Greater Washington Mobile Photography Awards Rules (2023)

 1.   Mission

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant community of mobile photography enthusiasts, both amateur and professional, providing a platform for sharing, learning, and artistic expression. Through the Greater Washington Mobile Photography Awards (“Awards”), we aim to inspire creativity, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate the beauty of everyday life captured through the lens of a mobile device. We strive to encourage participants to explore and appreciate the world around them and narrate the stories behind their images, reflecting on the rich tapestry of life and fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings and a greater appreciation for the art of photography.

 2.   Organizers:

·       Washington Cultural Arts Foundation (WCAF)

·       Greater Washington DC Northeast Chinese Association (DAGW)

·       Chinese Culture and Community Service Center Photo Club (CCACC Photo Club)

·       Raying Photograph Studio 

 3.   Submission Categories:

3.1. The submissions of Awards comprises two categories: Themed category and Open category.

3.2. Themed category

3.2.1.   Subject: Journey

3.2.2.   Description: Employ your footsteps, eyes, and heart to measure, capture, and appreciate the scenic beauty, cultural heritage, architecture, street life, wildlife, and flora encountered during your journey. Utilize your mobile device to convey the sights and experiences of your journey, offering personal insights and reflections.

3.2.3.   Content Classes:

3.2.3.1.      Natural Scenery of the Journey

3.2.3.2.      Cultural and Humanistic Aspects of the Journey

3.2.3.3.      Animals and Plants of the Journey

3.2.3.4.      Experience and Insights of the Journey

3.2.4.   Requirements:

3.2.4.1.    This category of work falls under the documentary genre, with no restrictions on whether it is in color or monochrome.

3.2.4.2.    Adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color saturation of the work are permissible within reason.

3.2.4.3.    Cropping is permitted.

3.2.4.4.    Any addition, removal, or replacement of elements within the original image is not allowed.

3.2.5.   Awards:

3.2.5.1.      Each class features the following four award levels.

3.2.5.1.1.         Gold Award: one, $300

3.2.5.1.2.         Silver Award: three, $200 each

3.2.5.1.3.         Bronze Awards: five, $100 each

3.2.5.1.4.         Honorable Mentions: vary, Certificates of Honor

3.3. Open category

3.3.1.   Description: the submissions may on any theme except for "Journey."

3.3.2.   Content classes:

3.3.2.1.      Nature and Scenery

3.3.2.1.1.      Submissions should prominently feature natural elements or landscapes.

3.3.2.1.2.      Natural elements may include animals, plants, or natural phenomena.

3.3.2.1.3.       Landscape submissions should predominantly showcase landscapes.

3.3.2.1.4.         Acceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.1.4.1.     Adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color saturation.

3.3.2.1.4.2.     Cropping to enhance composition.

3.3.2.1.4.3.     Removal of imperfections such as spots and noise.

3.3.2.1.5.         Unacceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.1.5.1.     Adding, replacing, or moving elements within the composition.

3.3.2.1.5.2.     Altering the original scene's composition.

3.3.2.2.      People and Documentary

3.3.2.2.1.         Description: Entries should capture human cultural activities and humanistic landscapes.

3.3.2.2.2.         Acceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.2.2.1.   Adjustments to brightness, contrast, and color saturation.

3.3.2.2.2.2.  Cropping to improve composition.

3.3.2.2.3.         Unacceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.2.3.1.   Adding, removing, or replacing elements within the original image.

3.3.2.3.      Art and Creativity

3.3.2.3.1.         Description: submissions should creatively interpret the theme.

3.3.2.3.2.         Acceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.3.2.1.   No restrictions on creative editing or post-processing techniques.

3.3.2.3.2.2.   Post-processing to create surreal or conceptual images and video art is permitted.

3.3.2.3.3.         Unacceptable post-processing for this category includes:

3.3.2.3.3.1.     Use of purely AI-generated images.

3.3.3.   Awards:

3.3.3.1.      Each class features the following four award levels.

3.3.3.1.1.         Gold Award: one, $300

3.3.3.1.2.         Silver Award: three, $200 each

3.3.3.1.3.         Bronze Awards: five, $100 each

3.3.3.1.4.         Honorable Mentions: vary, Certificates of Honor

 4.   Judges:

4.1. Chief Judge: Huang Shicheng

4.2. Judges: Weike Zhao, Enpu Yang, Jin Gong, Emma Zhao, John Fan, Hua Zhu,

 5.   Submission Period:

5.1. September 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 (Eastern Time)

 6.   Submission Requirements:

6.1. Original photographs taken with a mobile, tablet, or iPad.

6.2. Each entry must be titled, with a recommended brief description.

6.3. Color or black-and-white photos are accepted.

6.4. No watermarks, signatures, or borders allowed.

6.5. Retain the original files and complete photo information. Winners may be required to provide original files if necessary.

6.6. No restrictions on the time of shooting.

6.7. Photos must be in JPEG format.

6.8. The long edge of the photo should be no less than 1024 pixels. File size should not exceed 5MB.

6.9. All submissions are final and non-refundable.

 7.   Submission Fees:

7.1. Each author is eligible to submit up to 5 entries.

7.2. First 2 entries: Free

7.3. 3rd to 5th entries: Fee required

7.3.1.   Outside China: 5.00 USD per entry

7.3.2.   China: 40 RMB per entry

 8.   Submission:

8.1. For all entries except those from Chinese mainland:

Submit through the Greater Washington Mobile Photography Awards 's official website: http://www.gwmpa.org

8.2. For entries from Chinese mainland:

Register and submit through the WeChat program by scanning the QR code provided.

 9.   Disclaimer:

9.1. By participating, authors grant permission for the Greater Washington Mobile Photography Awards and organizing committee to use their submissions for promotional and display purposes free of charge.

9.2. Members of the organizing committee and judges are ineligible to participate.

9.3. The organizing committee reserves the right of final interpretation of all matters related to the Greater Washington Mobile Photography Awards.

 10.       Contact:

10.1.    For inquiries or more information, please email info.wcaf@gmail.com

 11.       Support:

11.1.    For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Xu Jiang at 240-805-8095.