected for publication in the PSA Journal. Winners and Honorable Mentions receive "points," and at the end of the year the member with the most points in each of four categories receives a PPD medal. You may join POM at any time. If you would like to be a POM judge, contact the POM director.

Personal Print Analysis

Receive individual critiques of your photographic skills. Having problems? Do your prints fail to receive acceptances in salons? Do you simply want to improve your work? Contact the director.

PSA International Print Salons

Test the quality of your work in the International Print Salons, listed each month in the PSA Journal. Acceptances lead to the awarding of PSA "stars," a recognition of continued success in the Internationals. The PPD Star Ratings Directors will advise you about this activity.

Activities for Clubs Club Print Judging Service

If your club is running a print competition and has a need for an impartial judge from outside your club, this service can provide a judge. Contact the director with information about the competition, and the director will find you a judge. The club contacts the judge to make arrangements and sends the prints. The judge reviews the prints, awards 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mentions, and comments on each print. The comments are recorded on a cassette tape, which is returned to the club along with the prints.

International Club Print Competition (ICPC)

A club with broad interests in prints may want to enter the ICPC competition held four times a year. Each club may enter four prints by four different makers in each of the following: Color, Monochrome, and Trade Prints. Clubs take turns hosting competitions, which involves receiving and returning the prints and arranging for the judging. Three judges, selected by the club, score the prints on the basis of interest, composition, and technique, and award 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and HMs. Judges' score sheets are returned to the club for use by members. Winners of a year-end competition receive recognition plaques.

PPD Medals for Club Competitions

Gold, Silver, and Bronze PPD medals for club competitions may be purchased from the PPD Treasurer.

Contacts and Further Information

Directors are listed in the PSA Journal under Services & Activities four times a year, and detailed information is located on the PPD web pages. Click on "Pictorial Print" on the PSA website http://www.psa-pboto.org.

Anthony Winston, APSA Pictorial Print Division Chairman, 2002-2004 awinston@mail.wvnet.edu

This is the fourth of a bimonthly Journal article featuring each PSA Division and its activities. The Connections feature is intended to provide a quick overview of division opportunities. For more information, contact the Division Chairman. This month, in Connections, we feature the Pictorial Print Division (PPD) and its activities that are available to all PSA members.