Sustainability Through the Lens: National Photo Essay Competition

General Rules

• You may submit only one entry per category (Real + AI = 2 total)
• Each entry must include 3 to 5 images that together form a visual story
• Images must be your original creation
• No stock photos, no copied work, no editing of existing copyrighted material
• No text on images, logos, captions, or watermarks on images
• You must submit:
  • A title (max 60 characters)
  • A description (max 350 characters)

Real Image Category Guidelines

• Images must be captured by you using a phone, DSLR, mirrorless, or digital camera
• You may use light edits (brightness, contrast, basic cropping, exposure correction)
• Heavy editing or manipulation (compositing, graphic overlays, AI retouching, etc.) is not allowed
• Entries must be original, not AI-assisted or stock-based
• Photographs may be candid, documentary, or creatively staged
• No use of internet content, templates, or remix tools

AI-Generated Category Image Guidelines

• Accepted tools: any AI image-generation tool (e.g. Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Sora, Imagen, ChatGPT, or any other of your choice) 

In your entry, you must include: Name of the the AI tool used

Do NOT:

• Use pre-made templates or remix tools
• Imitate specific artists, brands, or styles (e.g., Van Gogh, Pixar, Studio Ghibli)
• Edit the AI images using Photoshop or other design tools
• Submit AI-modified photos or stock

Let the AI output stand on its own! Your idea should shine through the prompt and composition.

Disqualification Triggers

Entries will be immediately disqualified if they:

• Contain plagiarized, copied, or non-original content
• Use AI to alter real photographs
• Include violence, hate speech, nudity, or inappropriate imagery
• Contain text overlays, logos, or watermarks
• Are submitted after the deadline or do not follow format guidelines
  

Submission Format

• Images must be submitted as .JPG or .PNG
• File size: 1MB–5MB per image
• Orientation: Landscape or Portrait only (no panoramic shots)
• File naming format: StudentName_Category_1/2/3 (Example: AaravPatel_Real_1)
• Submit using the official Google Form [insert link here]
• No email submissions will be accepted
• No resubmissions or edits allowed after submission
• High resolution image for final judging of shortlisted entries (and exhibit if any) may be required