Award Rules & Categories

Architechture

This category celebrates photography of buildings, interiors, and architectural spaces. It focuses on work commissioned to document or promote architectural or design projects. Submissions should showcase the structure’s form, space, and material detail while reflecting the designer’s or architect’s intent. Images in this category include commissioned photos of Building exteriors, Interiors, Building details, Abstract or creative views of the built environment.

Photos must communicate the purpose and style of the architecture. Judges will look for clarity in how form, function, and design are represented. Lighting—natural or artificial—should reveal structure, depth, and texture. The photo should show how light shapes the space. Showcase surface textures and finishes clearly. Materials should be well-lit and true to their appearance in real life.

Photos must be sharp, well-exposed, color accurate, and professionally processed. Post-production should support, not distract from, the subject. Creative angles or framing are welcome, as long as they support the visual story. Judges will value originality without compromising architectural clarity. Edits should refine the image without altering the true look of the space or building. All elements must come from the photographer’s original capture.

Commissioned work only for commercial or architectural use. Architecture must be shown authentically—no major alterations or distortions. AI-generated elements/backgrounds or third-party backgrounds are not permitted.

Commercial Portrait, Fashion and Corporate

This category celebrates commissioned work created for commercial use—images designed to promote, brand, or represent a person, group, or business. Entries may include headshots, fashion or beauty portraits, team or executive portraits, and corporate branding
imagery. Each image should clearly support a brand’s identity, professional purpose, or marketing message.

The photo must reflect the client’s identity, purpose, or promotional goals. Judges will evaluate how well the image supports branding or professional messaging.

Images should be crisp, well-exposed, color-accurate, and precisely executed. High attention to detail is key. Lighting, styling, and composition should support the subject and brand. The photo should feel polished and high-end, with strong visual appeal that grabs attention and communicates clearly. Edits like stitching, focus stacking, or composites are allowed if they improve the final result. Retouching should be refined and maintain a commercial standard.

Important Notes for Entrants
Eligible Subjects: Submissions may include corporate headshots, team portraits, environmental portraits, and fashion or beauty shoots commissioned for commercial purposes.
All components of the image must be the photographer’s original work. Stock elements or AI-generated content are not permitted.

Product, Food & Beverage

This category highlights commissioned images created to promote products, food, or beverages. Entries may include product photography, styled food and drink, and still life compositions. These images should attract attention, support branding goals, and enhance
the appeal of the subject through thoughtful styling and strong execution.

Product, food, beverage, or still life photography created for commercial or advertising purposes. Commissioned work only.

AI-generated content, stock elements, or third-party backgrounds are not permitted. All elements must be original and captured by the photographer. Images must clearly support the product or concept and reflect the client’s branding or promotional goals. The subject should be the visual focal point.

Lighting should enhance textures, shapes, and presentation. Styling must align with the product’s purpose and support the brand’s message. Photos should be sharp, well-lit, and color accurate. Advanced techniques like focus stacking or stitching are allowed if they serve the image without distracting from the subject. Images should look professional and polished, drawing attention while clearly communicating the product’s purpose or value. Editing should enhance the image while keeping the subject authentic and central. Creative techniques are encouraged if they support the product.

Landscape & Nature

This category celebrates the beauty of the natural and built environments, from vast landscapes to intimate nature details. Images may include seascapes, cityscapes, forests, aerial views, astrophotography, and close-ups of plants, flowers, or textures. The goal is to capture the environment with both authenticity and artistic vision.

• Landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, aerial and astrophotography.
• Macro and close-up shots of nature.
• Built and natural environments.

AI-generated content, stock imagery, or inserted skies/backgrounds are not permitted. All elements must be photographed and created by the entrant.

Strong framing, lighting, and subject choice should create visual interest and evoke emotion or wonder. Scenes should stay true to reality.

Heavy editing or manipulations that alter the natural integrity are not allowed. Judges welcome both sweeping views and detailed nature studies. Unique perspectives are encouraged.

Photos should be sharp, well-exposed, and color accurate. Technical excellence is expected. Edits like exposure correction, color grading, noise reduction, and sharpening are welcome—so long as they don’t overpower the natural look. Focus stacking, panoramas, and multi-exposures are allowed if used to enhance realism and clarity without distorting the original scene.

Wildlife

This category celebrates powerful images of animals, birds, insects, fungi, and marine life in their natural environments. Photos should reflect genuine wildlife behavior and show the subject in connection with its surroundings. Ethical practices and natural authenticity are
essential.

• Wild animals, birds, insects, fungi, or marine life in their natural habitats.
• Unstaged moments that highlight natural behavior.

Images should tell a story—showing behavior, interaction, or a moment that reveals something about the subject’s life or environment. Photographers must prioritize the safety and well-being of wildlife. No image should involve stress, harm, or disruption to the subject or its habitat.

Composites (stitching, focus stacking, multi-exposures shot at the same time as a sequence) are permitted as are general edits for noise reduction, sharpening, colour adjustment, cropping, lens corrections, dust removal, global and local exposure adjustments.

Images taken at workshops and on photo tours/expeditions are permitted.

Domesticated animals/captive animals are not permitted.

AI-generated elements/backgrounds/skies or third-party backgrounds/skies are not permitted.

It is NOT allowed to add, delete, move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content-aware fill, liquify, AI generative fill, or similar tools. The original source file(s) must be available if requested.

Creative & Fine Art

This category celebrates photography as an artistic medium, where imagination, experimentation, and conceptual vision come together. It’s designed for images that fall outside traditional genres—portraits, weddings, wildlife, or commercial—and embrace creative expression through alternative processes or digital innovation. Whether rooted in
historical techniques or pushing into digital abstraction, these works should challenge norms and showcase photography as fine art.

Conceptual, abstract, or experimental imagery.
Alternative processes (e.g., cyanotype, tintype, wet plate collodion).
Mixed media, composites, or creative digital manipulation.
Images that don’t align with traditional portrait, wildlife, commercial, or documentary categories.

AI-generated images or major stock components not permitted.
Work primarily constructed from non-original elements not created by the photographer is not permitted

Entries must reflect a personal voice, unique concept, or visual style. Judges look for bold ideas and a clear creative direction. Use of historical or alternative methods—whether analog, chemical, or mixed with digital is encouraged. Entries should reflect craftsmanship and thoughtful experimentation. Images should move beyond aesthetics and connect with viewers emotionally or conceptually. Narrative, symbolism, or raw emotion can all play a role.

Regardless of style or medium, submissions must show control over exposure, composition, lighting, and execution. Post-processing should be intentional and elevate the concept. Work that thoughtfully merges old-world photographic methods with modern tools will be
highly regarded. Judges will reward innovation grounded in understanding. Entries should clearly belong to an artistic or creative genre. If an image fits neatly into portraiture, wildlife, or commercial work, it likely belongs in those categories instead.

Reminders for Entrants
There are no limits on post-processing, as long as edits support the creative vision. All core elements must originate from the photographer’s own work. This category is for photographers exploring photography as an expressive art form—not just a documentation tool.
Judges will prioritize originality, technical excellence, and artistic intent in equal measure.

Reportage

This category honors powerful, honest storytelling through photography. Images must capture real-life moments as they happen—public or private events, street scenes, travel, sports, or human-interest subjects—without interference or staging. The goal is to
document truth with emotional and narrative strength.

• Sports, travel, street, documentary, and news photography.
• Both commissioned and non-commissioned work.
• Use minimal post-processing to preserve the truth of the moment.
• Only single-exposure captures—no composites or multiple exposures.

Photographers must not influence the scene or interact with subjects. The moment must unfold naturally. Images should tell a compelling story or reflect meaningful human experience. Judges will look for impact, emotion, and clarity of message. Photos should be well-composed, properly exposed, and in focus. Minimal editing is allowed to clean up the image but not change its meaning. Original, unedited files must be available upon request to verify image integrity.

AI-generated elements/backgrounds/skies or third-party backgrounds/skies are not permitted.

Portraiture

This category honors commissioned portraits of people, taken in studio or on location. The subject must be the clear focus, with lighting, environment, and styling all serving to highlight the individual’s personality, emotion, or story. Whether captured in a controlled studio setting or a more natural environment, the portrait should feel authentic and visually compelling

• Commissioned portraits of individuals, or groups, couples, engagement photos,
• Taken in a studio or on location (e.g., home, outdoor, lifestyle settings).

Fashion portraits and headshots intended for commercial use must be entered in the Commercial category. All family images should be entered in the Family category. Wedding images are only for the wedding categories. Pictures with pets should be entered in the Pets & Domestic Animal Category.

Whether using studio lighting or natural light, it should enhance the subject and suit the portrait’s style. Lighting should never overwhelm or distract. The portrait should reflect the subject’s mood, character, or emotion. Posing and direction should feel natural and help build a connection between the subject and the viewer. Images must be sharp, well-composed, and cleanly edited. Color, exposure, and detail should all contribute to a polished final result. Portraits must maintain the integrity of the original session. Composite images are allowed only if all elements were captured by the photographer. Great portraits evoke feeling—whether warmth, intimacy, strength, or joy. The subject’s essence should come through clearly.

AI-generated elements/backgrounds or third-party backgrounds are not permitted

Family Portraiture

This category honors the art of capturing family relationships, whether it’s a parent and child, siblings, or multigenerational family groups. These portraits may be created in studio or environmental settings, and should reflect the connection, warmth, and character of those photographed. Every image should convey a sense of togetherness, whether posed or candid.

• Portraits of two or more related individuals
• (e.g., siblings, parent-child, full families).
• Studio or on-location/environmental portraits.
• Both posed and naturally directed moments are welcome.

Images where all subjects are unrelated or from styled commercial shoots (enter these in Commercial or Creative categories). All Maternity images have to be entered in the maternity category, even if they include other family members. Please submit images with newborns in the newborn category. Images with babies 6 weeks and older can go into the family category.

The image should reveal genuine bonds—whether through body language, facial expressions, or shared moments. Judges will look for emotion, warmth, and authenticity. Whether in a studio or on location, the setting should support the story and not distract from the family connection. Home settings, outdoor spaces, or stylized studio setups are all acceptable.

Entries can range from formally posed to gently directed lifestyle imagery. The goal is to capture the relationships between people, not just their appearance. Lighting should be soft and flattering—natural or studio-based—to enhance mood and detail while keeping focus on the subjects. Photos should be well-composed, properly exposed, and professionally edited. Attention to focus, color, and detail will reflect quality and care in execution.

AI-generated elements/backgrounds/skies or third-party backgrounds/skies are not permitted.

Reminders for Entrants
Must be commissioned portraits of related individuals. All elements must be original and created by the photographer. Retouching should maintain a natural and authentic feel. Judges will reward portraits that blend technical skill with emotional depth and visual harmony.

Newborn Traditional

This category celebrates the timeless art of posed newborn portraiture. These images are carefully styled, polished, and composed, focusing on grace, balance, and classic aesthetics. The goal is to create heirloom-quality portraits that highlight the beauty of the newborn in a serene, intentional setting. Images should reflect a classic, formal approach with styling. Poses and setups are structured, often incorporating wraps, props, and curated backdrops to achieve a polish look. Newborns and their families up to 6 weeks old.

Posing
Newborn Alone: Accepted poses include but are not limited to the following: Taco/Womb (Tushy Up), Froggy, Chin on Hands, Side-Lying, Supine (Back-Lying), Huck Finn, Potato Sack, Hands-Out Wrap, Swaddle & Side, Bucket, Bowl, Crate, Bed, and Flokati setups. With Family: Subjects are posed with care and intention, often looking toward the camera. The baby is typically cradled, swaddled, or gently supported. Primarily studio-based with styled props and backdrops, though outdoor or on-location setups are accepted if the image maintains the traditional aesthetic and formal structure.

Controlled studio lighting is expected (strobes or continuous lights). Lighting should be soft and flattering, designed to enhance the baby’s features and the portrait’s polished quality. Focus is on calm, peaceful expressions—serenity and perfection are key. The goal is not spontaneity, but rather the composed, artistic rendering of a moment.

Reminders for Entrants
All elements must be photographed and created by the photographer. No AI or third-party assets allowed. Composites are permitted only if all parts are the photographer’s original captures. Safety is paramount—posing must prioritize the baby’s comfort and well-being. Post-processing should polish the image while preserving the natural essence of the subject.

Newborn Contemporary

This category celebrates authentic, emotive storytelling through newborn photography. It focuses on capturing real, unstaged moments that reflect the emotional connection between baby and family. Whether gently guided or completely candid, these portraits aim to feel intimate, natural, and full of genuine emotion. Newborns and their families up to 6 weeks old.

• The aesthetic is relaxed, organic, and real. Images should reflect modern lifestyle portraiture
• with a focus on mood, story, and connection—rather than formality or structure. Newborn Alone: Loosely posed or naturally positioned, capturing subtle gestures or peaceful moments.
• With Family: Gentle direction is acceptable, but interactions should feel unscripted cuddles, feeding, eye contact, or shared quiet moments are encouraged. Images can be taken in client homes, lifestyle studios, or styled setups that resemble real-life spaces. The setting should feel intimate, soft, and authentic.

Natural light or soft artificial light (e.g., LEDs) is preferred to maintain a gentle, cozy feel. Lighting should complement the emotion without overpowering the scene. Connection is key—images should highlight love, tenderness, vulnerability, or joy. Emotional cues between baby and family are central to strong entries. Photographs should tell a story and evoke real feeling. The best entries will capture the fleeting, meaningful moments that define the early days of life.

Reminders for Entrants
All content must be original and captured by the photographer.
AI-generated or third-party assets are not allowed.
Editing should preserve the raw, honest feel of the moment. Safe handling and comfort of the baby must always be the top priority.

Maternity

This category celebrates the beauty and anticipation of pregnancy through portraits of expecting mothers, either solo or with a partner/family. These images may be taken in studio or on location and should highlight the connection, emotion, and story of this unique life stage. Whether styled and posed or natural and lifestyle-oriented, successful entries will capture the emotional depth, intimacy, and artistry of maternity photography.

• Portraits of an expecting mother alone or with a partner/kids.
• Studio or on-location/environmental portraits.
• Both posed and gently directed or lifestyle moments.

AI-generated content, stock elements, or third-party skies or backgrounds not permitted. Newborn images or family portraits where the focus is not on the pregnancy should be entered in the family category. The image should express a meaningful connection between the subject(s), with the unborn child, or within the surrounding environment. Judges will look for warmth, tenderness, or emotional depth. Studio or on-location settings are welcome. The background should complement the mood and subject without overpowering them. Poses should flatter the expectant mother and highlight her pregnancy. Styling, wardrobe, and props should feel intentional and in harmony with the portrait’s tone. Natural light or soft studio lighting should gently enhance the subject’s features and the overall mood. Lighting must be intentional and flattering.

Reminders for Entrants
Commissioned portraits only.
All elements must be original and created by the photographer.
Retouching should enhance without distorting authenticity.

Pets & Domesticated Animals

This category celebrates portraits of pets and domesticated animals, captured in either studio or natural environments. Whether featuring a beloved family pet alone or with their human companions, entries should highlight the animal’s personality, charm, and relationship to the people or setting around them. Images may be posed or candid and created using natural or artificial light.

Portraits of pets or domesticated animals (e.g., dogs, cats, horses, birds, farm animals). Solo animal portraits or images including people (e.g., pet and owner).
Studio or environmental/on-location portraits.
Both posed and naturally directed/lifestyle moments.

AI-generated content, stock elements, or third-party skies or backgrounds. Wildlife or undomesticated animals (these belong in the Wildlife category).

The image should reflect the animal’s character or mood—whether playful, serene, or expressive. If a person is included, their connection to the animal should feel genuine and warm. Studio portraits may use clean backdrops or styled scenes. On-location portraits can include homes, yards, stables, or other meaningful settings. The background should support the story, not overwhelm it. Whether using natural light or studio setups, lighting should flatter the subject, enhance texture (e.g., fur or feathers), and support the mood. It should not overpower or distract.

Reminders for Entrants
Commissioned portraits only. All elements must be original and created by the photographer. Retouching should enhance the image while preserving the animal’s natural look.

Classical & Contemporary Wedding

This category brings together both classical and contemporary styles of wedding photography, recognizing the diverse ways photographers capture the elegance, emotion, and storytelling of a wedding day. Whether posed or candid, in natural light or stylized setups, the goal is to produce meaningful, timeless images that reflect the spirit of the occasion.

• Commissioned wedding photography from real events.
• Both formal, posed portraits and spontaneous, candid moments.
• Images that focus on the couple, family, guests, or significant wedding details.

AI-generated content, third-party backgrounds, or added skies not permitted. Staged shoots or styled sessions not from real weddings are not eligible.

Photos should reflect the tone of the day—elegant and refined, or natural and intimate. Both classical formality and modern storytelling are welcome. Classical: Formal portraits with structured posing, attention to posture, and refinement. Contemporary: Candid moments, natural expressions, and real interactions between people.
Whether using soft studio setups or ambient natural light, lighting should be thoughtful and flattering. It must enhance mood and detail without overpowering the subjects. Images should be clean, balanced, and visually engaging. Judges will look for strong framing, use of space, and harmony between elements. Whether subtle or joyful, emotion should feel genuine. Judges value storytelling through expressions, interactions, and atmosphere. Attention to elements like attire, décor, environment and small moments adds richness and context to the story of the day. Images must be sharp, well-exposed & professionally edited. Post-processing should enhance the image while maintaining a natural, timeless feel.

Only images from actual weddings are eligible.
All elements must be captured and created by the photographer.
The strongest entries will blend beauty, emotion, and narrative in a cohesive visual style.

Creative Wedding

This category celebrates artistic and imaginative wedding photography that pushes beyond the boundaries of traditional or documentary styles. It’s a space for bold ideas, experimental techniques, and unconventional visuals that transform wedding moments into expressive works of art. Whether surreal, dramatic, humorous, or abstract, these images stand out for their originality and vision.
Commissioned wedding photography that uses creative approaches.
Images that break traditional wedding norms through concept, styling, or technique.

• Over-edited images that lose clarity, intent, or connection to the wedding context.
• AI-generated content, third-party backgrounds, or added skies not permitted.

Entries should showcase fresh, bold ideas that reimagine what wedding photography can be. Unusual angles, abstract framing, and conceptual styling are encouraged. Photos should leave a strong impression—visually, emotionally, or conceptually. Judges are looking for images that make a statement. Despite its experimental nature, the image must be technically sound. Focus, exposure, lighting, and editing should elevate the creative intent.

This category welcomes risk-taking. Whether through odd perspectives, nontraditional posing, unexpected settings, or storytelling methods, originality is key. Thoughtful, artistic use of framing, space, and cropping is essential. These elements should
enhance the concept and visual strength of the image. Creative editing is encouraged, but it must feel purposeful—not just applied for effect. The best entries will show harmony between concept and execution.

Reminders for Entrants
This is an Open category for images that don’t fit into classical/contemporary or documentary styles.
All elements must be photographed and created by the entrant.
Judges will prioritize originality, boldness, and artistic cohesion over tradition.

Documentary Wedding

Images in this category include real moments from real weddings.

This category celebrates the art of capturing unscripted, authentic moments during a wedding day. Rooted in visual storytelling, this genre focuses on real emotions, spontaneous interactions, and the natural flow of the event without interference or staging. The goal is to document the day truthfully, with artistic sensitivity and technical
excellence.

Candid images captured during a real wedding event. Single-capture moments only (no composites or staged setups). Emotional, storytelling-driven frames that reflect the spirit and reality of the day.

AI-generated content, third-party backgrounds, or added skies not permitted. No Styled shoots or posed portraits (these belong in Classical & Contemporary Wedding). No Composite or multi-capture images.

The image must reflect a real moment. Judges will look for unposed, honest expressions that convey emotion, atmosphere, or narrative.
Entries should tell a story—whether through action, interaction, or quiet stillness. Strong entries evoke a sense of time, place, and emotional connection. Use of natural or available light is common in this genre. Lighting should support the scene naturally, while composition should lead the viewer’s eye and frame the moment clearly and meaningfully.
Images should be well-executed in focus, exposure, and timing. Subtle post-processing is allowed but must not alter the truth of the scene.
Photographers must not influence or direct the scene. All moments must unfold naturally without interference.

Reminders for Entrants
Only real wedding moments may be submitted.
All images must be single captures—no composites.
Minimal, documentary-style editing is allowed.
Entrants must retain the original RAW file in case of review.

Assisted Wedding Photography

This category is dedicated to photographers and videographers working in a supporting role, including second shooters, assistants, and creatives capturing content during styled or portfolio-building wedding shoots. It offers a space to showcase artistic, emotive, or
editorial work that does not fall under the main wedding photographer’s responsibilities.

Imagery captured as a second shooter during real wedding commissions. Creative work produced during styled wedding shoots (commissioned or self-initiated). Artistic, editorial, or conceptual wedding-themed photography not taken as the lead photographer on a wedding day.

Work captured by the main photographer during a real wedding is not permitted (submit these under Classical & Contemporary or Documentary Wedding categories).
AI-generated content or third-party stock imagery is not permitted

AI-generated content, third-party backgrounds, or added skies not permitted. No Styled shoots or posed portraits (these belong in Classical & Contemporary Wedding). No Composite or multi-capture images.

Judges will be looking for originality and artistic impact. Entries may range from emotion-driven moments to highly stylized editorial compositions. The strongest images will show intention, creativity, and visual storytelling. Whether captured candidly or during a styled session, the image should be thoughtfully composed. For styled shoots, attention to detail in wardrobe, props, and scene coordination is important. Both natural and artificial lighting are welcome. The use of light should enhance the image’s tone and subject while supporting the artistic intent. Photographs should demonstrate professional quality in focus, exposure, composition, and post-processing. Creative editing is welcome when it aligns with the vision.

This category is for second shooters, assistants, and styled session creatives only. Main wedding photographers should enter other wedding categories. These entries do not count toward the overall Photographer of the Year title, but are eligible for category awards and Assisted Wedding Photographer of the Year. All work must be original and created by the entrant.