A new Sioux City Camera Club season begins in September, and there is plenty to look forward to!

Over the past several months, the Board of Directors has completed a comprehensive review of the Club’s governing documents, competition rules, meeting schedule, and operating procedures. Many of the resulting changes came directly from member suggestions, while others were made to clarify Club operations, improve consistency, and make participation more enjoyable for everyone.

Here is a look at what’s new for the 2026–2027 season.

Meet Your 2026–2027 Board of Directors

Following recent leadership changes, the Club’s officers and directors for the upcoming season are:

• President: Denis Hirschman
• Vice President: Tom Schoening
• Secretary: Gary Gilbert
• Treasurer: Doug Conrad
• Director at Large: Mary Klauer
• Immediate Past President: Carl Hardy

As Denis Hirschman assumes the role of President, the Board looks forward to his leadership and his commitment to encouraging creativity, new ideas, and member participation.

Gary Gilbert has graciously agreed to transition from Director at Large to Secretary. His many years of involvement with the Club make him well suited for this important position.

We also welcome Mary Klauer as our new Director at Large and thank her for her willingness to serve.

Following his resignation as President, Carl Hardy has agreed to remain on the Board as Immediate Past President. We thank Carl for his many years of service and appreciate his continued support in this advisory role.

Updated Governing Documents

The Board has adopted a revised Constitution and By-Laws and a new Policies, Procedures & Competition Manual.

Together, these documents provide clear guidance regarding Club governance, officer responsibilities, competition rules, judging procedures, awards, and day-to-day operations. They establish a modern framework that will help ensure consistency, fairness, and efficient operation for years to come.

Both documents are available on the Club website, and members are encouraged to review them.

A New September-to-August Club Year

One of the most significant changes is the adoption of a single Club operating year running from September through August.

The Club’s fiscal year, membership year, officer terms, competition schedule, and annual awards will now follow the same calendar. Bringing everything together into one continuous Club year will make operations simpler and more consistent for members and Club leadership.

A Simpler Monthly Meeting Schedule

Beginning with the new season, the Club will meet once a month on the last Thursday of the month.

This replaces the previous schedule of meeting twice a month during portions of the year and provides members with a more consistent schedule that is easier to remember.

There are a few exceptions:

• The November meeting will be held on the third Thursday because of Thanksgiving.
• There will be no regular meeting in December because of the Club Christmas Party.
• There will be no regular meeting in August because of the Annual Awards Banquet.

Each regular meeting will continue to include an educational program, along with the presentation and review of that month’s competition entries.

Introducing Altered Reality

One of the most frequently requested changes from members has been the addition of an Altered Reality competition category.

Altered Reality gives photographers an opportunity to explore their creativity beyond traditional image editing while still maintaining a photographic foundation. Substantial photographic content—including subjects, objects, and backgrounds—must originate from photographs created by the entrant.

The Club’s updated rules also clarify the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence. Generative AI may not be used to create new subjects, objects, backgrounds, or other significant image content.

We are excited to see the imaginative work our members create in this new category!

A Second Chance for Honorable Mention Images

Beginning this season, images receiving an Honorable Mention may be entered again in a future Club competition.

If an Honorable Mention image later receives First, Second, or Third Place, it becomes permanently ineligible for future competition. Because Honorable Mention images remain eligible for re-entry, they will not receive Photographer of the Year points.

This change gives members another opportunity to compete with deserving images while preserving a fair Photographer of the Year competition.

Additional Competition Improvements

The Board also approved several other enhancements for the upcoming season:

• Judge Chairs and judges may not enter competitions they are judging.
• Judge Chairs will be recruited and scheduled before the beginning of each season whenever possible.
• Image eligibility requirements have been clarified.
• Judging procedures, awards, and competition policies have been more clearly defined.
• Altered Reality standards now address the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence.

These changes will take effect beginning with the September 2026 print competition.

Membership Renewals Are Due September 1

Annual membership dues for the 2026–2027 season are due by September 1, 2026.

Membership applications and renewal information are available on the Club website. Renewing promptly will ensure that your membership remains active and that you are eligible to participate in competitions, Club activities, and Photographer of the Year standings from the beginning of the season.

Looking Ahead to a Great Season

These updates represent the most comprehensive review of the Club’s governing documents and competition program in many years. Every change was made with one goal in mind: to strengthen the Club while preserving the friendly, educational, and creative environment that has long defined the Sioux City Camera Club.

We encourage every member to read the updated Constitution and By-Laws and Policies, Procedures & Competition Manual.

Whether you have been a member for many years or are joining us for the first time, we invite you to get involved. Enter your photography in our competitions, attend educational programs and field trips, share your knowledge, try something new, and enjoy the friendships that make the Sioux City Camera Club such a special organization.

Together, let’s make the 2026–2027 season one of our best yet. We look forward to seeing everyone in September!