These guidelines are based on the assumptions that, generally speaking:
- a good quality DSLR and lens combination, should produce better quality images; and
- post-processing can improve the appearance of an image.
What Level Should I Enter?
BLP Members are free to choose the level to enter a Photo competition. The appropriate level is based on the general standard of the photographer. In other words, you may not change levels based on the quality of a particular photo. The guidelines are designed to assist a member in making his or her decision, but are not definitive or compulsory.
Entry Level
Member has:
- an entry-level camera
- nil to basic post-processing software/skills
- less than two years experience as a photographer
Intermediate Level
Member has:
- some post-processing software and skills (but can be improved)
- two or more years experience as a photographer
Advanced Level
Member has:
- two or more years experience as a photographer
- two or more years experience as a bird photographer
- intermediate to advanced post-processing skills
- sufficient experience to act as a Mystery Reviewer for this category
If a member is still unsure which level to enter, they can send a small portfolio of images (no more than 4 images), together with details of their camera equipment, photographic experience and photo-editing software, to the Photo Competition Co-ordinator who will then suggest which level is most appropriate.
Can I Change Between Levels, and If So, When?
Moving Up
Generally, moving between levels will only be considered at the end of a calendar year, which takes into account the yearly Awards process. Gold medal winners from the yearly Awards must move up a level (except for those already at Advanced level), commencing with the first competition after the announcement of the awards.
Moving Down
We anticipate that there may be times when a photographer feels that they can no longer compete at a higher level, for a variety of reasons. From the commencement of photo competition # 4 for 2016, (planned commencement date 11 July), members may only go down a level with the approval of the Photo Competition Co-ordinator, following a request from the member.