General Division Categories

Open to newspaper, freelance, magazine and wire service photographers. In story categories, literal, chronological, and thematic essays are both acceptable, however logical organization is essential. Edit tightly. Eliminate weak and redundant images. Write succinct, descriptive titles. In the past, many otherwise fine entries have been rejected due to weak editing.

1 - Science/Natural History

A photograph that increases understanding and appreciation of science or the natural world.

2 - Science/Natural History Picture Story

A story or essay that increases understanding and appreciation for science or the natural world. Summarize the entry in a single paragraph in the File Info "Caption Field" of the first picture in the series. Twelve photographs maximum per entry.

3 - Sports Action

A photograph that captures the action of individual or team sports.

4 - Sports Feature

A photograph that increases understanding and appreciation for individual and team sports or celebrates the role athletics play in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans.

5 - Sports Picture Story, Sequence or Series

A story, sequence or series that increases understanding and appreciation for individual and team sports and/or the role that athletics play in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans. Twelve photographs maximum per entry.

6 - Sports Portfolio

Demonstrate versatility. Submit a maximum of twelve action and feature photographs that include at least three different sports.

7 - Pictorial

A graphic image that expresses beauty, tension, harmony, chaos and other abstract concepts through composition and tonal and color relationships more than through human interaction.

8 - Human Conflict

A single picture depicting human conflict in 2006. Images themed as "human conflict" may be defined with a broad characterization — direct conflict such as in Lebanon, indirect conflict such as Korean, the effects of conflict such as Darfur, and personal conflict such as domestic abuse.

9 - Human Conflict Picture Story

A story or essay that documents human conflicts in 2006. Summarize the entry in a single paragraph in the file info "Caption Field" of the first in the series. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

10 - Best Photo Column

A regularly reoccurring, self-generated enterprise that uses a narrative style to blend words and images and reflects aspects of a community or lifestyle. The forum may be defined as either a photo column, photo journal, or photo blog. This should be an individual’s entry, not a team entry. The “entry” will consist of three (3) individual photo columns. This will allow the judges to examine the theme and consistency of the reoccurring column. The photojournalists must provide a brief “statement of purpose” for the column, appearing in the caption field of the first image. Judges also will weigh the quality of the text that accompanies the images. The column must be “published” in some form — either in print and online, or combined. Entries should be submitted in their original published form as either a .jpg or .pdf page from the print edition, or a URL link to the online edition. Independent and personal web sites will be considered as “published.”

Newspaper & Magazine Categories

Newspaper Division - Single Picture Categories

Open to newspaper and wire service photographers and freelancers who work primarily for newspapers and wire services.

11 - General News Reporting

A photograph from a political, social or cultural event for which planning was possible or that explores issues or news of the day distinct from breaking news.

12 - Feature Picture

An unposed photo that celebrates life. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important.

13 - Portrait

A picture of a person that reveals the essence of the subject's character.

14 - Spot News

A picture of an event taken in the course of daily coverage. Examples: fires, accidents and demonstrations.

Newspaper Division - Multiple Picture Categories

Open to newspaper and wire service photographers and freelancers who work primarily for newspapers and wire services. Submissions should have a clearly defined structure through which each image contributes something different. Literal, chronological stories and thematic essays are both acceptable; logical organization, however, is essential. Edit tightly. Eliminate weak and redundant images. Write succinct, descriptive titles. In the past, many otherwise fine entries have been rejected due to weak editing.

15 - News Picture Story

A story based on daily coverage of events. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

16 - Issue Reporting Picture Story

A story or essay that explores an important social, economic or political issue. Examples: the homeless and those who help them, decline and growth in urban communities, environmental decay and development. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

17 - Feature Picture Story

A candid story or essay that celebrates life. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

Note: Each entry in a picture story category must be summarized in a single paragraph in the "file info" caption field of the first photograph in the series.

Magazine Division - Single Picture Categories

Open to agency, contract, freelance, or magazine staff photographers who work primarily for magazines or special interest media organizations.

18 - General News Reporting

A photograph from a political, social or cultural event for which planning was possible or that explores issues or news of the day distinct from breaking news.

19 - Feature Picture

An unposed photo that celebrates life. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important.

20 - Portrait

A picture of a person that reveals the essence of the subject's character.

21 - Spot News

A picture of an event taken in the course of daily coverage. Examples: fires, accidents, local natural disasters and demonstrations.

Magazine Division - Multiple Picture Categories

Open to agency, contract, freelance, or magazine staff photographers who work primarily for magazines or special interest media organizations. Submissions should have a clearly defined structure through which each image contributes something different. Literal, chronological stories and thematic essays are both acceptable; logical organization, however, is essential. Edit tightly. Eliminate weak and redundant images. Write succinct, descriptive titles. In the past, many otherwise fine entries have been rejected due to weak editing.

22 - Feature Picture Story

A candid story or essay that celebrates life. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

23 - Issue Reporting Picture Story

A story or essay that explores a social, economic or political issue. Examples: the homeless and those who help them, decline and growth in urban communities, environmental decay and development. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

24 - News Picture Story

A story based on daily coverage of events. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

Note: Each entry in a picture story category must be summarized in a single paragraph in the "file info" caption field of the first photograph in the series.

Photographer of the Year Categories

Newspaper Photographer of the Year Portfolio

• Submit a maximum of 50 images for the portfolio. Each single photo and multiple image category counts as a single entry. A portfolio may contain no more than 15 entries. Do not put images in separate folders.

• Use NPOY as the category in the filename.

• Arrange images with the singles first followed by the picture stories.

• A newspaper portfolio should be diverse and must include submissions from at least four single picture categories (categories 1,3, 4, 7, 8, 11-14) and at least two multiple picture categories (categories 2, 5, 9, 10, 15 17).

• Portfolios will not be broken down for judging in individual categories. If you wish to enter work from your portfolio into a single or multiple picture category, you must provide a separate file.

Magazine Photographer of the Year Portfolio

• Submit a maximum of 50 images for the portfolio. Each single photo and multiple image category counts as a single entry. A portfolio may contain no more than 15 entries. Do not put images in separate folders.

• Use MPOY as the category in the filename.

• Arrange images with the singles first followed by the picture stories.

• A magazine portfolio should be diverse and must include submissions from at least four single picture categories (categories 1,3, 4, 7, 8, 18-21) and at least two multiple picture categories (categories 2, 5, 9, 10, 22 24).

• Portfolios will not be broken down for judging in individual categories. If you wish to enter work from your portfolio into a single or multiple picture category, you must provide a separate file.

Hints and Tips

• If entering a portfolio, you may insert a "black slide" between your singles and your first story and between each story.

• Photographers are encouraged to enter their singles and stories in individual categories so the judges become familiar with the work before portfolios are judged.

• If entering a portfolio, do not include singles within the portfolio that will later appear in a story within the portfolio.

Editing Categories

Photo editing should demonstrate sensitivity for the selection and organization of documentary photojournalism and the appropriate use of photo illustrations. Page design should reflect consideration for the reader and respect for the vision of the photographer. Judges will consider the effectiveness of the captions, headlines and other display typography as well as photo content. Aggressive local coverage and imaginative editing of wire and syndicated photos are important. Layout of inside pages and section fronts will be evaluated.

Newspaper Editing categories

May be the work of one or more persons.

25 - Single Page News Story

Limited to one page, which cannot also be entered as part of a multiple page entry. Individual doubletruck spreads count as a single page entry and cannot be entered in multiple-page categories.

26 - Single Page Feature Story (may include sports)

Limited to one page, which cannot also be entered as part of a multiple-page entry. Individual doubletruck spreads count as a single page entry and cannot be entered in "multiple page" categories.

27 - Multiple Page News Story

Must be from one issue of the newspaper. A series is not eligible. No singles. Doubletrucks may be a part of a multiple page entry, but cannot be entered as only the individual spread. Single doubletruck spreads should be entered in "single page" categories.

28. Multiple Page Feature Story (may include sports)

Must be from one issue of the newspaper. A series is not eligible. No singles. Doubletrucks may be a part of a multiple page entry, but cannot be entered as only the individual spread. Single doubletruck spreads should be entered in "single page" categories.

29 - Newspaper Series

One topic covered in multiple issues of a newspaper.

30 - Newspaper Special Section

One topic covered in one issue of a newspaper.

31 - Newspaper Picture Editing Portfolio: Circulation less than 100,000

• A newspaper picture editing portfolio may contain no more than eight submissions. Multiple page submissions (sections, series, magazine or tabloid layouts) count as one entry.

• Each entry must include one or more submissions from both categories 25 and 26, plus one or more submissions from either category 27 or 28.

32 - Newspaper Picture Editing Portfolio: Circulation greater than 100,000

• A newspaper picture editing portfolio may contain no more than eight submissions. Multiple page submissions (sections, series, magazine or tabloid layouts) count as one entry.

• Each entry must include one or more submissions from both categories 25 and 26, plus one or more submissions from either category 27 or 28.

Magazine editing categories

May be the work of one or more persons.

33 - Multiple Page News Story

Must be from one issue of the magazine.

34 - Multiple Page Feature Story - (may include sports)

Must be from one issue of the magazine.

35 - Magazine Picture Editing Portfolio

• Newspaper-produced magazine entries are allowed.

• A magazine picture editing portfolio may contain up to six submissions from the individual category numbers 33 and 34.

Best Use of Photographs

Only one entry per publication may be submitted for categories 36-38.

• Dailies: Submit, in one envelope, three complete newspapers, only one of which may be a Sunday issue. Two of the three must be from the same week, chosen from one of the following: Jan. 15-21; March 12-18; July 9-15; Sept. 24-30; Nov. 5-11. The third issue may be any date of your choice.

• Weeklies or Semi-Weeklies: In one envelope, submit two consecutive issues beginning with the issue published in one of the above weeks, plus a third issue of your choice.

• Tape Best Use label to the back of the first and last page of each newspaper section or each magazine. Place the complete newspapers or magazines in one envelope. Be sure to write the category number on the envelope.

36 - Newspapers: Circulation of under 100,000

37 - Newspapers: Circulation greater than 100,000

38 - Magazines

Submit two consecutive issues published during the year 2006 plus the magazine from the week of June 5, 2006, or the month of September for monthlies. Magazines may submit only one entry to this category. Attach labels to the back of each issue.

 

Multimedia Division Categories

The multimedia categories are intended to appraise storytelling in still photojournalism and/or motion photojournalism (video)— using either individual formats or a combination of still and video. In addition, news value, writing, sound (audio), as well as overall organization, clarity of focus and ease of use will be the guiding criteria for the judges. There is no additional fee for entering multimedia stories. Each multimedia story entered counts toward the total 15 possible submissions for an individual. There is an additional $50 fee for editors or organizations entering “Best Use in Multimedia” category. Judges will be reviewing the work as it appears online, so it is important to make sure the URLs are current.

Multimedia Specifications

• Judges prefer to review the work as it appears online, rather than on separate file. If the multimedia entry employs substantial video, you may elect to submit the entry on a DVD. If you do this, send one copy and tape a Multimedia category label to the case of the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. The disc should include one copy of the complete Web site or media file (Flash, Quicktime, etc.). Mac-compatible or cross-platform discs are required.

Best Multimedia Stories or Essays

39 - Best Multimedia News Story or Essay

A story based on daily coverage of general news events or issue coverage. This category will recognize outstanding multimedia reporting utilizing fresh material. Each entry should be a single news story or essay.

40 - Best Multimedia Feature Story or Essay

A candid story or essay that celebrates life. This category will recognize outstanding multimedia reporting utilizing fresh material. Each entry should be a single feature story or essay.

41 - Best Multimedia Sports Story or Essay

A story, sequence or series that increases understanding and appreciation for individual and team sports and/or the role that athletics play in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans.

Best Use in Multimedia

42 - Interactive Publication/Small Media

This category will recognize overall excellence in use of photography, interactive design and multimedia story-telling on Web sites produced by individuals, independent teams and small media companies, such as small daily or weekly newspapers that serve regional or special interest audiences.

43 - Interactive Publication/Major Media

This category will recognize overall excellence in use of photography, interactive design and multimedia story telling in national and international Web sites produced by broadcast and online networks, metropolitan newspapers and others serving broad, mass market audiences.

 

 

POYi Premiere Categories

One Week's Work

The spirit of One Week's Work is to honor the general assignment photojournalist who best demonstrates versatility in covering the diversity of life within a community. Submit up to twelve entries. Single images, multiple-image photo stories, and multimedia pieces count as individual entries. No more than two pictures may be from any one story. All must be taken (but not necessarily published) within seven consecutive days. Indicate in the File Info "Caption/Description Field" the date each photograph was taken.

Community Awareness Award

The Community Awareness Award shall be given annually to a body of work that demonstrates an understanding of and appreciation for everyday life. Entries must have been produced entirely within the photographer's home community. The purpose is to encourage greater attention to the small events in life, which often are overshadowed by the news of the day, and to celebrate those photographs that remind us that the world turns mostly on the work and dreams of the common woman and man.

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• All photographs must have been taken or published for the first time between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2006.

• The entry may contain individual photographs and/or stories and essays.

• Provide a summary of the work in the caption field of the first photograph.

• Individual images must be labeled according to the digital entry guidelines.

• Use CAA as the category in the filename.

• Provide caption information as necessary.

World Understanding Award

The World Understanding Award will be given to a photographer's story or essay that portrays a sense of justice or insight into difficult problems. This could include a facet of human relations, friendship, a mutual concern for the world environment, the spirit of youth, a lifting of hope for peace or any number of other topics. A maximum of 40 pictures may be entered. In addition to the images, judges will rely on supporting materials such as letters of support and other documentation that reflects how the impact of the story affected the society.

• There are no subject matter requirements.

• Photos need not have been taken during 2006.

• Entries need not have been published.

• Photo essays or parts thereof entered in previous years may not be resubmitted for five years.

• Winning entries from previous years may NOT be resubmitted. be resubmitted. Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Individual images should be labeled accordingly.

• Label each image with your name, picture title and a capital letter that matches an identical capital letter on the respective caption sheet. Use WUA in the naming convention for this entry.

• Provide a summary of the essay in the caption field of the first image.

• Provide caption information for individual images as necessary.

• Individual images must be labeled according to the digital entry guidelines.

• Portions of your essay may not be edited and entered in a picture story category.

• Your essay may be part of a Portfolio of the Year entry only if the photos entered were taken or published during the current competition year.

Angus McDougall Award

• No special entry is required. Judges will select one newspaper that demonstrates consistent excellence in photo use in a variety of categories throughout the editing division.

Best Photography Book Award

44 ­ Books

• Entries must rely primarily on documentary photography and have been published sometime within the last three years (2004, 2005 or 2006). Photographs may be the work of one or more photographers. Books entered in previous years are not eligible. Submit only one copy.

• Submit one book and tape a Best Use category label on the inside of the back cover. Print the title of the book on the space provided on the label and entry form.

Awards and Prizes

• Newspaper and Magazine Photographers of the Year each receive a trophy and a $1,000 cashaward. The runners-up will receive a plaque and a $500 cash award. Third-place winnersreceive a plaque and a $250 cash award.

• The newspaper winning the Angus McDougall Overall Excellence in Editing Award will receive, for a year, a sterling silver traveling trophy, a plaque and tuition to the Missouri Photo Workshop.

• The One Week's Work winner will receive a trophy and a $1,000 cash award.

• The Best Book Award winner will receive a plaque and a $1,000 cash award.

• The World Understanding Award winner will receive a trophy and a $1,000 cash award.Essays judged worthy of special recognition receive a plaque and a $250 cash award.

• Winner of the Community Awareness Award will receive a trophy and a $1,000 cash award. Entries judged worthy of special recognition receive a plaque and a $250 cash award.

• First place winners in individual categories will receive plaques. All other places in individualcategories will receive certificates.

Winner Notification

• Winners will be posted at www.poyi.org on Monday, March 12, 2007.

• All winners will be contacted immediately after the results have been announced and may be asked to submit reproduction quality material for use in a book and exhibition.