Power of Print Photography Club Monthly Print Competition

Melonie Marie McEver
Jan 18
11 min read

Updated: Mar 19

How to Be Featured on the Magazine Cover

If you’ve ever wanted to see your work on the cover of the magazine—this is your path.

To be considered for a magazine cover you can submit your images through one of our monthly category entries inside the Facebook group. Each month, you can submit up to 5 images using the correct hashtag format (example: #portraits_march or #commercial_march).

All magazine features—including the cover—are selected directly from these category submissions.

If you simply want to enter the monthly challenge with NO print review, you can do that now by posting your images in the facebook group and using the correct hashtags. However, if you would like a professional written critique to strengthen your chances, you must also submit an official online request for review. Each member receives one free critique per month, with up to 4 additional critiques available for $5 each.

Submission categories:

This process ensures that every image considered for publication has the opportunity to be refined, elevated, and truly stand out.

Your next cover image starts here. Keep reading for details about the Print Review Process.

The Elevation Lab Print Competition & Photo Review with the Power of Print Photography Club— Raise Your Prints, Sharpen Your Vision

Photography is more than capturing a moment — it’s the choices you make afterward that determine how an image is perceived in print. The Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review is the Power of Print Photography Club’s dedicated program for helping members turn strong captures into outstanding printed work. Whether you’re just starting to explore print presentation or preparing a portfolio for competition or exhibition, the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review provides structured, actionable feedback with an emphasis on how images read in physical form.

The Elevation Lab Print Competition and Photo Review is where photographers turn good images into award-winning work.

What is the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review?

The Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review is the club’s centralized image review and print coaching program. It combines peer critique, senior oversight, and occasional guest judges to deliver detailed written reviews specifically focused on printed presentation and competition readiness. The program helps members improve not only the technical quality of their prints but also the storytelling, composition, and overall impact when images are viewed on paper rather than on a screen.

Primary objectives of the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review:

• Improve technical print quality: exposure, sharpness, tonal mapping, and color accuracy.

• Strengthen composition and design choices for print formats.

• Enhance narrative clarity and emotional impact in physical presentation.

• Teach best practices for print finishing: paper selection, matting, mounting, and framing.

• Prepare members for monthly competitions and public exhibitions.

Who should use the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review?

Any active member of the Power of Print Photography Club who wants reliable, actionable feedback on images intended for print should consider the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review. The program serves beginners learning print fundamentals, hobbyists refining an eye for detail, and advanced members preparing entries for competition or gallery display. Reviews are tailored to the submitter’s goals, whether that is technically perfect printing or maximizing artistic impact.

Not every image will be perfect—but every critique brings you closer to creating one that is.

Submission Categories

To ensure feedback is targeted and fair, the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review organizes entries into clear submission categories. When you fill out the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form, choose the category that best reflects your creative intent. Categories help reviewers apply appropriate standards and give context-specific advice.

Typical submission categories:

HOW TO SIZE IMAGES

Guidelines on choosing a category:

Select the category that aligns with the primary purpose or style of your image. If your image straddles categories, pick the category whose criteria you most want the reviewer to prioritize.
Photojournalism and street submissions should observe ethical standards: avoid manipulation that changes the factual content or context of the scene.

How Written Reviews Are Done in the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review

Written reviews are the core service of the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review. Each written critique is designed to be constructive, specific, and actionable so members can improve a printed image quickly and efficiently.

Review team and roles

At each monthly Photo Club meeting, members participate in a dynamic peer review session where submitted images are shared, discussed, and celebrated in a supportive, growth-focused environment. This is your opportunity to receive real feedback from fellow photographers, gain new perspective on your work, and refine your creative vision. At the end of the session, attendees vote for the Fan Favorite, recognizing the image that made the biggest impact with the group.
Outside expert written reviews bring fresh, unbiased perspectives that go beyond familiar peer feedback, helping you see your work through the lens of a professional judge. These critiques simulate real competition standards—similar to national-level judging—by evaluating elements like impact, composition, technical excellence, storytelling, and presentation. This not only prepares you for entering higher-level competitions, but also helps you identify subtle strengths and weaknesses you may have overlooked, accelerating your growth as a photographer with clear, actionable insights.

Standard review structure

To keep reviews consistent across reviewers, the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review uses a structured template. Typical written reviews include the following sections:

First impression

A succinct paragraph describing the reviewer’s initial reaction: mood, perceived strengths, and overall effect on physical print.
Technical evaluation
Exposure and tonal balance (highlights, midtones, shadows)
Sharpness and focus, including print-specific sharpening advice
Color accuracy and white balance; whether a color profile should be embedded for printing
Print artifact checks: banding, posterization, or issues that may appear on particular paper types

Composition and design

Suggestions on cropping and framing for stronger print presence
Visual flow, balance, and use of negative space
Depth and layering between foreground, middle ground, and background elements

Storytelling and emotional impact

Assessment of whether the image conveys a clear narrative or emotion
Identification of distractions and suggestions to strengthen the main message

Print presentation and finishing

Recommended paper types (matte, luster, glossy, baryta) based on the image’s tonal and color characteristics
Suggested print size and viewing distance considerations
Matting, mounting, and framing recommendations for competition display

Strengths and “What to try next”

A prioritized list of three to five specific, actionable changes the photographer can implement
Mock Rubic Score scoring for competition readiness

Tone and reviewer delivery

Reviews are aimed to be helpful and respectful. The goal is improvement, not unnecessary criticism.
Effective reviews use precise examples rather than vague statements. For instance, rather than saying “color is off,” reviewers will specify adjustments: “Reduce magenta by a small amount in midtones; check monitor profile against printer ICC.”
Reviewers explain the rationale behind suggestions so members learn the principles behind the advice.

Turnaround and delivery

Written reviews are normally returned within 7–14 days of submission, depending on reviewer availability and meeting schedules.
Reviews are emailed to members and archived in their Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review profile for reference and to track progress over time.
When a print is presented at a monthly meeting, a written summary is added to the entry after the live review discussion.

One Free Image Review Per Month

To ensure all members have regular access to feedback, the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review offers one free written image review per member each calendar month.

ENTER NOW

Eligibility and use

Any active Power of Print Photography Club member is eligible for one complimentary written review each calendar month.
The free review applies to one image per month and it must be a digital file intended for print and will be available in a finished physical print that you can bring to the meeting next monthly club meeting for fan favorite voting in person.

How to claim your free monthly review

Complete the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form for the image you want reviewed and indicate that you are claiming your free monthly review.
Only one free review can be pending per member at any given time. If you’ve already used your free review for the month and want additional feedback, you can purchase extra reviews (see below).

Important details

The free review covers one image only and cannot be split across multiple images.
Unused free reviews do not roll over; the allowance resets at the start of each calendar month.

Extra Image Reviews — $5 Each

If you want feedback on more than one image in a month, the Elevation Lab Print Competition & Photo Review offers extra written reviews at $5 per image.

How to enter and pay for extra reviews

On the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form, choose the “Extra Review” option and indicate how many paid reviews you want.
Payment must be processed through the club’s online payment portal.
After payment confirmation, paid reviews are queued and completed using the same standard review template.

What the $5 covers

A full written critique per the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review standard.
Priority queuing: paid reviews are often handled faster when reviewer capacity is limited.
Each $5 payment covers one additional image review. Purchase up to 4 'extra' reviews if you need feedback on up to 5 images a month.

Administrative notes

Fees support administrative costs and modest honoraria for written reviews.
Paid reviews do not alter the impartiality or candor of feedback. Reviewers deliver the same quality of critique regardless of payment.

Monthly Meeting Fan Favorite Vote

The Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review integrates into the club’s monthly meetings with a Fan Favorite vote. This is a member-driven recognition that celebrates prints that resonate most with the group.

Eligibility and rules

To be eligible for Fan Favorite, a print brought to the monthly meeting must have been submitted through the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry system. This ensures entries are registered and have received the program’s review attention.
You must bring a print that you submitted for the monthly review with the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo.

Presentation requirements (SEE GUIDELINES BELOW)

Bring your print to the meeting labeled with your name, the image title, category, and Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry ID.
Prints should be mounted according to display guidelines; the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review can advise on mounting if needed.
Optionally include a one-sentence caption on the back explaining your intent; this can help voters understand the creative goal.

Voting process

Each attending club member receives one anonymous ballot to cast for their Fan Favorite.
Ballots record the image title and entrant’s name or ID. Members can vote for any eligible print they feel is most resonant or well-presented.
Volunteers tally the ballots and announce results at the meeting. Ties trigger a short runoff vote among the tied prints.

Recognition and exposure

The Fan Favorite winner is recognized at the meeting and featured on the club’s website and newsletter.
Winners are invited to discuss their process in the quartely magazine and provide images for the club portfolio and promotional materials.

Why Fan Favorite matters

Fan Favorite reflects peer response rather than judge-based scoring, highlighting how an image connects with a general club audience.
It provides valuable insight into which print treatments and presentation decisions attract attention in a room setting.

Practical Tips for Submitting Images and Preparing Prints

To get the most from the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review and to do well in the Fan Favorite vote, follow these practical tips:

Digital file submission

Resolution: Submit files at the intended print size at 300 ppi when possible. If your print house or printer requires different specs, note that on the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form.
Color profile: Convert files to the printer’s recommended ICC profile. If unsure, ask in the entry notes and reviewers will advise.
Sharpening: Apply output sharpening appropriate to print size and intended viewing distance; reviewers will comment on if additional output sharpening is needed.
File format: Use JPEG with minimal compression.
Metadata and intent: Include a short caption, camera/lens info, and a statement of intent on the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form—context allows reviewers to give more targeted feedback.

Print preparation

Choose paper to match the image’s character. Matte or textured paper works well for soft portraits and fine art; luster or glossy often enhances punch and color for landscapes.
Consider viewing distance when deciding print size: larger prints suit expansive landscapes; intimate portraits benefit from smaller sizes that invite close viewing.
Use neutral, sturdy matting. A simple white or off-white mat generally helps most images shine.
Label prints discreetly on the back with your name, title, category, and Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Month/Year Entry.

Presentation and storytelling

Write a concise title about your image intent; it can guide reviewers and voters during discussion.
For images featuring people, be ready to discuss consent and representation if asked; ethical considerations matter in judging and peer discussion.

Using Feedback Constructively

Approach reviews with a growth mindset. Think of written critique as a checklist for revision rather than personal criticism.
Prioritize suggested changes by impact and ease of implementation—small adjustments like a crop or balance tweak often yield big improvements.
Keep your archived reviews in your Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review profile to monitor your progress over time.

Member Experiences and Outcomes

Members who consistently use the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review report practical improvements: closer monitor-to-print color matches after following profile advice; stronger competition results due to refined presentation; and increased confidence in matting and sizing decisions. Many members also say they learn as much from reviewing others’ entries as they do from receiving feedback.

How the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Prepares You for Competition

Preparing prints for competition requires different considerations than preparing images for screens. The Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review focuses on printable outcomes aligned with competition criteria: technical excellence, composition, impact, and presentation. If you plan to enter the monthly print competition, indicate that intention on your Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry so reviewers can prioritize competition-readiness advice, including matting, recommended dimensions, and any rule compliance concerns.

Logistics and Deadlines

Check the club calendar for the specific Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review submission deadline that corresponds to each monthly meeting. Late submissions may be eligible for review but might not qualify for that month’s Fan Favorite vote.
Give yourself time to reprint after receiving review feedback. If reviewers recommend significant changes, reprinting for the next month often leads to stronger results.

Closing: Why the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Matters

Prints force decisions. They make subtle tonal issues, color shifts, and compositional choices visible in a way screens often obscure. The Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review turns those moments into opportunity, helping members translate digital captures into confident printed work. Whether you’re using your free monthly review to refine a single image, buying extra reviews to iterate rapidly, or entering the Fan Favorite vote to see how your print connects with members, the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review exists to elevate your images and sharpen your judging eye.

Ready to participate?

Complete the Elevation Lab Print Comp & Photo Review Entry form for your next submission.
Claim your free review for the month, or purchase $5-per-image extra reviews for additional feedback.
Bring eligible print to the monthly meeting and join the Fan Favorite vote.

Elevation Lab Print Competition & Photo Review

🖼️ Print Size & Mounting Options

Power of Print Photography Club Competition

To maintain a consistent and professional presentation, all entries must follow the approved print size and mounting guidelines below.

📏 Approved Print Sizes

All images must be submitted within the following sizes:

8x10
11x14
16x20

👉 Images should be printed with proper aspect ratio and cropping for best presentation.

🧱 Mounting Options

All prints must be mounted or printed on one of the following professional surfaces:

📌 Styrene Mount

Lightweight and durable
Smooth, clean finish
Great for standard competition entries
Recommended for most members

🪵 Gator Board Mount

Thicker, more rigid than foam core
Professional, high-end presentation
Ideal for serious competition entries

✨ Metal Print

High contrast and vibrant color
Modern, sleek finish
Excellent for landscapes and commercial work

⚠️ Important Guidelines

Prints must be clean, flat, and free of damage
No visible logos, watermarks
Mounting should not exceed ¼ inch thickness (recommended for consistency)
Edges should be clean and professionally finished

💡 Pro Tip

The way your image is presented matters just as much as the image itself.

A strong print with the right mounting can elevate your score in:

Impact
Presentation
Professionalism