The Dragon's Lens
A twice yearly photographic competition for Dragon's Pen members.
2026 Spring Photography Competition
What is it?
Dragon’s Lens is a relaxed photography event for members, combining great food, shared creativity, and a prize ceremony. Submit your photos, vote for your favourites, and celebrate the winners together. You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy equipment — just photos you’d like to share.
Each participant can submit up to five original photos in total, across the following categories (AI generated images are not accepted):
- People
- Animals
- Landscapes or Cityscapes
- Free Theme: Still life, Macro, Manipulated Photographs (using Photoshop or similar, filters etc), Nature etc.
- There is one single submission fee, no matter how many photos you submit (up to the limit).
Entry + three-course meal: €13 (or just the meal for non-members)
Submissions should be emailed directly to Barbi at siptea@hotmail.com Please mention with each photo entry with the category.
Voting and Prizes
- All submitted images will be displayed online on this website. Members can vote for their favourites by emailing Barbi directly (email above).
- Voting will be anonymous and votes must be entered before the deadline of 27th March.
- Winners will be revealed on the night of the event - 10th April.
- There will be a prize for each category winner and an overall winner’s prize.
Participation
- All members, including overseas members, are welcome to submit and vote.
- Prizes will be issued as vouchers for winners who are unable to attend, or given in person to local winners.
- Attendance is optional, and you may attend without choosing the meal.
- You’re also very welcome to attend even if you don’t submit photographs.
- Partners and family members are welcome to attend the prize-giving event.
- Submissions open: 1st March at 9am CET
- Submissions close: 13th March at 9pm CET
- Online viewing & voting: From 15th March to 27th March
- Food pre-booking closes: 27th March
- Event night: 10th April (venue to be confirmed)
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 is optional, and you may 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.
Partners and family members may attend the 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. 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 via email. 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 10th April 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.
The Menu
Appetizer: Quinoa and bean stuffed zucchini (vegetarian) or Ground beef and bean stuffed zucchini
Main Course: Pasta bake with 3 cheeses (vegetarian) or Turkey cacciatore with rice
Dessert: Caramel Apple pie and vanilla ice cream followed by chocolates and cookies with tea or coffee
Red, white or rose wine and soft drinks
Anyone with allergies or intolerance, please contact Barbi at siptea@hotmail.com