Technical Requirements
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Resolution: Minimum 2000 pixels on longest side; 3000+ recommended
- File size: Max 50MB
- No watermarks — submissions must be clean
What the AI Panel Looks For
The evaluation criteria for photography emphasize:
- Composition — How you frame and organize visual elements
- Moment — Capturing a decisive or meaningful instant
- Light — Intentional use of lighting (natural or artificial)
- Concept — The story or idea behind the image
- Technical quality — Sharpness, exposure, color accuracy (where intended)
Post-Processing Guidelines
Acceptable
- Exposure, contrast, and brightness adjustments
- White balance correction
- Cropping and straightening
- Basic color grading
- Sharpening and noise reduction
- Black and white conversion
Not Acceptable (enter Digital Art instead)
- Adding or removing significant elements
- Compositing multiple images
- Heavy AI enhancement or generation
- Extensive digital painting over the photograph
Equipment Doesn't Define Quality
A thoughtful smartphone photo with strong composition and concept will score higher than a technically perfect but emotionless DSLR shot. Focus on what you see, not what you shoot with.
Artist Statement Tips for Photography
Your 100–300 word statement should explain the context of the image: Where were you? What drew your attention? What mood or message did you want to capture? What decisions did you make about framing, timing, or light?
Inspiration
Study photographers you admire, but find your own perspective. The AI panel rewards originality. Consider entering photos that reflect your unique life experience and cultural context — that's something no one else can replicate.
Ready to submit? Follow our step-by-step submission guide.