File Formats, Sizes, and General Requirements

To keep the Online Photo Club running smoothly for everyone, we ask that all participants follow a few simple technical rules when submitting images. Photographs must be saved in a standard web format such as .jpg, .png, or .webp. Animated images or files in uncommon formats may not display correctly and should be converted before submission. Each file should be reasonably sized for the web, ideally under 2–3 megabytes, so that pages load quickly even on slower connections. Images should be clearly focused and free from watermarks, logos, or text that could distract from the subject of the photo. Minor editing, such as cropping or adjusting brightness and contrast, is allowed, but excessive manipulation that changes the content of the scene is discouraged for the purposes of this club.

All photos must be original work created by the person who submits them. By sending an image to this site, you are confirming that you took the photograph yourself and that you have the right to share it publicly. Please avoid submitting images that contain offensive, violent, or inappropriate content, as entries that do not meet basic standards of respect will be removed and will not be considered for voting. When people appear in your photographs, use good judgment and make sure that subjects are shown in a positive and respectful way. If a contest theme involves public places or events, try to capture scenes that focus on the atmosphere or activity instead of individuals who may not wish to be photographed closely.

Contest Themes, Deadlines, and Community Etiquette

Each contest cycle focuses on one of the three main categories described on the Categories page. The current theme and submission deadline will be clearly noted on the Submit Photos page so participants know when their entries are due. Entries sent after the posted deadline may still appear in the gallery but will not be included in that month’s voting round. To keep the contests fair, we ask that you submit no more than three photos per theme. If you accidentally send more, the club coordinator may select a subset of your images to include in the contest. You are welcome to participate regularly, and returning members are encouraged to challenge themselves by trying different categories over time.

Our goal is to maintain a positive and encouraging atmosphere where photographers feel comfortable sharing their work, regardless of skill level. When leaving comments or giving feedback on photos, please focus on what you found interesting or effective, and offer suggestions in a respectful tone. Avoid posting harsh or personal criticism, and remember that everyone is learning. While friendly competition is part of the fun, the main purpose of the Online Photo Club is to help people grow in their creativity and enjoy the process of making images. If any issues arise, such as suspected rule violations or inappropriate comments, please contact the club coordinator at photoclub@example.com so that the situation can be reviewed and resolved.