Each month the Committee selects a theme for the monthly challenge. This might be a specific subject or photographic style, or it could be a technical theme, normally after a workshop or tutorial on that technique.
Members then have four weeks to submit three images that they feel best reflect their interpretation on the monthly challenge theme. Members then vote for their first, second and third choices.
Each challenge has a theme, such as landscapes, the colour orange or signs of spring.
There is a dedicated e-mail address for entries which is sbclubphoto@yahoo.com
The monthly challenges are a way of members sharing their knowledge and developing their skills. With this in mind, those taking part are asked to submit some basic information from their phone or camera. These are ISO, F stop and shutter speed. Do not worry if you are not familiar with these terms. Just ask at a club meeting and they will be explained to you and how you can find them.
When a challenge is underway, go to the Discussions page of the club Flickr site. There you will see all the entries. Scroll to the bottom to register your vote.
Though entirely optional, the monthly challenge is a great way of developing your skills.
The challenges encourage club members to explore new techniques, as well as taking photographs of subjects that they would not normally consider.
The club meeting immediately following the end of a challenge is given over to a discussion of the entries. Those taking part are invited to say a bit about their images and how they interpreted the theme Often the informal discussion raises useful comments and constructive ways for improvement and ideas for future topics and workshops.
At the end of the year the number of first, second and third places are collated and the winner receives the Brian Noel Memorial Trophy.