FAQ — Pyrenees Photo Award

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the Pyrenees Photo Award?

An international photography award built around a single annual question.
The Award encourages photography as observation rather than decoration and seeks images that offer insight rather than surface effect.

Who can participate?

Everyone. The Award is open to photographers of any experience, education, or background.

Minors must provide written consent from a legal guardian.

How many images can I submit?

Each participant may submit one single image.

What is this year’s question?

For 2026, the question is:
“What is real?”

Can organizations or collectives submit?

No.
Submissions are individual:
one person = one image.

2. IMAGE REQUIREMENTS & SUBMISSION

Are film photographs accepted?

Yes.
Analog photography is accepted but must be uploaded as a high-resolution digital scan.
No prints or negatives sent by mail will be accepted.

Are smartphone photographs allowed?

Yes, provided the image meets the technical requirements
(minimum 4000 px on the long edge).

What file type and resolution are required?

  • Format: JPEG

  • Minimum resolution: 4500 px on the long edge

  • Color space: sRGB recommended

Is editing allowed?

Basic adjustments (color, exposure, contrast, crop) are permitted.
Heavy digital compositing, synthetic content, or AI-generated elements are not permitted.

Are AI-generated images allowed?

No.
AI-generated, AI-synthesized, or AI-composited images are prohibited.

The Award exists to encourage photographic observation — not simulation.
RAW files or original scans may be requested for verification.

Can I modify my submission after payment?

No, except in the case of a technical file error and only with organizer approval.

What language should the description be in?

English.

File naming convention

Lastname_Firstname_Title.jpg
(Untitled → Lastname_Firstname.jpg)

Does the image need to be recent?

No.
There is no time restriction.

3. ELIGIBILITY & CONTENT

Can I submit previously published or exhibited work?

Yes, provided you hold full rights.

Can I submit an image that has won another award?

No.
Previously awarded work is not eligible, ensuring fairness for emerging and established photographers alike.

Are documentary, conceptual, staged, or archival works allowed?

Yes.
No genre restriction applies — only relevance to the annual question matters.

Is nudity allowed?

Non-sexual artistic nudity may be accepted.
Pornographic, sexually explicit, discriminatory, violent, or hate-inciting content is prohibited and may be disqualified without refund.

Are model or property releases required?

Where legally required, the photographer must obtain the necessary releases.

4. JURY & SELECTION

Is the jury review anonymous?

Yes.
Names are hidden during evaluation.

How does the selection process work?

Three stages:

  • Longlist — selected from all submissions

  • Shortlist — finalists considered for exhibition

  • Three Laureates — equally awarded (no ranking)

Both the Shortlist and the Laureates are exhibited.

How many awards are given?

Three equal Laureates (no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place).

Will I receive feedback if not selected?

No.
Individual feedback cannot be provided.

Are jury decisions final?

Yes.
All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

5. FEES, PAYMENT & REFUNDS

Why is there an entry fee?

Fees contribute directly to:

  • jury work

  • prize money

  • exhibition production

  • printing and mounting

  • administration and communication

  • technical infrastructure

The Award is non-profit oriented and financially transparent.

Are there student discounts?

No.
All participants pay the same fee.

How does payment work?

Payments are processed via secure online checkout.
Bank or currency conversion fees are the participant’s responsibility.

Are refunds possible?

Submission fees are non-refundable, except in the case of full cancellation of the Award by the Organizer.

6. RIGHTS & COPYRIGHT

Who owns the copyright?

The photographer retains 100% copyright at all times.

Can I sell or publish my image after submission?

Yes.
Submission does not restrict future licensing or commercial use.

What usage rights does the Organizer receive?

A non-exclusive, time-limited right to use the image for:

  • jury review

  • physical and digital exhibition

  • press and communication related to the Award

Any additional use requires written permission.

7. NOTIFICATION & PRIVACY

How will I be notified?

By email.
The Organizer is not responsible for spam filters or incorrect email addresses.

What about personal data?

Personal data is stored only for the duration of the Award cycle
and deleted afterward unless legal retention is required.

8. EXHIBITION

How will the exhibition take place?

Shortlisted works and Laureates will be exhibited outdoors in Sauveterre-de-Béarn,
using weather-resistant prints.

Is the exhibition public?

Yes.
Free and open to the public.

9. LOW SUBMISSION SCENARIOS

What happens if only very few submissions are received?

The Organizer may adjust the timeline.
In the event of full cancellation, fees will be refunded.

10. COUNTRY & LEGAL RESTRICTIONS

Are submissions accepted worldwide?

Yes.
However, prize payments to sanctioned countries may be legally restricted.

How are taxes handled?

Prize money is paid net.
Tax declaration is the responsibility of the participant.