Syllabus

REFLECTIONS:

Reflection photography encompasses any photographic shot, regardless of genre, that utilises a reflective surface, such as water, glass, or mirrors. Examples include a mountain mirrored in the still waters of a lake, a city’s architecture reflected on the glossy surface of a skyscraper, or a skyline captured in a puddle on a sidewalk. Even self-portraits taken in store windows or artistic shots using mirrors fall under this category.

Reflection photography invites viewers to see familiar scenes from a fresh perspective, offering a unique and creative way to interpret the world through reflections.

ICM:

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) is a creative photographic technique that uses longer exposure times while deliberately moving the camera during the shot. This motion produces artistic effects such as streaks, textures, and layers, transforming static scenes into dynamic compositions. In ICM photography, motion itself becomes the core compositional element, offering a bold departure from traditional photography’s focus on sharpness and detail.

Though unconventional and sometimes misunderstood, ICM embraces the freedom of artistic expression through photography, allowing photographers to break away from the technical constraints often associated with the medium.

For this competition, the only rule is that movement must occur in-camera and not be achieved through editing. However, other forms of post-processing, such as image blending for a multiple-exposure effect, are permitted.

PHOTOJOURNALISM: Black and White

Photojournalism is the art of capturing images that document real moments or events, telling a factual story intended to inform and convey truth to the public. The photograph must authentically represent real events, people, and places, without any staging or manipulation, preserving the integrity of the scene. The goal is to deliver an accurate and unbiased portrayal of the subject, often in relation to news, social issues, cultural events, or significant historical moments. Ethical standards are paramount, with strict guidelines against any alterations that could mislead viewers or distort the reality of the captured moment.

This competition is Black and White and only accepts black and white images. Monochrome images of other colours, including sepia tones, are not permitted.

Editing Guidelines:

• Minimal editing is allowed; however, techniques that add, relocate, replace, remove, or alter any

  element of the original scene (except for cropping) are not permitted.

• Complete conversion to Black and White is permitted, but other variations, including infrared photography, are not eligible.

CLOUDSCAPES:

Cloud Study: A photograph where the sky and clouds are the dominant focus. The image must feature clouds, and can include some portion of the ground, but the ground must occupy no more than one-third of the composition. The photograph should capture intriguing elements of the sky, such as unique cloud formations, colours, or lighting effects, with the clouds serving as the central subject

LAND/SEASCAPE WITH THE HAND OF MAN:

Land/Seascape with the hand of man: This competition embraces a more dominant presence of “the hand of man” within a landscape or seascape. Examples include jetties, piers, farmhouses, old buildings, boats, and fences, all of which can enhance the narrative by adding intrigue, mystery, and emotion. It’s essential to maintain a balance between the human element and the natural environment, so that one element does not overpower the other. Post-production is accepted to enhance your vision and bring your scene to life.

The traditional definitions of seascape and landscape appear below for reference.

SEASCAPE: Is a photograph of natural coastal scenery, a wave study, or a picture of the open sea, provided always that the sea is the centre of interest of the photograph. People, boats and man-made structures may be present as incidental to the photograph
LANDSCAPE: Is a photograph of natural scenery with land and sky-based elements displayed in a pictorial fashion. It may include evidence of man, people, animals, even part of the sea provided that none of these additional elements dominate the photograph.

TRAVEL/CULTURE:

A Photo Travel image is a portrayal of the real world we live in, as it is found naturally. There are no geographic limitations.

Content guidance:

1. If the image is predominantly or exclusively a land-, sea- or cityscape, these “scapes” must include

   characteristic, distinctive and recognisable physical features, although it is not necessary that the

   image identify the exact location;

2. Images that predominantly or exclusively depict people and their activities must illustrate a

   distinctive culture of a country, region, or continent;

3. Images that predominately or exclusively depict animal populations are allowed, if the animals are

   in their native environment and are characteristic of that country, region, or continent;

4. Portraits or other close-ups of people or objects, in addition to meeting the above paragraphs as

   applicable, must include elements depicting some of the surrounding environment to make it

   obvious that the image was not taken in a studio setting;

5. Images from events or activities arranged for photography, or of subjects directed or hired for

   photography, are NOT allowed.

6. Time exposures are allowed, if they do not dominate the image as a special effect (star trails, for

   example, are a dominating effect).
   Highly distorted images such as those produced by fish eye lenses are NOT allowed

GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT:

Food Photography is a still life photography genre dedicated to capturing visually appealing, mouth- watering images of food. Whether for a cookbook, restaurant menu, or food blog, this genre focuses on presenting dishes in a way that entices and inspires people to explore new culinary experiences. Creativity is key, and post-processing is allowed, enabling photographers to enhance their images and make the food even more appetising.

CREATIVE SELF PORTRAIT:

A creative self-portrait is a carefully composed, intentional photograph that captures your essence in a thoughtful, imaginative way. Push beyond the ordinary by exploring unconventional techniques such as reflections, abstract compositions, symbolic props, and creative use of light and shadow. Focus on telling a story, blending yourself with the environment, or incorporating symbolic elements to create a powerful narrative. Double exposures, motion blur, or fragmented details can add depth and intrigue. Post- processing is allowed to enhance your vision. Casual snapshots or selfies are not permitted. Think outside the box and make a lasting impression!