The Photographic Competition Entry Rules of 2017 Toronto International Photography Festival

The Photographic Competition Entry Rules of 2017 Toronto International Photography Festival

(This Competition will follow the recommended practices of CAPA, FIAP, PSA)

COMPETITION JUDGERS

Authorized by the IPF Board of Directors and the TIPF Organizing Committee, all judgers of this competition will be CAPA(Canadian Association for Photographic Art) accredited certified and trained judgers.

Patronage of this competition: CAPA (Canadian Association for Photographic Art)
This Competition will be awarded by CAPA’s medals and awards.

COMPETITION DEFINITIONS

An image must originate as a photograph (image-capture of objects via light sensitivity) made by the entrant on photographic emulsion (i.e. film) or acquired digitally.
All components of an image must have been captured with a camera (conventional or digital) by the entrant. An image or any component of an image, whether digital or otherwise, may not have originated otherwise; for example, a digital file acquired by use of a scanner, a digital file created solely by way of software or a downloaded digital file cannot be used as a component of an image. Similarly, graphic elements that are generated solely by software (e.g. words or letters, symbols, shapes etc.) cannot be used as a component of an image except where specifically required or allowed (e.g. title images in a series) or in photo essays and creative images so long as such graphic elements are incidental (e.g. titles).
2a.Creative Borders are permissible in all categories, however borders in the Authentic Wildlife category should only be for the purpose of marking the starting point of an image, the width of border should not exceed 1 pixel’s on each side, and should be a neutral grey color.
All images and components of an image must be the entire work of the entrant. In determining whether an image is the entire work of the entrant, the following rules are applicable:
a. A component of an image that may otherwise be considered to be the work of someone other than the entrant is permissible provided that it is obvious that such component is not the work of the entrant (e.g. a picture of a sculpture or a billboard). There should be no uncertainty as to what work is that of the entrant and what work might be that of someone else. For example, a photograph of an Ansel Adams photograph would not be permissible but a photograph of someone looking at an Ansel Adams photograph hanging on the wall would be permissible.
b. Substantial input by persons other than the entrant in making an image are not permitted, except in the case of photo essays where there may be two, but not more than two, joint entrants both of which must be Club members. For example, images taken at studio workshops or in similar circumstances where persons other than the entrant are assisting or collaborating in the making of the image are not permissible.
c. All work in creating an image that involves the application of more than nominal skill must be done by the entrant. Conversely, work that is substantially mechanical or involves standard functions may be done by third parties including commercial firms.

The following examples, while not exhaustive, are intended to illustrate the application of this rule:
i. Commercial processing of negative and positive film (including “push” or “pull” processing) is permissible.
ii. Commercial mounting of prints, as well as mat cuts, is permissible.
iii. Standard commercial scanning of slides and/or prints into digital files is permissible; commercial “customized” scanning is not.
iv. Commercial printing of digital files (e.g. Blacks, Future Shop, Costco, etc.) is permissible.
4. A print is an image that has been reproduced on photographic print material, whether chemically, electronically or otherwise. As stated above, all substantive work involved in making a print must be done by the entrant, whether digitally or otherwise, and cannot be delegated to someone else such as a film lab technician. However, the final printing of a digital may be done commercially so long as the lab does not perform any alterations or modifications that change the substance of the image.

COMPETITION CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

This competition is open to any country; all images should be submitted by photographic organization (club, association, etc.) Individual submission is not accepted. An entry may be rejected when the organizing committee /judging committee or its agent, in its reasonable discretion, believes the entry does not conform to exhibition rules and conditions.
An entrant may enter up to5 images in each category /sub category. Substantially similar images may not be entered in more than one Division in any one year.
Image titles are to be titled in English, and each image must have a unique title. Titles should use upper case letters and/or numbers. Do not use punctuation or symbols, such as the following: !@#$%^&*(){}|+:"<>? The maximum title length is 35 characters, which includes spaces.
The maximum title length is 35 characters, which includes spaces.
Images almost identical in style and subject matter are not eligible for re-submission in any category.
Each Division will be judged by a panel of three qualified judges.
Entrants must own the copyright of images used in any submitted work. The organizers of this competition accept no liability for any breach or misuse of copyright.
Entries must originate as photographs (image-captures of objects via light sensitivity) made by the entrant on photographic emulsion or acquired digitally. By virtue of submitting an entry, the entrant certifies the work as his/her own and permits the sponsor to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to the exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website.
Images may be altered, either electronically or otherwise（i.e. use Photoshop or Lightroom to post process an image）by the maker and artwork or computer graphics created by the entrant may be incorporated if the photographic content predominates, subject to category restrictions. The competition organizers will take great care of the entered work but decline any responsibility in case of loss, theft or deterioration or damage during transit, or otherwise.
Every Entrant can enter 5 images in each category/sub-category, therefore. Entries received after the closing date will NOT be accepted.
The decisions of the independent judging panel are final and without appeal.
When submitting prints by mail, be sure to mark "For Exhibit Only, No Commercial Value" on the package to avoid unnecessary cross-border duties. The competition organizers will not pay duties or any other charges related to sent-packages.
The judging committee reserve rights to determine the eligibility of entry in all categories.

All PROJECTED IMAGES (DIGITAL) REQUIREMENT

a. Submitting Entries: Your digital files must be submitted electronically, using the provided website Entry Form.
b. Image Type and Size: JEPG is the required file type.
c. The maximum image size is 1400 X1050 pixels.
d. DPI (Dots per Inch) should be set to 300.
e. Each image file must be three megabyte (1MB) or less in size.
f. Judging Conditions: All digital images will be displayed to the judges at the Sponsor’s designated premises through a digital projector. Color space sRGB. Digital projector has resolution of 1920x1080 pixel, so all images will be shown in a best resolution.
g. Colour Space: It is recommended that before saving your JEPG files, you convert the colour space to sRGB, as this colour space will provide better quality under the projection conditions used for judging, and for the public presentation.
* For photo essay and time-lapse shows, Please refer to the following rules for details

COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Category A: Nature

Nature photography is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archeology, in such a fashion that a well-informed person will be able to identify the subject material and to certify as to its honest presentation.
The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality while maintaining high technical quality.
Human elements shall not be present, except on the rare occasion where those human elements enhance the nature story.
The presence of scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collars on wild animals is permissible.
Photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimens, or obviously set arrangements, are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement.
No techniques that add to, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted.
Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content are permitted (e.g. adjustment of exposure, brightness, contrast, levels etc. globally or partially are permitted) All images must be back up by RAW file. The judging committee reserve rights to obtain the original file of image to determine the award in case of dispute.
All adjustments must appear natural.
This category accept monochrome submission.
Usage of filter, digital post-processing techniques such as HDR / Exposure-Bracketing, Long Exposure are permitted but should be kept minimal and look natural.
Nature sub-categories: 1. Authentic Wildlife: Authentic wildlife is defined as one or more organisms living free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Therefore, landscapes, photographs of zoo or game farm animals or any living subject taken under controlled conditions are not eligible for Authentic Wildlife competitions.
This competition does not accept image contain bird nest.( To avoid any incidents which interfere with young wildlife’s in nesting environments).

2. Nature Landscape: In this sub-category you can enter: landscapes, extreme weather conditions, rock formations, etc. Hand of man such as roads, fences, houses etc., should not be present.
Some images may be eligible into entry categories (e.g. image of an elephant stands under a mountain), they will be judged without bias, and however, it is maker’s responsibility to determine which category to enter. Each image can only be submitted into one sub-category.

Category B: PICTORIAL

People: In this sub-classification you can enter any image with a person or persons in whole or in part(e.g. An image of two holding hands, a portrait, a folk celebration scene of a village, a boy play with a dog .etc) Open: This sub-category open to image of any content.

Category C: PRINT

For prints there are no categories or classifications beyond Colour and Monochrome.

COLOUR Print
a. A color print is a print containing at least two colors.
b. All prints should be on mounts up to a maximum size of 16" x 20" (406mm x 508mm). We accept smaller prints but keep in mind one thing: Judges are looking at the prints from the distance of 8-10 ft, so if print is significantly small then it is not very well effective.
The photographer’s name, the title, address, and number of each print must appear on the back of the mount to correspond with the Entry Form. The label must be attached so that no damage is done to any other print that may be stacked.
c. Digital copies of your prints have to be uploaded trough Entry Form. The size of the images should be maximum 1400x1050 pixels and resolution 300DPI (for Catalogue printing purpose we need high resolution image of the print).
MONOCHROME Print
a. A monochrome work ranging from the very dark grey (black) to the very clear grey (white) is a monochrome work with the various shades of grey.
b. A monochrome work toned entirely in a single colour (any one colour) will remain a monochrome work entered in the monochrome category and such a work will be produced in monochrome in the catalogue.
c. A monochrome work modified by a partial toning or by the addition of one colour becomes a colour work (polychrome) and must be entered in the colour category. Such a work will be produced in colour in the catalogue.
d. All prints should be on mounts up to a maximum size of 16" x 20" (406mm x 508mm). We accept smaller prints but keep in mind one thing: Judges are looking at the prints from the distance of 8-10 ft, so if print is significantly small then it is not very well effective.
The photographer’s name, the title, address, and number of each print must appear on the back of the mount to correspond with the Entry Form. The label must be attached so that no damage is done to any other print that may be stacked.
e. Digital copies of your prints have to be uploaded through the On-line Entry Form. The size of the images should be maximum 1400x1050 pixels and resolution 300DPI (for Catalogue printing purpose we need high resolution image of the print). f. IF any entrant likes to have their prints returned, must pick up in person by themselves. Non awarded images will be kept by organizing committee till Oct31, 2017. Awarded images will be exhibited by organizing committee.

Category D: Photojournalism

Photojournalism entries shall consist of images with informative content and emotional impact, including human interest, documentary, sports and spot news.

Definition: Photojournalism entries shall consist of images with informative content and emotional impact, reflecting the human presence in our world. The journalistic (story-telling) value of the image shall receive priority over pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, images that misrepresent the truth, such as those from events or activities specifically arranged for photography or of subjects directed or hired for photography, are not eligible.

Techniques that add, relocate, replace or remove any element of the original image, except by cropping, are not permitted. The only allowable modifications are removal of dust, scratches or digital noise, restoration of the existing appearance of the original scene, sharpening that is not obvious, and conversion to greyscale ‘monochrome. Derivations, including infrared, are not eligible.”

The storytelling value of the image shall receive priority over pictorial quality. In the interest of credibility, PJ images must not misrepresent the truth. No situation shall be set up for the purpose of photography, and no alteration of the subject matter is allowed, including any techniques that add, combine, relocate, replace or remove any elements of the original image. No unnatural sharpening or special effects filters can be applied. Only cropping, resizing, lightening, or darkening and restoration of original color are permitted. Color images can be converted to monochrome.

Photojournalism is taking pictures that are true and unbiased - they are events as they happen and cannot be posed. You must not pay for shots. You should get in as close as you can, find unusual angles, go beyond the cliché, must be sharp. Get ID - names, etc. of the people you photograph.

In sports photojournalism - must show conflict and emotion - if possible show the ball or javallin .etc.。

Photojournalism must or should answer the 5 W’s - what (is happening in the picture) who (identify names, titles, ages), when (when did it happen) Where (location) Why (why is this relevant).

Photojournalists must report honestly what is seen - no cropping (or very minor), no cloning in of items, no removal of items, photographers must not impose their ethics or point of view - report honestly what is seen.

Street photography is grittier and the photographer can crop more and try to portray a point of view - often the line between Street and Photojournalism is a bit blurred. Photojournalism is usually shown in newspapers and/or magazines; street can be a story book or a display.

Category E: Creative Altered Reality

Definition: This competition promotes the manipulation of photograph(s) to create a fictional or conceptual image or photographic art. Primarily, altered reality is changing a normal photo in a creative way. The photographer can be creative by using of lines, form and colour, expressing ideas or feelings in a non-traditional style.

The original photograph must be predominant in the final photo. Manipulation can be in-camera, post-processing or a combination thereof.

Images that are created totally electronically with no photographic origin are prohibited.

Open Theme - image can be: abstract, landscape, low light, macro, nature, portrait, still-life, street, wildlife, etc…

Editing Criteria

Open Editing - All in-camera, on-camera and post-processing techniques are permitted. This includes combining multiple images and elements in a final image. However, all components of the final image must have been taken by the entrant. Images that are created totally electronically with no photographic origin are prohibited from this competition.

Submitted image MUST NOT contain any watermarks, name of the image or name of the photographer.

Single digital mat is permitted but is not required. Colour selection of the mat is left up to the entrant.

Colour or black & white or monochrome images are permitted.

Judges will award their scoring based on key elements such as composition, technique and subject matter. However, the judges will have a strong emphasis on the creative message, quality of execution, innovation, and ‘wow’ factor.

Category F: Photo Essay

Definition: Photo Essay submissions can consist of a multimedia presentation composed of photography, video, animation, music and commentary or a combination thereof.The emphasis of the presentation will be the blending of these components into a cohesive storyline. The transition between the images should flow harmoniously with the appropriate colour or tone complementing the selected theme and images.

Photo Essay Theme - can be any subject but the presentation must follow a theme such as a memorable event, recent trip or holiday, interviewing an interesting individual or highlighting a topic of interest.

Editing Criteria

Open Editing - All different in-camera, on-camera and post-processing techniques can be used. This includes combining multiple images and elements in a final presentation . However, all components of the presentation must have been created or captured by the Entrant with the exception of the music.

AV presentation MUST contain three elements:
i) title page (title of presentation but no mention of the entrant’s name);
ii) multiple slides and text if required; and
iii) A black blank 3 to 4 second slide at the beginning of the presentation and one at the end of the show. (This will allow the Competition Committee presenter to cue the show without it starting before everyone is ready).

AV presentation submission:
i) must NOT exceed 7 minutes;
ii) filename must be named as - PHOTOGRAPHER-NAME OF PRESENTATION;
iii) file must be saved as a MP4 or MPEG-4 formatted file;
iv) can contain video and/or timelapse but must NOT exceed 20% of the total runtime of the presentation; and
Judges will review and assign a total score out of a maximum of 100 points based on the following categories and associated maximum points:
Photography/time lapse/video (artistry, quality of images, appropriateness of image theme)
ii) General Interest (impact & maintenance of interest, clarity of intent or concept and overall planning of story)
iii) Presentation/Production (sequencing, pacing and flow of images & ideas, development of theme, sound/music compatibility to theme)

Category G: Time-lapse Shows

Definition : The term Time-lapse refers to productions using any photographic technique which compresses time. It may include both visual and sound components. CAPA Time Lapse Shows are essentially compilations of still images & video that form a theme such as "Stanley Park- A Vancouver Treasure", and may be narrated with voice or text and often include background music to support the theme.

Shows should be 2-5 minutes in length.
File must be saved as a MP4 or MPEG-4 formatted file;
60% of footage must be Time-Lapse
The Time-Lapse part must be made with STILL IMAGES, the images derive from video footage “image grab” or “screen capture” are not allowed. Judging committee reserve the right to ask maker provide original sequential images that made Time Lapse part.
For the purpose of showing best visual quality, resolution of the show should not exceed maximum resolution of projector using for judging process 1920X1080px.
The title of the show may be displayed during the show. But name of the maker cannot be showing in any part of the show, nor being mentioned in background audio.
May also contain Video. Text & Drone Video, but cannot exceed 40% of the show in terms of total time length.

Category H: Featured Theme Photography

Definition: This category has five sub-categories, submissions can consist of themes such as people, group of people, celebrations, festivals, animals, and people with animals.

Youth Day Theme photos took at 2015 - 2017 Youth Day in Toronto, Canada
Canada 150th Anniversary Theme photograph that can represent this theme
Global Chinese New Year Theme photograph that can represent this theme
Protect African Elephant Theme the image must be created in Africa and based on the theme of elephant
Best Caribbean Cultural Theme photos took at 2016 - 2017 the Caribbean Parade in Toronto, Canada

Competition Awards

Each category’s winner will be awarded the TIPF International Photography Contest medal, meanwhile:

Each category/sub-category’s first, second and third place will be awarded CAPA gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.
Each division will also award 1 outstanding Best of Award (such as the award for Best of Visual Impact , etc.), and receive a trophy provided by Jiahua Elite Photography Association.
Recognition of high quality will be noted with the presentation of Honorable Mentions (HM) given out by the judging panel.

Awards will also be giving in accordance with varies themes:

EYouth Day Theme (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 award of excellence)
ECanada 150TH Anniversary Theme (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 award of excellence)
EGlobal Chinese Spring Theme (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 award of excellence)
EProtect African Elephant Theme　(1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 award of excellence)
EBest Caribbean Theme (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze and 1 award of excellence)

Submission Quantity

Every entrant can enter 5 images in each category/sub-category

Each entrant can enter up to 65 digital images and 10 prints

Entry Fee

Category per person: $10 CAD
* Maximum cost per participant:
15 categories, a total of $ 150 CAD
The exchange rate is calculated by the day of the remittance.

Method of Payment
1) cash
2) email transfer
3) wire transfer
4) WeChat transfer
Contact [email protected] get payment method detail.

2017TIPF Photo Contest Categories:

A1 Natural - Authentic Wildlife
A2 Nature - Nature Landscape
B1 Pictorial - People
B2 Pictorial - Open
C1 Print - Color Print
C2 Print - Monochrome Print
D1 Photojournalism
E1 Creative Altered Reality
F1 Photo Essay
G1 Time-Lapse Shows
H1 Featured Theme Photography -Youth Day Theme
H2 Featured Theme Photography - Canada 150th Anniversary Theme
H3 Featured Theme Photography - Global Chinese New Year Theme
H4 Featured Theme Photography - Protect African Elephant Theme
H5 Featured Theme Photography - Best Caribbean Theme

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