APPA IMAGE COMPETITION BOOT CAMP - With Roy Nierdieck (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

APPA IMAGE COMPETITION BOOT CAMP

From Good Images to Merit Images

Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Precision Camera – Anderson Lane

Attention, photographers! It’s time to report for Image Competition Boot Camp.

Whether you’ve never entered an image competition, have entered a few times and wondered “Why did that score what it did?”, or you’re an experienced competitor looking for those little refinements that can push an image into Merit territory, APPA Image Competition Boot Camp is designed to help you become a stronger, smarter competitor.

This fast-paced two-hour program will take some of the mystery—and intimidation—out of photographic competition and show you how to look at your images through the eyes of a competition judge.

We’ll break down the three styles of PPA Image Competition, what makes each different, how participating can improve your photography, and the how, what and when of entering.

Then we’ll dig into the heart of competition: The Twelve Elements of a Merit Image. Through explanations and examples, you’ll learn how judges evaluate an image and how elements such as impact, composition, lighting, storytelling, technique and presentation can influence the final score.

And because sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, we’ll finish with the Do’s, Don’ts and Merit Killers—those details that can strengthen an otherwise good image or quietly pull a competition score downward.

Consider it two hours of basic training for photographers who want to compete with purpose.

You’ll Learn:

The three styles of PPA Image Competition
What each competition format is designed to accomplish
How competition can make you a better photographer
How, what and when to enter
The Twelve Elements of a Merit Image
How those elements influence scoring
Small changes that can help improve your score
Common competition mistakes and “Merit Killers”
How to begin evaluating your own work like a competition judge

Your Instructor: Roy Nierdieck, M.Photog., M.Artist, Cr., CPP

Roy is the owner/operator of Red Dragon Photography LLC and Texas Heritage Portraits and Restorations Atelier, LLC. He is a Master Photographer, Master Artist, Photographic Craftsman, Certified Professional Photographer and two-time Austin Photographer of the Year, with work published in Cowboys & Indians and The Photographer magazines.

Your assignment is simple: bring your curiosity, bring your questions—and prepare to turn good images into Merit images.

FOCUS. TRAIN. COMPETE.

The Art of Retouching with Elena - September Membership Meeting (21 Sep 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Details coming soon

Social Media with McKee Media -October Membership Meeting (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Details coming soon.

https://www.mckeemedia.net/

November Annual Competition - TBD (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

TBD
Possible venue: Precision Camera
Possible date and time: Sunday, November 15, 12pm-3pm

Austin Professional Photographers Association upcoming events

APPA IMAGE COMPETITION BOOT CAMP - With Roy Nierdieck (12 Sep 2026)

The Art of Retouching with Elena - September Membership Meeting (21 Sep 2026)

Social Media with McKee Media -October Membership Meeting (19 Oct 2026)

November Annual Competition - TBD (15 Nov 2026)