Rules
HOW MAY PARTICIPATE
Legacy Photography Awards is a monthly international photography competition open to both amateur and professional photographers aged 18 years and over and that aims to show you the most amazing family photographers of the world.
All participants must read and agree to the rules described below.
The participation period of each edition will be from the 1st to the 26th of each month. On 31st the results of the contest will be published on our website and on Facebook.
RULES
All participants will retain the right of their images, grant royalty-free licence in each entry to Legacy Photography Awards, the right to use for self-promotion related to Legacy Photography Awards on any media fully crediting the photographer in each case.
Participants claim to be the authors of their work, have the copyright of the images presented and the authorization of the people who appear in them. In any case, the organization is not responsible for possible infringements of copyright or intellectual property right by the participants in case of complaint.
Any entry that does not meet these requirements will be disqualified by the organization.
Images that are considered pornographic, violent, obscene, that incite hatred in any variant (racism, sexism, religion …) as well as any that may be considered offensive by the organization will be disqualified. The organization will at all times have the right to eliminate a certain photograph before or after its publication if it considers it appropriate, as well as to exclude participants who do not comply with these rules, in future editions of the contest.
If digital templates are used, the photographers must be the authors of the templates. Photographs using digital templates or images or parts of images not taken by the photographer will be eliminated from the competition.
The use of digital textures or backgrounds from third parties is permitted, “texture” being defined as a shape or surface of a non-solid and non-identifiable nature.
Digital backgrounds, whatever their nature, must be perfectly integrated into the photograph, visually respecting the lighting used by the photographer and the shadows generated by that lighting.
The level of integration and realism of the final image will be assessed.
The use of photographic software such as Photoshop is allowed; basic adjustments of colour, brightness and contrast as well as reframing of the original image are not considered retouching.
The use of tools such as liquefying or techniques such as frequency separation or Dodge and Burn are considered retouching and their correct use by the photographer will be assessed.
The photographs submitted to the competition must not have a logo, watermark or name in order to maintain the anonymity of the authors.
The photographs taken during a Workshop, Masterclass or any other type of educational or photographic event of any kind, are not allowed unless they are pictures taken by the instructor and he/she is the one who prepared the whole set, lighting, stage design…
Artificial Intelligence
As this is a photographic competition, the portraits submitted must be taken with a camera and images generated by Artificial Intelligence will not be accepted.
However, AI-generated backgrounds and textures are allowed.
Commercial templates created by AI may not be used in the competition.
In no case may AI-created backgrounds cover or support the models, but they may form part of the image scenery.
In any case, the perfect integration between the photographic image and the one generated by AI will be taken into account, taking into account proportions, lighting, textures, resolution, colour, etc.
At equal score during voting, entirely photographic images will be ranked immediately higher than those featuring AI-created parts.
Under no circumstances may the physical characteristics of the models be altered or complements added to them through the use of Artificial Intelligence: hair, wardrobe, etc.
In case of doubt, the competition may request the files used from the photographers.
Due to the incessant increase of applications of Artificial Intelligence in the photographic field, these rules may change, so we advise you to be aware of the changes although the organization will communicate them in advance on our social networks.
WEDDINGS CATEGORY
Wedding photography encompasses a wide range of moments and styles. Due to the diversity of contexts in which these images are captured—whether indoors, outdoors, in detail shots, spontaneous moments, posed compositions, or documentary-style approaches—we have created an award system that recognises excellence without imposing rigid categories.
Category Rules
The wedding category follows the general competition rules, in addition to specific regulations ensuring the authenticity and quality of submitted images.
Originality Requirement: Photographs must have been taken on the wedding day or during a post-wedding session, provided it corresponds to a real wedding.
No Staged Sessions: Images taken with models or captured during masterclasses, workshops, or practice sessions will not be accepted.
Accepted Themes
The following wedding-related images are permitted:
The couple together.
Either of the newlyweds individually.
Wedding-related scenes, even if the couple is not present, such as moments from the ceremony, reception, party, or interactions with family and friends.
Images must authentically capture the essence of a wedding, highlighting details such as emotions, decorations, and other key elements of the event.
Dress Code
The newlyweds must appear in traditional wedding attire.
Pre-wedding sessions where the couple wears outfits other than wedding attire will not be accepted.
Prohibition of AI Manipulation
Images created, altered, or partially or fully generated using artificial intelligence (AI) tools will not be accepted.
The organisers reserve the right to request the original file to verify the authenticity of the submitted photograph.
Evaluation Criteria
Photographs will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Technical execution, including composition, lighting, retouching, and effective use of colour or black and white.
Originality and the ability to convey a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the wedding day.
Award Levels
Lux – For exceptional images that represent the highest standard of excellence in wedding photography. These photographs stand out for their outstanding execution, creativity, and ability to leave a lasting impression.
Gold – For remarkable images that demonstrate a superior level of artistry and technical mastery. These photographs are visually striking and reflect an exceptional creative vision.
Silver – A recognition of well-executed images that showcase strong photographic skills and a professional approach. These photographs maintain a consistently high standard of quality.
Bronze – Awarded to images that, while not reaching the highest levels, exhibit significant artistic and emotional merit. These photographs showcase craftsmanship and originality.
Commended – A recognition for images that demonstrate solidity, professionalism, and artistic intent. While not receiving the top awards, these photographs stand out for their quality and originality.
International Photographer of the Year Title
To be eligible for the International Photographer of the Year title, participants must have competed in at least six editions of the competition within the same season.
At the end of the year, the title will be awarded to the photographer who has achieved the highest overall score based on their awarded images throughout the season.
Prizes and Recognition
Winner – The International Photographer of the Year will receive an honorary trophy along with a £500 cash prize.
Finalists – Photographers who reach the final stage will receive an official award trophy in recognition of their achievement.
WINNERS
The photographs presented will be judged by the Legacy Photography Awards team and they will evaluate the originality, composition, lighting, creativity, visual impact and quality of retouching in case there is.
The team will choose a Winner, a Second and Third place in each category. In the event that some photographs achieve the same score as those selected as Second and Third place, they will receive the same distinction ex aqueo.
Said Honorable Mentions will be divided into 3 levels:
- Honorable Mention Gold will be awarded to photographs that have reached an exceptional level and mastery of all areas.
- Honorable Mention Silver will be awarded to photographs that the judges consider excellent in their execution in most areas even though it may present some errors in technical or artistic execution.
- Honorable Mention Bronze will be achieved to those photographs that the judges consider deserve to be highlighted.
The winners, Badge of Excellence and Honorable Mentions will be announced on the website and social networks of Legacy Photography Awards in approximately one week after the verdict.
Legacy Photography Awards reserves the right to modify the prizes in other subsequent editions but always announcing it before the registration period of the contestants.
IMAGES SPECIFICATIONS
The images must have a size of 1920 pixels on the longest side and saved to jpg and 150 ppi with a maximum of 3 MB.
Images with logos or watermarks will not be accepted.
Once the images are uploaded you will receive an email that will indicate that you are already registered in the contest.
RIGHT TO CANCEL
Legacy Photography Awards reserves the right to suspend the contest in case that circumstances do not make it possible, such as computer or technical problems.
In any case, if these facts happened during the period of registration, Legacy Photography Awards is committed to returning the entry fees for all the participants.
Legacy Photography Awards reserves the right to modify the rules of the competition by notifying participants that may be affected by these changes.
AWARDS
At the end of the year, a total of €4000 in cash will be awarded.
In the monthly editions, the Winners of each category will receive a free entry voucher for the next edition and a certificate of qualification and badge.
All other participants who have achieved Excellence or Honourable Mention status will receive a free certificate of qualification and badge.
All the classified photos will be published on our website and social networks, and their authors will be duly credited so that the world can recognise their talent.
At the end of the year we will choose as the winner of each category the photographer who has demonstrated their regularity and mastery throughout the season.
A competitor can be chosen as International Photographer of the Year in more than one category.
The winner of each of the seven categories: Maternity, Newborn, Studio Child Portrait, Outdoor Child Portrait, Tweens and Teens, Senior Portrait and Weddings, will receive the title of International Photographer of the Year, €500 and a trophy.
To be eligible for International Photographer of the Year, you must have participated in a minimum of 6 editions in the same year and have demonstrated a level of expertise during these participations, as this is an award for excellence and regularity over a whole season.
There will also be an Absolute Overall Winner, who will receive €500 and a trophy.
This trophy will be awarded to the photographer who has achieved at least a First Place in 3 or more categories over the course of the season and will be evaluated based on the degree of skill, mastery, and consistency of their work through a review of the portfolio submitted during the year.
It will be necessary to have participated in a minimum of 6 rounds to be eligible for this award.
The Finalists in each category will also receive a trophy accrediting them as such.
The winners will be responsible for the possible costs associated with the acceptance of the prize.