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Rules & Terms

The Equo Equine Photo Award celebrates the art of equine photography, inviting photographers from around the world to showcase their best work. Compete in five categories for the Equo Photographer of the Year title, gain exposure, and win exclusive prizes including workshops and personalised coaching.

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Eligibility Criteria

  • The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels worldwide.

  • Submissions must be original work created by the entrant.

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old.
     

Submission Guidelines

  • Only photos taken by humans are eligible to participate.

  • The use of AI-generated images or any form of image editing involving AI algorithms is therefore strictly prohibited.

  • Editing, adding, or removing image elements that change the content is not permitted.

  • Technical photographic edits are permitted. ( i.e. colour correction, cropping, sharpening, adjusting brightness, contrast etc.)

  • Each participant can submit up to fifteen entries

  • Entries must  be high-resolution digital images in JPEG or PNG format 1920 px / 72 dpi (longest side)

  • Finalist entrants must have the ability to supply a high-resolution digital file of minimum pixel size
    of 2400px x 3600px at 300 dpi.

  • Watermarking or signatures on images are not allowed.

  • Participants should upload their photos online with designated file names.

  • All photographs must align with the theme of the competition.

 

Entry Fees

  • Enjoy a 15% Early Bird discount from December 21 to January 31.

  • Starting February 1, the regular price of €15.00 per upload applies.
     

Categories

  • Category 1: Equestrian Enlightenment

  • Category 2: Harmony with Horses

  • Category 3: Exploring Equine Culture

  • Category 4: Dynamic Sports Moments

  • Category 5: Artistic Expression

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Ownership of Photos

  • Participants retain the copyright of the submitted images at all times.

  • By participating, you grant Equo Equine Photo Award the right to utilise the submitted photographs within the scope of these promotional activities for this competition only.
     

Judging Criteria

  • The judges' panel will be announced at a later date.

  • Entries will be judged based on: creativity, composition, technical quality, and relevance to the theme.

  • Judges will assess the emotional impact, storytelling, and artistic merit of each photograph.

  • The jury will deliberate in three rounds, consisting of the first, second, and final selection.

  • The decision of the judging panel is final and binding.
     

Important Details

• Submission deadline: 31 May

• Winners will be notified via email and announced on the Equo Academy website.

• Prizes will be awarded to the top entries based on the judging criteria.

• Opportunity to exhibit at a public exhibition (details will be shared with winners).

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Registration Schedule

• 21 December - 31 January: Early bird registration (15% discount on €15.00)

• 01 February - 31 May: Regular registration fee (€15.00)

• 31 May: Final submission deadline.

• 02 June: Jury deliberation.

• 16 June: Winners announced.

• 30 June: Registration deadline for public exhibition.
 

We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the artistry of equine photography with you.
If you have any questions or need clarification on the rules and terms, please contact us at info@equo.academy
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For our full terms and conditions, please click here.
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Judging Criteria 

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The judges will evaluate entries based on the following key criteria:

 

Creativity and originality

Judges will look for fresh perspectives and original ideas that demonstrate the artist’s ability to think outside the box. Unique interpretations and innovative approaches to the subject matter will be highly valued.

 

Composition and design

The artist’s mastery of visual design will be assessed, including the arrangement of elements, balance, and spatial relationships. Judges will also consider how effectively negative space is used to create a harmonious and cohesive image.

 

Technical excellence

Judges will evaluate the technical aspects of the photograph, such as lighting, exposure, depth of field, sharpness, and the correct use of equipment. High-quality execution of technical skills is a key factor in the judging process.

 

Lighting and mood

The effective use of lighting to enhance mood, contrast, and shadows will be crucial. Judges will focus on how light is used creatively to evoke emotion and add depth to the photograph.

 

Concept and subject matter

The judges will assess how well the artist has captured the essence of the competition’s theme and the equine subject matter. A deep understanding of equine culture and tradition, as well as the ability to showcase it in a meaningful way, will be taken into account.

 

Emotional impact and storytelling

Judges will consider the emotional resonance of the artwork and the ability to tell a compelling story through the photograph. Submissions that engage viewers and convey a unique perspective will be highly regarded.

 

The panel of judges will be announced at a later date.

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