The Dragon's Lens
A twice yearly photographic competition for Dragon's Pen members.
2026 Autumn Photography Competition
What is it?
Dragon’s Lens is a relaxed photography event held twice a year for members. It encompasses shared creativity online, so great for members from further afield as well as our more local members. There is an in-person prize-giving ceremony and a three course meal for those that want to attend.
Submit your photos, vote for your favourites (but not yourself!) and celebrate the winners together. You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy equipment — just photos you’d like to share.
When is it?
- Submissions : From October 3rd to midnight on October 15th, 2026 CET
- Online viewing & voting: October 20th to Midnight October 26th CET
- Meal reservation closes: Midnight, 15th October 2026 CET
- Event night: 30th October, near Cressat, La Creuse
Each participant can submit up to five original photos in total, across the following categories (AI generated or AI manipulated images are not accepted):
- People
- Animals
- Landscapes or City-scapes
- Free Theme: Seasonal, Still life, Macro, B+W, Manipulated Photographs (using Photoshop or similar, filters etc), Nature etc. It's a free theme, so the world is your oyster!
Entry to the competition + three-course meal: €16 (or just the meal for non-members)
See The Menu (To be advised) Let Barbi know, at the time of booking, if you have any food intolerance or allergies.
Payment for submissions and/or the meal from 1st October 2026 to midnight on 15th October CEST. A payment button will be created and put here.
Submissions should be emailed directly to Barbi at siptea@hotmail.com
This bit is very important - JPEG photos only, and each file to be titled [Category] - [title] ....for example: People - old man
Do not put your name or any other details on the file name - just those two things separated by a hyphen [-]. Your photo(s) will be rejected if they are not submitted like this.
Voting and Prizes
- All submitted images will be displayed online on this website.
- Voting for each category will be anonymous by an online poll.
- Winners will be revealed at the prize-giving event - 30th October 2026 (to be confirmed), and then posted here on 1st November.
- There will be a prize for each category winner. First, second and third places will be displayed on the website in the Winners Gallery.
Participation
- All Dragon's Pen members, including overseas members, are welcome to submit and vote (although you cannot vote for yourself).
- Prizes will be issued as vouchers for winners who are unable to attend, or given in person to local winners.
- Attendance to the prize-giving ceremony and meal is optional and open to members and non-members alike, and you may also attend without choosing the meal.
- You are also very welcome to attend and/or participate in the meal, even if you don’t submit photographs.
Participation
- All Dragon's Pen members, including overseas members, are welcome to both submit photographs and vote. (Though no voting for yourself!)
- Prizes will be issued as vouchers for winners who are unable to attend, or given in person to local winners.
- Attendance to the prize-giving ceremony and meal is optional, and you may also attend without choosing the meal. You, your partner and family are also very welcome to attend even if you don’t submit photographs.
Terms & Conditions
Participation:
Dragon’s Lens is open to Dragon’s Pen members only.
Partners and family members may attend the meal/event.
Submission Guidelines: Each participant may submit up to five photographs in total, across the stated categories. All submissions must be the original work of the person submitting them. Only images submitted to the ‘manipulated’ category may be digitally enhanced or altered (but without the use of AI). By submitting images, participants confirm they have the right to share and display the photographs.
Image Use: Submitted images will be displayed online for the purpose of voting and may be shown during the event night. Images may also be used to promote Dragon’s Lens or future Dragon’s Pen events, with credit given to the photographer where possible. Copyright remains with the photographer at all times.
Voting: Voting will take place online and anonymously. Each voter may vote once for each category. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify votes if irregularities or unfair practices are suspected.
Prizes: There will be a prize for each category winner and one overall winner. Winners will be announced at the event on 30th October, 2026. Overseas winners will receive their prize as a voucher. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Any additional funds raised will help support Dragon’s Pen and future member events.
Attendance & Food: Attendance at the event is optional. Alternatively, you may attend the prize ceremony without selecting the meal option. Meal selection must be pre-booked by the stated deadline. Food payments are non-refundable after the pre-booking deadline, except in exceptional circumstances. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of meal booking.
Conduct: Dragon’s Lens is intended to be a friendly, supportive event. The organisers reserve the right to remove submissions or exclude participants in cases of inappropriate content, plagiarism, or behaviour that goes against the spirit of the event.
Changes & Cancellation: The organisers reserve the right to amend dates, processes, or event details if necessary. In the unlikely event of cancellation, participants will be informed as soon as possible.
Data Protection: Personal information provided will be used solely for the administration of the event and will not be shared with third parties.
Menu for the Prize-Giving Ceremony
Appetizer:
Beef, cheese and bean burrito with salad
Vegetarian: bean and cheese burrito with salad
Main course:
Carnitas: (Pork chunks simmered in Crock Pot until fork tender inside and then crisped in the oven on the outside). Served with rice
Vegetarian: Tofu ‘carnitas’ with rice
Dessert:
Chocolate cake with ice cream, cookies and tea or coffee
Wine and beer and soft drinks
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let Barbi know at the time of reserving your meal(s)