SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Overview

Participants are invited to submit one single image responding to the annual question:

“What is real?”

The aim of the Award is to encourage photographic responses that offer insight rather than surface — relevance rather than style.

2. Eligibility

  • Open worldwide to photographers of any age, education, or nationality.

  • Minors must provide written consent from a legal guardian (proof may be requested).

  • Employees, contractors, or family members of the Organizer are not eligible.

3. Submission Requirements

Each participant may submit one image only.

A complete submission must include:

A. Image File

  • JPEG, sRGB

  • Maximum 50 MB

  • Minimum 4500 × 3000 px

  • No TIFF files at this stage

  • No watermarks, borders, logos, or signatures

The Organizer may request a higher-resolution file for exhibition production.

B. Short Description

  • Maximum 300 characters

C. File Naming

Required format:

Lastname_Firstname_Title.jpg
(Untitled → Lastname_Firstname.jpg)

4. Image Capture & Equipment

All camera types are permitted, including:

  • DSLR / mirrorless

  • Medium format

  • Compact cameras

  • Smartphones (if resolution and quality are sufficient)

Images must be original and created from a single photographic capture.
AI-generated images are not permitted.

5. Digital Editing Rules

Permitted adjustments

  • exposure and color correction

  • contrast, white balance, cropping

  • dust or scratch removal

  • moderate sharpening or noise reduction

Not permitted

  • compositing multiple images

  • adding or removing visual elements

  • AI-generated or AI-synthesized content

  • digital effects altering factual context

The Organizer may request RAW files for verification.

6. Content Restrictions

Images must be suitable for public exhibition and comply with youth protection standards.

Not permitted:

  • pornographic or sexually explicit content

  • graphic depictions of violence

  • discriminatory or hateful content

  • degrading or abusive material

  • staged cruelty toward humans or animals

  • violations of privacy or applicable law

Non-compliant submissions may be disqualified without refund.

7. Submission Process

Submissions are accepted exclusively via the official submission platform.

Files sent by email, social media, or physical mail will not be reviewed.

After payment and upload, participants receive a confirmation email.

8. Jury Process

  • The jury evaluates independently and anonymously.

  • A Longlist and Shortlist are established before selecting the ONE Laureate.

  • Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Submission fees do not guarantee selection or exhibition.

9. Notification & Communication

Shortlisted photographers and Laureates are notified by email.

The Organizer is not responsible for delivery failures due to:

  • spam filters

  • incorrect email addresses

  • inactive accounts

  • technical issues beyond its control

Participants are encouraged to whitelist the Organizer’s email address.

10. Exhibition

Shortlisted works and Laureate will be produced and exhibited outdoors
in Sauveterre-de-Béarn, France.

Selected photographers must provide print-ready files within the requested timeframe.

11. AI Policy

AI-generated images are not permitted and contradict the intent of the Award.

The Organizer reserves the right to:

  • request RAW files

  • verify suspected AI content

  • disqualify entries without refund

12. Smartphone Photography

Smartphone images are accepted if:

  • minimum resolution requirements are met

  • image quality supports large-scale outdoor printing

Low-resolution or heavily compressed files may be rejected.

13. Timeline & Fees

Submission periods, deadlines, and fees are listed on the Timeline page of the Award website.

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

14. Contact

Before contacting the Award team, participants are encouraged to review:

  • FAQ

  • Terms & Conditions

  • Privacy Policy

A contact form is available on the website for further inquiries.