- Last Updated: 08 December 2020 08 December 2020
New Guidelines Revealed!
Out with the complicated photo challenge guidelines of the past and in with the new. The TOPG will be using new photo challenge guidelines beginning in February 2021. Digital Composition Challenges and Print Competitions, both with their complicated and confusing rules, have been replaced by a new set of rules Yes, we have simplified the concept. For 2021, there will be only one type of challenge, the Photo Challenge. Submission guidelines have been simplified to foster creativity and artistic freedom. Our challenges will consist of mix of conceptual themes, subject matter, and technical skill areas. For more information, you need to read our updated information page for photo challenges.
- Last Updated: 27 November 2020 27 November 2020
Membership
As a TOPG member, you can enjoy all club benefits including our monthly meetings, outings, programs, presentations and technical assistance. Also, as a member of the TOPG, you are a member of the Southern California Council of Camera Clubs, and you have an opportunity to submit images for their monthly photo contests. For more details, see our complete Membership Information page.
- Last Updated: 06 January 2021 06 January 2021

2020 Photo Review
Judge: Christopher Broughton
Website at https://www.christopherbroughton.com/
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/christopher.broughton.73
Christopher Broughton reviews his selection of our best photots from 2020. The broadcast was presented on Monday, January 4 at 7:30 PM.
If you missed the review, watch it now:
- Last Updated: 06 January 2021 06 January 2021
TOPG Webinar Series- Online via Zoom
Safari Planning for Photographers
Wednesday, January 20 at 7:30 PM
Host: Adventure to Africa Team
Webinar Link: (See TOPG Calendar.)
Downloads: No downloads have been provided at this time.
Details: The Adventure to Africa Team presents their take on preparing for a photo adventure to Africa.
Adventure to Africa used to manage safari camps in Africa and now organize photographic safaris. We are hobby photographers only, and this webinar is not about camera settings and such. We realize photographers have unique needs and requirements during safaris and this presentation will offer insights on what details to pay attention to. Their webinar covers several topics including:
- Africa Destination Overview
- What to Look for in a Safari Camp
- Best Time to Go for Optimum Shots
- Customized Vehicles & Boats
- Levels of Assistance Available
You might also like to look at our previous webinars on The Great Migration and Gorilla Tracking on their YouTube channel to learn more about them.
We will start promptly at 7:30 PM (tentative time), so suggest you join the webinar a few minutes before. TOPG does NOT provide Zoom technical support. We so strongly suggest you try and work with Zoom a little ahead of time if you are not familiar with it. Although not a requirement, your Zoom experience work better if install the Zoom app on your computer ahead of time. This is easy to do by downloading their app and setting up an account. For information about using Zoom, read our Zoom Videoconferencing Guide.
- Last Updated: 13 January 2021 13 January 2021
February Photo Challenge
New 2021 Photo Challenge Rules (Assigned and Open classes)
Assigned Topic: My Hometown
Judge: Paul and Nancy Speaker (bio)
Website at https://psa-photo.org/index.php?ropa-paul-speaker-0718#ad-image-0
Facebook at: unavailable
Instagram at unavailable
For February, we are having our first photo challenge using the new 2021 photo challenge rules. The topic this month is "My Hometown." Select a theme that would make our judge want to live in your hometown. This could be the Conejo Valley, Simi, Moorpark, just about anywhere in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley or even Boise, Idaho. Show us the place where you live now!
Or, you can submit images into the "open class." Either way have fun and submit some photos for critique.
- Competition Rules: Thousand Oaks Photo Group Photo Challenge Guidelines for 2021
- Entry Closing Date: Submit your images by January 27, no later than 10 PM.
Critique and Judging will take place on February 1 via Zoom at 7:30 PM. See our calendar for details.
- Last Updated: 06 January 2021 06 January 2021
TOPG Webinar Series- Online via Zoom
New Photoshop Features
Wednesday, February18 at 7:30 PM
Host: Debi Aquino
Webinar Link:
Downloads: No downloads have been provided at this time.
Details: Debi Aquino describes how to control how to use Photoshop Retouching Tools to improve your photographs.
We will start promptly at 7:30 PM , so suggest you join the webinar a few minutes before. TOPG does NOT provide Zoom technical support. We so strongly suggest you try and work with Zoom a little ahead of time if you are not familiar with it. Although not a requirement, your Zoom experience work better if install the Zoom app on your computer ahead of time. This is easy to do by downloading their app and setting up an account. For information about using Zoom, read our Zoom Videoconferencing Guide.