Photographic competitions occur monthly and are focussed toward pre-selected categories and within three different member groups. Descriptions of our competitions can be found within our Competitions Page. Our competitions are a means for members to expand and improve their photographic art and stimulate discussion within our membership

Our most recent competiton was "The Human Hand in Nature." This Nature photography category is intended as a complement to the PSA Nature category, substituting a requirement for evidence of human involvement and not the prohibition of it. Other characteristics remain the same. The Nature category allowed depiction of all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archaeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and recognize its honest presentation. The visual message of the photograph is considered more important than the technical considerations but high image quality is essential.

This competition was judged by Doug Davlin and, discussion and awards were presented on May 17, 2021.

There are three competition groups within Padre Trails Camera Club labeled Red, Green and Blue. Each Club member is placed within one of these competition groups in order to fairly distribute members into competitive peer-groups. This is intended to level the competition field, giving everyone a more equal opportunity to succeed in our monthly competitions. At the beginning of each new Club year, members are grouped into competition peer-groups based on their adjusted average star score from the preceding year. Prospective new members may select a peer group placement where they may feel most comfortable in competing.