Competition Themes
Wild Atlantic Way
Annual Print Competition
The Wild Atlantic Way is an annual print competition run within Solas Photography Club, which takes full advantage of our proximity to some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way, and provides members with the opportunity to showcase their photography in print form.
Criteria
The Wild Atlantic Way Annual competition will be PRINT ENTRIES ONLY with prints being judged on the judging night by our Guest Judge. Members can submit a maximum of 2 MOUNTED PRINT IMAGES in either Colour or Black & White / Mono unless stated otherwise.
Mounted Prints must be either window mounted or on a backing board measuring maximum 16″x20″ (41cm x 51cm). The maximum image size 16″x12 and″ The minimum image size 8″x10″ .
The Wild Atlantic Way competition has 2 categories, Non-Advanced and Advanced.
Entries are due: February 18th 2026
Photographer of the Year (POTY)
The Photographer of the Year is an annual digital photo competition run within Solas Photography Club. It provides our members with the opportunity to showcase their skills, challenge themselves creatively, and explore various themes, styles and types of photography.
Criteria
The POTY Competition contains 3 rounds, with 2 themes per round. POTY is DIGITAL ENTRIES ONLY, with the 2 themes of each round being judged on each judging night by our Guest Judge. Members can submit a maximum of 2 images per theme in either Colour or Black & White / Mono unless stated otherwise.
The POTY competition has 2 categories, Non-Advanced and Advanced. Both categories will have Photographer of the Year Awards.
The gallery below showcases the 2024/2025 Photographer of the Year competition, and demonstrates the diversity and creativity within the Solas Photography Club.
Photographer of the Year 2025 / 2026 Themes
Round 1
Games or Sport
Images that depict the energy, action, emotion, or quiet concentration of competitive and non-competitive play. This theme can be interpreted broadly to include board games or solo activities such as jogging or yoga.
Open Mono
Any subject of your choice in black & white or monochrome (e.g., sepia-toned).
Round 2
Minimalism
Images that emphasise simple compositions, clean lines, minimal colour palette, and negative space. Many subjects suit this style of photography such as architecture, landscape, portraits, abstract, still life, macro etc.
Nature/Biodiversity
Images that capture the beauty and variety of flora and fauna. Animals, birds, insects and plants are permitted. Entries should adhere to ethical wildlife photography practices, including avoiding disturbance of animals, nests, or habitats.
Round 3
Narrative Portraiture
Photos of people that tell a story beyond a simple likeness, using elements like expression, setting, and composition to create a sense of story, emotion, or character.
Open Colour
Any subject of your choice in colour.
Round 1 Submission Date
26th October 2025
Round 2 Submission Date
1st February 2026
Round 3 Submission Date
26th April 2026