Preparing for YPU 2026: My Experience Reviewing Ten PDIs with the f4 Photography Group

A lakeside tree and wooden hut illuminated by evening light.

A sparrowhawk pausing quietly on a branch before resuming its hunt.

A lone stone barn standing against the expansive backdrop of the moor.

Soft light breaking through cloud over a peaceful valley and distant hills.

A watchful little owl set among the foliage of an oak tree.

Kingfisher diving from its perch at speed, captured at the start of its descent.

A great spotted woodpecker clinging to a tree trunk, displaying classic plumage detail.

Moment of success as the kingfisher holds its catch firmly on a mossy branch.

Introduction

Preparing images for the Yorkshire Photographic Union (YPU) Annual Exhibition is a completely new experience for me. Although I have photographed wildlife, nature, landscapes, and documentary subjects for many years, my competition work has always remained inside the club environment. Those events feel familiar and straightforward. Entering a formal regional exhibition with strict rules, defined categories, and a much wider judging audience is something I have never attempted before.

Because this is my first external submission outside the club arena, the learning curve has been noticeably steep. I needed to understand the category definitions clearly. I needed to ensure that my files matched the YPU technical requirements. Most importantly, I had to consider whether the images I had shortlisted were strong enough for this level of external critique.

To avoid making assumptions, I selected a set of ten PDIs and took them to the f4 Photography Group for a dedicated advisory session. My aim was simple. I wanted honest, structured feedback and confirmation that each image belonged in the correct category. The session proved extremely valuable and helped clarify my next steps.

This article outlines what I learned, the pitfalls I discovered as a first-time entrant, and how the advisory session helped shape my approach to preparing for the YPU.

Why I Decided to Enter the YPU for the First Time

Entering the YPU provides an opportunity to benchmark my work on a much wider stage. Club feedback is always helpful, but a regional exhibition allows me to see where my photography sits among a broader and more diverse group of photographers across Yorkshire.

The process also encourages discipline. Preparing a formal submission forces me to take a more objective view of each image and judge it solely on what appears inside the frame. Sentiment and memory play no part in the final evaluation.

Finally, entering an external exhibition feels like a natural next step. It allows me to challenge myself, refine my workflow, and approach my photography with a more structured and intentional mindset.

Starting Early as a First-Time Entrant

Because this was my first attempt at the YPU, I decided to begin early. I wanted the time to select and prepare the images carefully and without pressure. This early start made a significant difference. It gave me the space to evaluate the images as a group, review the category requirements repeatedly, and present the set to the f4 Photography Group with enough time to act on their feedback.

If anyone is entering the YPU for the first time, starting early is essential. It allows for clearer thinking, better category choices, and a more deliberate workflow.

Presenting the Ten PDIs to the f4 Photography Group

For the advisory session I presented ten PDIs across three categories.

My Nature selection included five images: Kingfisher Launch, Kingfisher With Prey, Little Owl in Oak, Sparrowhawk at Rest, and Great Spotted Woodpecker. These comply with the strict YPU Nature guidelines and represent much of my wildlife work from the past year.

My Landscape and Scapes group included Light Over the Valley, Stone Barn on the Moor, and Tree and Hut by the Lake. These images each reflect different atmospheric qualities and locations.

The final two images sat within the People and Documentary category: Factory Production Line and Shepherd and Flock. These provided variation and allowed me to include subjects that fall outside my usual wildlife and landscape focus.

The group discussion was constructive and thorough. Every image received balanced feedback, and the conversations around category placement were particularly helpful. I quickly discovered that assumptions can easily be incorrect, especially when dealing with the finer distinctions between nature, wildlife, and pictorial definitions.

Common Pitfalls I Encountered as a First-Time Entrant

1. Misunderstanding category definitions

The YPU categories are more strictly defined than many club competitions. Misplacing an image can reduce its impact or even invalidate it.

2. Over or under processing

The balance between technical precision and restraint is critical. Excessive sharpening or noise reduction can harm an image. Under-processing can also weaken its effectiveness.

3. Selecting strong individual images that do not work as a set

Working on a coherent group encourages better discipline. Even though each PDI is judged individually, reviewing them collectively often highlights inconsistencies.

4. Assuming the viewer understands the story behind the image

An image must stand alone without relying on the memory of the moment or the effort required to capture it.

5. Leaving decisions too late

A first-time submission involves many small considerations. Early preparation avoids rushed choices and reduces the chance of technical errors.

What I Learned From My First Advisory Session

The session at the f4 Photography Group provided clarity. It confirmed which images were technically strong, highlighted a few that needed minor improvements, and showed me exactly where category placement required adjustment. It also strengthened the overall set and gave me the confidence that I was heading in the right direction.

My next steps involve refining a small number of details, reviewing two categories again, and ensuring that the final presentation meets all requirements.

Final Thoughts

Entering the YPU for the first time has already proved to be a valuable learning experience. It has encouraged me to evaluate my work more critically, improve my workflow, and approach selection and preparation with greater structure. The advisory session at the f4 Photography Group strengthened the entire set and provided guidance that I could not have gained on my own.

All ten images were well received during the review, which was reassuring, but the real value came from the detailed discussion and critique. For anyone preparing to enter the YPU for the first time, I would strongly recommend sharing your work with your club or peer group early in the process. Outside feedback can highlight issues that are easy to overlook and significantly improve the quality of the final submission.