Photography Competition

(Online and Offline Mode)

1. Introduction & Global Identity

Photography as a form of artistic storytelling is universally recognized under diverse names. While some nations refer to it as:

• Photographic Art (Europe/USA)

• Visual Capture (Canada)

• Photographic Art (Europe/USA)

• Light Painting (Latin America)

• Chhaya-Kala or Lens Art (India)

• Image Narratives (Africa)

• Digital Eye Art (East Asia)

In the Modern Pythian Games, photography celebrates inclusion, talent, culture, and perspective—welcoming both able-bodied and disabled artists from all over the world.

2. Inclusion of Artists with Disabilities

The competition is open and accessible to photographers with disabilities. Special accommodations shall be made for:

• Differently abled vision or mobility photographers using adaptive equipment

• Photographers with neurodiverse or cognitive challenges

• Paralympic or special category artists who wish to compete in dedicated or open sections

Separate awards and appreciation will be offered in Para Photography Categories if requested or available.

3. Format: Online and Offline Competitions

• Offline Format:

  • Conducted at city, regional, national, and international levels.

  • Photographs submitted in printed or digital form during the event.

  • Live exhibitions, presentations, or gallery displays may be used.

• Online Format:

  • Participants upload entries via the Modern Pythian Games official portal or mobile app.

  • Public and jury voting is conducted digitally.

  • Virtual photography exhibitions, jury reviews, and award announcements.

4. Eligibility Criteria

• Open to All Nationalities
• Age Groups:
  • Junior (12–17 years)
  • Youth (18–25 years)
  • Senior (26–45 years)
  • Masters (46+ years)
• Para and Disabled Artists: Can compete in general or specialized categories.
• Amateurs and Professionals: Both may apply; must declare their status.
• Each participant may submit 1 to 3 photographs per theme.

5. Types of Photography Competitions

Participants may choose from the following categories:

• Nature & Wildlife Photography
• Portrait Photography
• Street Life & Human Stories
• Heritage and Culture
• Black & White or Monochrome Art
• Photojournalism & Social Impact
• Experimental or Abstract Photography
• Mobile Photography (Shot using smartphones)
• Drone or Aerial Photography
• Thematic Series (Set of 3–5 photos)
• Special Category – Para Lens Perspective (For disabled photographers only)

6. Judging Criteria (100 Marks Total)

• Creativity and Originality (25 Marks)
• Unique perspective, composition, story.
• Technical Skill (20 Marks)
• Focus, exposure, contrast, clarity, framing.
• Theme Relevance (20 Marks)
• Appropriateness and depth of connection to chosen theme.
• Emotional Impact (15 Marks)
• Power to evoke feelings, message clarity.
• Innovation and Conceptual Strength (10 Marks)
• Experimental methods, idea interpretation.
• Public Appeal (10 Marks)
• Voting score from audience via physical voting, app, SMS, or online polling.

7. Jury Panel and Voting Mechanism

Jury Composition:

• Eminent photographers, art critics, curators, photojournalists, and visual communication experts.
• Representation from both national and international photography councils.
• At least one expert from the disability art space for inclusive representation.
• Public Voting Provision:
  

  The jury may decide to include public opinion for final scoring through:

  • Physical voting (raising hands at offline exhibitions)
  • Website or Mobile App votes
  • SMS voting on registered mobile numbers

  The jury has full discretion to give weightage to public opinion within the allowed 10 marks and can use it to break ties or award audience choice recognitions.

8. Awards and Recognition

• Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals at each level (Regional, National, International)
• Certificates of Participation for all valid entries
• Special Jury Awards for outstanding creativity or cultural impact
• Audience Choice Award
• Winning photos to be featured in:
  • Pythian Games Annual Artbook
  • International Exhibitions
  • Pythian Gallery Website & Mobile App

9. General Rules and Guidelines

• All photographs must be original work by the participant.
• No plagiarism or use of stock photography allowed.
• Minor editing (contrast, cropping, color correction) is allowed unless otherwise specified.
• Entries must not contain offensive, violent, or sensitive material.
• In case of group photos, consent must be documented.
• Photographs should be submitted in high resolution (JPEG/PNG) along with title and a short description (up to 100 words).
• Offline participants must carry digital versions on USB drive for display purposes.
• All winning entries become part of the official Modern Pythian Games Photo Archive with due credits.