RJI
73rd POY call for entries
judging

Complete Guide for Entry, Registration, and Category Descriptions



Registration
& Entry Open
Through Jan. 15



REGISTRATION
& ENTRY SITE:
CLICK HERE

CATEGORIES:
CLICK HERE


CONTACT

Pictures of the Year International
Phone: 573-884-2188
Email: info@poyi.org
Web: www.poyi.org

Mailing address:
Pictures of the Year International
Missouri School of Journalism
109 Lee Hills Hall
Columbia, MO 65211


AWARDS & PRIZES

$1,000 cash prizes & Tiffany crystal trophies for top Premier winners:
• Photographer of the Year
• Documentary Project of the Year
• World Understanding Award

$500 cash prizes & Tiffany crystal trophies for top Premier winners:
• Newspaper Photographer of the Year
• Sports Photographer of the Year
• Multimedia Photographer of the Year
• Environmental Vision Award
• Community Awareness Award
• Best Photography Book Award

Individual category winner:
1st — Engraved plaque awards
2nd, 3rd, & AE — Certificate awards


KEY DATES

Online registration opens:
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015

Deadline for entries:
Friday, Jan. 15, 2016,
11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time)

Judging in Columbia, Mo.:
Feb. 8 - 25, 2016


RULES ON DIGITAL PROCESSING
AND "APP" FILTERS

• Photojournalism should reflect the human experience, capture the moment and report the news events and social issues with respect for the integrity of the scene and the intent of the moment.

• Photographs must be true representations of the scene and cannot be posed, set up or staged by the photographer. Portrait categories are the only exceptions.

• POY will request the original RAW or JPG image files from a random selection of 20 percent of the photographs voted to final places by the jury, plus any images that the jury members request. POY will examine and verify each of these selected files for authenticity.
This verification process will take place at the conclusion of judging and before the official results are announce.
Any photographs that do not meet these standards will be disqualified.

• The content of a photographic scene must not be digitally manipulated or altered through post-production processing.
Routine post-production processing of images for exposure correction, white balance and color toning is acceptable.

• POY accepts two photographic modes: color and black & white.
Color images should replicate what the human eye experiences. Flagrant desaturation, over saturation, or production effects that artificially impose on the integrity of the scene with excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignetting, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified.
Black & white images should be bi-tonal and display a full grayscale range of 256 intensities from deep-shadow blacks to highlight whites. Black & white image files that artificially impose a color shift, such as sepia or cyan tones, will be disqualified.

• Photos from mobile-device cameras are eligible. However, the use of software capture filters (Hipstamatic, CameraBag, Instagram) that artificially impose on the integrity of the scene with excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignetting, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified.

• Digital manufactured photo illustrations, double exposures, in-camera multiple exposures, added masks, borders, backgrounds, text, handwritten notes, or other artistic effects are all prohibited.

• Diptychs, triptychs are not eligible.

• Film edges will be allowed if the original photograph was shot on film (negative or transparency) or Polaroid and the border is the true nature of the medium.

• POY reviews every still photograph entry in advance of judging. POY will contact photographers whose images seem to conflict with these standards, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit the photograph before judging begins. Once judging begins on Feb. 8, jury members have the discretion to disqualify entries that they feel over manipulate the image or exploit the process.

• Images submitted into single-photo categories cannot be copies, scans, or a photograph of other photographs or documents. A photograph of a photograph can serve as a detail photo as part of a larger photo story or extended project, but several of these may not comprise a majority of the story.


PICTURE STORIES

Picture stories for News, Issue Reporting, and Feature categories are open to all photographers -- independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, wire service, or newspaper photographers. Newspaper photographers who cover national and international stories outside their organization's primary geographic market are welcome to submit entries into these categories. Newspaper staff photographers are encouraged to enter local and/or regional stories from the organization's primary geographic market in the Newspaper Picture Story categories #10, #12, and #14.

"Newspaper" picture story categories are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. A requirement for Newspaper picture stories is that coverage must focus on local and/or regional stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market. Newspaper photographers also may submit picture stories in the open pictures story categories for coverage of national or international stories. Part time or "stringers" may enter the Newspaper categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper.

Guidelines state that entries “must have been taken or published for the first time during 2015.” A few pre-2015 images are acceptable, if they are an integral part of a story and have not been published before. Please consider your purpose for submitting pre-2015 images.

There is a 200 character limit for the story summary field when uplaoding pictures stories in the entry platform. The caption fields for each individual photo provides for 2,000 characters. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on your story details as they pertain to the individual image.

Entries should have a clearly defined structure with each image contributing something different. Literal, chronological stories and thematic essays are both acceptable; logical organization, however, is essential. Edit tightly. Eliminate weak and redundant images. A picture story may be entered only once. Do not re-edit photos from the same story then submit as a different version.

A picture story may be entered only once. Do not re-edit photos from the same story then submit as a different version.


VISUAL EDITING DIVISION

POY's Visual Editing Division for 2015 includes categories for multimedia, online and interactive editing, and print publication editing categories. POY's Visual Editing Division includes three category groups:
Multimedia — for linear production and presentation
Online Publications — for non-linear and interactive web pages
Print Publications — for editing and presentation in print


QUICK ANSWERS

• Publication is not a requirement for entering photographs in any category.

• Anyone may enter. However, most entrants are at a "professional" level.

• Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2015.

• Photographs must include captions.

• All captions and story summaries must meet journalistic standards for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements.

• Each photographer must have an individual registration.

• Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2016 at 11:59 p.m (U.S. Central Standard Time).


HOW TO REGISTER & UPLOAD

The online system offers a user-friendly registration and uploading process.

STEP 1: Create an account
Select “Login” to create a new account or re-login to add or edit your entries.
STEP 2: Registration Info
Fill in the online form with your information.
STEP 3: Build Your Entry
Select categories via the drop-down menus, then “browse” to upload your files.
STEP 4: Review Entry
The system allows you to re-login to add, replace, or rearrange photos and entries.
STEP 5: Submit
Once your entire entry is ready, the page will direct you to "go to checkout."

WELCOME

Welcome to the 73rd annual the Pictures of the Year International competition.

POY is the oldest and the most prestigious photojournalism program and competition in the world. Each year, POY recognizes excellence in photojournalism, multimedia, and visual editing. POY is committed to engaging citizens worldwide with great documentary photography by sponsoring educational public exhibitions. POY believes it is critical for citizens to experience your documentation of the news events and social issues facing our world. When you enter Pictures of the Year International, your work reaches out to citizens worldwide and becomes a part of visual history.


SPIRIT OF THE COMPETITION

The mission of Pictures of the Year International is to recognize excellence in documentary photography and photojournalism, within still photography, motion photojournalism (videography) and visual editing in both print and online formats.

"Show truth with a camera," remains the guiding principle as articulated by POY founder Cliff Edom in 1943.

Pictures of the Year International sets the following criteria for the context of images as well as digital post-production image corrections.

All photographers, editors or contest coordinators submitting entries are required to accept these standards for the Spirit of the Competition with an electronic signature.


POY competition entry standards:

• Photojournalism should reflect the human experience, capture the moment and report the news events and social issues with respect for the integrity of the scene and the intent of the moment.

• Photographs must be true representations of the scene and cannot be posed, set up or staged by the photographer. Portrait categories are the only exceptions.

• POY will request the original RAW or JPG image files from a random selection of 20 percent of the photographs voted to final places by the jury, plus any images that the jury members request. POY will examine and verify each of these selected files for authenticity.
This verification process will take place at the conclusion of judging and before the official results are announced.
Any photographs that do not meet these standards will be disqualified.

• The content of a photographic scene must not be digitally manipulated or altered through post-production processing.
Routine post-production processing of images for exposure correction, white balance and color toning is acceptable.

• POY accepts two photographic modes: color and black & white.
Color images should replicate what the human eye experiences. Flagrant desaturation, over saturation, or production effects that artificially impose on the integrity of the scene with excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignetting, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified.
Black & white images should be bi-tonal and display a full grayscale range of 256 intensities from deep-shadow blacks to highlight whites. Black & white image files that artificially impose a color shift, such as sepia or cyan tones, will be disqualified.

• Photos from mobile-device cameras are eligible. However, the use of software capture filters (Hipstamatic, CameraBag, Instagram) that artificially impose on the integrity of the scene with excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignetting, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified.

• Digital manufactured photo illustrations, double exposures, in-camera multiple exposures, added masks, borders, backgrounds, text, handwritten notes, or other artistic effects are all prohibited.

• Diptychs, triptychs are not eligible.

• Film edges will be allowed if the original photograph was shot on film (negative or transparency) or Polaroid and the border is the true nature of the medium.

• POY reviews every still photograph entry in advance of judging. POY will contact photographers whose images seem to conflict with these standards, and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit the photograph before judging begins. Once judging begins on Feb. 8, jury members have the discretion to disqualify entries that they feel over manipulate the image or exploit the process.

• Images submitted into single-photo categories cannot be copies, scans, or a photograph of other photographs or documents. A photograph of a photograph can serve as a detail photo as part of a larger photo story or extended project, but several of these may not comprise a majority of the story.

• Each photograph must include a caption embedded in the .jpg file's IPTC metadata description field that meets journalistic standards for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements. Photographs with captions that are inaccurate or falsely represent the scene or subject will be disqualified. Photographs without captions will be disqualified.

• Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time, either in print or online, between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2015.

The goal of POY is to review and honor the very best work from this past year — 2015.
Please respect the Spirit of the Competition.


GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Photojournalism should reflect the human experience, capture the moment and report the news events and social issues with respect for the integrity of the scene and the intent of the moment.

• Photographs must be true representations of the scene and cannot be posed, set up or staged by the photographer. Portrait categories are the only exceptions.

• The content of a photographic scene must not be digitally manipulated or altered through post-production processing.

• Routine post-production processing of images for exposure correction, white balance and color toning is acceptable. Please review the "Spirit of the Competition" guidelines above, and the “Digital Processing” rules in the left column.

• Images submitted into single-photo categories cannot be copies, scans, or a photograph of other photographs or documents. A photograph of a photograph can serve as a detail photo as part of a larger photo story or extended project, but several of these may not comprise a majority of the story.

• Each photograph must include a caption embedded in the .jpg file's IPTC metadata description field that meets journalistic standards for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements. Photographs with captions that are inaccurate or falsely represent the scene or subject will be disqualified. Photographs without captions will be disqualified.

• Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time, either in print or online, between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2015.


SINGLES & PHOTO STORIES

• One image per .JPG file. No diptychs.

• A single photograph may be submitted only once among the single-picture categories.

• A single photograph may appear as part of a picture story, but in no more than one story.

• A picture story may be entered only once.

• A picture story consists of 3 to 12 photos.


FREELANCE & NEWSPAPER DEFINED

• The “Freelance/Agency” distinction is removed from photo story and portfolio categories. News, Issue Reporting, Feature and Photographer of the Year portfolio categories are open to all photographers — independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, wire service, including newspaper photographers who cover national and international stories outside their organization's primary geographic market.

• "Newspaper" photo story and portfolio categories are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. A requirement for Newspaper categories is that coverage should focus on local and/or regional stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market. Newspaper photographers may submit photo stories in the open categories for coverage of national or international stories. Part time or "stringers" may enter the Newspaper categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper.


FILES SPECIFICATIONS

File naming
Your files are automatically renamed when you submit. It is not necessary to rename your files.

Still photography files
File type: .JPG
Image Size: 3,000 to no more than 5,000 pixels on the longer side — width or height.
Resolution: 300 dpi, minimum.

Visual Editing files

For online page editing and videography stories: URL single primary active link.
Links: Active through judging dates.
Secured: No password-protected Vimeo links.
Files: Do not attempt to upload original .mov, mp4, m4v, or .swf files.

For print publication stories: PDF.
Quality: "High Quality Print."
Pages: Submit each page as a separate .PDF file. Do not group pages or embed files together. A doubletruck or spread (two facing pages) should be submitted as a single .PDF file.


REGISTRATION & ENTRY

POYi features electronic online entry and registration. To submit entries:

• Access the POYi website on or after Wednesday, Dec. 16 at www.poyi.org and follow the "73rd POYi Entry" link.

• Create a login and register online.

• Upload files into the appropriate categories.

• Enter payment of $50 (U.S. dollars) for each registration — photographer or editing team.

• Confirmation receipts will be emailed.

Deadline is Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time).


PARTICIPATION LOGINS

• Each photographer whose work is entered must create an individual registration login.

• Photographers may enter a maximum of 15 submissions in any combination of categories.

• Organizations may enter work on behalf of photojournalists, but the contest coordinators must create an individual registration for each photographer whose work is entered.

• Avoid duplicate entries between agency and photographer to not enter the same work.

• For the Visual Editing Division categories, organizations may create a single "team" registration and enter multiple editors’ work up to 15 submissions.

• Entries will not be reclassified or moved to another category by the judges. Entries may be moved before judging begins.


15 "SUBMISSIONS" DEFINED

Of 15 total, a single "submission" consists of:

• One photo in a single-picture category.

• One picture story (12 photographs).

• One project (40 photographs) in any of the "Premier" award categories:
Environmental Vision Award, Community Awareness Award, World Understanding Award, or Documentary Project of the Year.

• An entry in a category in the Visual Editing Division (#19 - 30)

• A "Photographer of the Year" portfolio.


$50 PAYMENT

Online payments accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. No American Express, please. Organizations may sponsor multiple entrants with a combined payment. The electronic registration form provides for proxy payments.

There is an extra $50 for:

• Entries in the "Best Publications" Division (#31 - 36).

• Multimedia Photographer of the Year.

• Documentary Project of the Year — provides for three submitted projects.

• Exception for “Best Photography Book” (#32). If a contestant is only entering a single print book and no other submissions, then a single $50 is all that is required.

WINNER NOTIFICATION

Winners will be posted Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. All winners will be contacted immediately after the results are announced.


• • •

Categories


STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

1 - Science & Natural History
Single photographs that increase understanding and appreciation of science or the natural world.

2 - Science & Natural History Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that increases understanding and appreciation for science or the natural world. Twelve photographs maximum per entry.

3 - General News
Single photographs from a news event or social issue for which planning was possible — distinct from breaking spot news.

4 - Impact 2015 – Exodus
Single photographs depicting the desperate migration of individuals and families from their native homes seeking sanctuary from political or religious persecution. Images themed as “exodus” may be defined with a broad characterization — examples include, but not limited to, the Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq refugee crisis across the Mediterranean Sea into southeast Europe. Photographs must be taken during 2015.

5 - Spot News
Single photographs of breaking news or unplanned events taken during daily coverage.

6 - Feature
Single photographs, candid and unposed, that reflect the human experience, celebrate life, or chronicle a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important.

7 - Portrait
Single photographs of a person that reveal the essence of the subjects' character.

8 - Portrait Series
A themed series of portraits of people that reveals the essence of the subjects' character. Seven photographs maximum per series.

9 - News Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series based on daily coverage of general news or breaking news. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)

10 - Newspaper News Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series based on daily coverage of general news or breaking news. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
"Newspaper" photo story entries should focus on local and/or regional stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market, and are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)

11 - Issue Reporting Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)

12 - Newspaper Issue Reporting Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
"Newspaper" photo story entries should focus on local and/or regional stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market, and are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)

13 - Feature Picture Story

A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)

14 - Newspaper Feature Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Twelve photographs maximum per story.
"Newspaper" photo story entries should focus on local and/or regional stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market, and are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online.
(Note: Same story cannot be entered in more than one multiple-picture story category.)


SPORTS DIVISION

15 - Sports Action
Single photographs that capture the peak action of individual or team sports. Jubilation, dejection, and reaction photographs should be entered in the Sports Feature category #16.
Photographs must be taken during 2015.

16 - Sports Feature
Single photographs that increase understanding and appreciation for individual and team sports. The photographs should spotlight emotion, celebration, jubilation, dejection, and reaction among athletes and fans.
Photographs must be taken during 2015.

17 - Recreational Sports
Single photographs that celebrate the role of community leagues, amateur enthusiasts, or intramural contests in individual and team sports, and among participants and fans. The spirit of this category — "recreational sports" — is to encourage attention to the small events that are often overshadowed by sports in the top-tier spotlight.
Photographs must be taken during 2015.

18 - Sports Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, 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 story.

Sports Photographer of the Year is listed under the Premier Division.


VISUAL EDITING DIVISION

POY's Visual Editing Division for 2015 includes categories for multimedia, online and interactive editing, and print publication editing categories.

POY's Visual Editing Division includes three category groups:

Multimedia — for linear production and presentation
Online Publications — for non-linear and interactive web pages
Print Publications — for editing and presentation in print


Multimedia
Linear Production and Presentation

Entries in these categories should be narrative stories presented in a linear format, edited in a timeline sequence, and presented in a web-based video player. In other words, the viewer clicks "play" and the story runs from start to finish.

Web pages or interactive visual content presented in a non-linear format are not eligible in these categories, and should be submitted in the Online Publications categories, #23 - 24. A multimedia story entered in these categories also may be embedded on a web page as part of an Online Publications categories #23 & 24.

• Open to everyone — teams or individuals, either independent or affiliated with an organization.

• These categories are intended for single stories or essays with a short run time (flexible length up to about eight minutes).

• Multimedia stories or essays should rely on motion photojournalism (videography) and adopt the concepts of observational and direct cinema techniques. Stories should conform to a documentary approach with journalistic standards that focus on the news events, social issues, or cultural trends of 2015. The term “documentary” in this context, is defined as storytelling grounded in truth, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects who present themselves as themselves.

• These categories are intended to appraise storytelling using any combination of motion videography, still photography, informational graphics, and audio.

• The goal is to "show" the story rather than have an interviewee or on-camera commentator "tell" the story.

• Multiple-chaptered stories or projects that include layered content should be entered in the premier category Documentary Project of the Year, #40.

• Not fitting this definition are fictional allegories, staged reenactments, docu-dramas, or television news reports where an on-camera commentator tells the story. Stories that feature business/organization promotions or personal portfolios are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject or narrative.

• Multimedia stories must be either shot or published online during 2015. Stories previously entered in the 72nd POYi competition are not eligible.

• Submit a URL single primary link for each story. Make sure the online links are active. Do not attempt to upload original .mov, mp4, m4v, or .swf files.

• Enter each story only once, except as part of entries for Multimedia Portfolio and Documentary Project of the Year.

19 - Multimedia News Story
Single multimedia stories or essays based on coverage of general news or breaking news. Each entry should be a single news story or essay with a short run time (flexible length up to about eight minutes). Stories of greater length should be entered in the “Documentary Journalism,” category # 22.

20 - Multimedia Issue Reporting Story
Single multimedia stories or essays that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Each entry should be a single issue-related story or essay with a short run time (flexible length up to about eight minutes). Stories of greater length should be entered in the “Documentary Journalism,” category # 22.

21 - Multimedia Feature Story
Single multimedia stories or essays that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Each entry should be a single feature story or essay with a short run time (flexible length up to about eight minutes). Stories of greater length should be entered in the “Documentary Journalism,” category # 22.

22 - Documentary Journalism
Documentary Journalism is intended for single long-term stories or essays with extended run times of up to about 35 minutes. The stories should rely on motion photojournalism and adopt the concepts of observational and direct cinema techniques. Stories should conform to a documentary approach with journalistic standards that focus on the news events, social issues, or cultural trends of 2015. The term “documentary” in this context, is defined as storytelling grounded in truth, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects who present themselves as themselves.

• This category is intended to appraise storytelling using any combination of motion videography, still photography, informational graphics, and audio.

• The goal is to "show" the story rather than have an interviewee or on-camera commentator "tell" the story.

• Multiple-chaptered stories or projects that include layered content should be entered in the premier category Documentary Project of the Year, #40.

• Not fitting this definition are fictional allegories, staged reenactments, docu-dramas, or television news reports where an on-camera commentator tells the story. Stories that feature business/organization promotions or personal portfolios are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject or narrative.

• Documentary Journalism stories must be published online during 2015 and may include content shot in previous years. t Stories previously entered in the 72nd POYi competition are not eligible.

• Submit a URL single primary link for each story. Make sure the online links are active. Do not attempt to upload original .mov, mp4, m4v, or .swf files.

• A shorter, edited version may not also be entered in multimedia categories #19 - 21.

Multimedia Photographer of the Year, and Documentary Project of the Year are listed under the Premier Division.


Online Publications
Non-Linear and Interactive Web Pages

Editing entries in these categories are intended for the online version of a specific story or essay. The intent is to recognize visual editing on web pages or through online interactive presentations. Web page entries that only present a single video on the page in linear form are not eligible in these categories, and should be submitted in the Multimedia — Linear Production and Presentation categories #19 - 22.

• Open to all online publications — news organizations, newspapers, magazines, or specialty advocacy organizations.

• Editing and presentation should demonstrate sensitivity for the selection and organization of documentary photography and motion photojournalism (videography).

• Presentation design should reflect consideration for the reader and respect for the vision of the photographer.

• These categories are intended to appraise storytelling on the web pages through the effective use of still photography, captions, headlines, photo galleries, embedded videos, interactive content, and users experience.

• Aggressive local coverage and imaginative editing of wire and syndicated photos are important.

• Submit a URL single primary link for each story. Make sure the online links are active.

• An online published story may be submitted only once.

• All stories must be published in 2015.

• Portfolios, business promotions, catalogs, or personal websites are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject or narrative.

23 - Online News & Issue Story Visual Editing
An online news story or essay based on daily coverage of general news, breaking news, or an issue-related story or essay that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Web page entries should be an online version of a single story. Updated versions of the originally posted story are acceptable.

24 - Online Feature Story Visual Editing
An online feature story or essay that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Web page entries should be an online version of a single story. Updated versions of the originally posted story are acceptable.


Print Publications
Editing and Presentation

Editing entries in these categories include the print version of a story and may be of one or more pages, from contiguous issues, on coverage of a single story topic.

• Open to all online publications — news organizations, newspapers, magazines, or specialty advocacy organizations.

• Photo editing should demonstrate sensitivity for the selection and organization of documentary photography. Page design should reflect consideration for the reader and respect for the vision of the photographer.

• These categories are intended to appraise storytelling on printed pages through the effective use of photojournalism content, captions, headlines, and other display typography. Aggressive local coverage and imaginative editing of wire and syndicated photos are important. Design and presentation of inside pages and section fronts will be evaluated.

• An entry may be comprised of a single page, a newspaper doubletruck, a magazine spread or multiple pages — whatever combination best reflects the visual editing of the story. It is encouraged that editing participants tighten each entry to remove weak display or type-heavy pages.

• Submit each page as a separate .PDF file. Do not group pages or embed files together.

• A doubletruck or spread (two facing pages) should be submitted as a single .PDF file.

• A story may be submitted only once.

• All stories must be published in 2015.

• Portfolios, business promotions, catalogs, or personal publications are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject or narrative.

25 - News & Issue Story Visual Editing — Newspaper
26 - News & Issue Story Visual Editing — Magazine or Media
27 - Feature Story Visual Editing — Newspaper
28 - Feature Story Visual Editing — Magazine or Media


Visual Editing Portfolios

A visual editing portfolio may be submitted by an individual editor, a team, or both. A visual editing portfolio may be a combination of both online web page stories and print publication stories. Edit tightly. A portfolio entry should present no more than 10 individual stories, either in print version or online version. You may submit a converged print-and-online version of specific story, and it will count as one story.

29 - Newspaper category
30 - Magazine / Media category


BEST PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

31 – Best Publication
This is a new Premier category for POYi that is the confluence of "Best Magazine," "Best Newspaper," and "Best Website" categories. The winning organization will receive a Tiffany engraved trophy.
The spirit of this category is to recognize the very best visual editing across all platforms of a single organization -- from online to mobile to print publication. This is open to all news organizations, media groups, newspapers, magazines, or specialty advocacy organizations. Judges will recognize overall excellence in use of visual journalism, still photojournalism, motion photojournalism (videography), interactive design, user experience, and multimedia storytelling on websites and in print publications produced by independent teams, individual journalists, or media companies.

• Only one entry per organization.

• Entries in this category are encouraged to submit both the organization's online and print versions of the publications, and also may include apps, downloadable PDFs, mobile optimized websites, or other digital publishing forms.

• The judges will review the website’s overall home page; the photo gallery / multimedia page; and three specific multimedia stories. Provide URL links to Provide URL links to:
1.) the organization’s website home page
2.) the photo gallery and/or multimedia page
3.) and three specific multimedia stories. Stories may be from a larger project.

• The judges will review the print version of the publication of the three best issues from any dates during 2015. Mail three complete issues to:

Pictures of the Year International
Missouri School of Journalism
109 Lee Hills Hall
Columbia, MO 65211


• Portfolios, business promotions, catalogs, or personal publications or websites are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject or narrative.

32 - Best Photography Book Note: This is a Premier Award category.
Book entries must rely on documentary photography and have been published sometime within the last three years (2013, 2014, or 2015). Photographs may be the work of one or more photographers.

• The photographer and the publishing house should coordinate to avoid duplicate entries.

• Previous entries are not eligible.

• Mail or ship by courier (FedEx, DSL, UPS, or postal mail) only one print-bound copy of the book and include a note inside the cover with your name and the publishing house.

Ship the book to:
Pictures of the Year International
Missouri School of Journalism
109 Lee Hills Hall
Columbia, MO 65211


NOTE: It is not necessary that the book entry arrive by the contest deadline, Jan. 15. As long as the shipment is post marked on or before Jan. 15. Also it is not necessary to provide "priority" shipping. Standard shipping with any courier such as FedEx, DSL, UPS, or postal mail is sufficient.

• The trophy and cash prize will honor the photographer(s). The publishing group will be recognized with a plaque, listing the editors and photographers involved.

• An extra $50 per entry for each book entered in this Premier category. If a contestant is only entering a single book and not entering any other category, then just a single $50.


PREMIER DIVISION

33 - Photographer of the Year

This Premier category is open to all photographers -- independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, wire service, or newspaper photographers.
NOTE: Newspaper photographers who cover national or international stories from outside the organization's primary geographic market are welcome to enter this portfolio category. Content for this portfolio category also may include local and/or regional coverage, as well as national and international. However, newspaper staff photographers may only submit one portfolio in one of the two categories, #33 or 34, but not both. If the newspaper photographer portfolio consists mostly of local and/or regional stories from the organization's primary geographic market, then they should submit in the Newspaper Photographer of the Year category #34.

• Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

• A portfolio should be diverse with single pictures and at least two multiple-picture stories. Stories are not limited to 12 images.

• Singles within the portfolio should not be repeated in a picture story in the portfolio.

• Arrange your singles and picture stories in the order you wish them to be reviewed. Judges will view singles first, then stories.

• It is not necessary to insert a blank black .JPG file (black slide) between photo stories. The uploading program will automatically insert a slide with the title of your story at the beginning for separation.

• Photographers should enter single and picture story categories so judges are familiar with the work before portfolios are judged.

• POY will not separate a portfolio and enter the images in individual categories. If you wish to enter work from your portfolio into single or picture story categories, you must upload separate files into those categories.
• Independent, freelance, agency, and wire service photographers should enter this portfolio category, not the Newspaper portfolio category #34.

• Newspaper photographers may submit a portfolio into either portfolio category, #33 or 34, but not both.


34 - Newspaper Photographer of the Year

This Premier category is only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. The requirement for Newspaper Photographer of the Year is that a majority of their portfolio must be local and/or regional coverage about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market. Portfolios submitted in this Newspaper Photographer of the Year category must include at least two local and/or regional picture stories about subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market. Portfolios also may include a national or international picture story. However, newspaper staff photographers may only submit one portfolio in one of the two categories, #33 or 34, but not both. If the newspaper photographer portfolio consists mostly of national or international stories from outside the organization's primary geographic market, then they should submit in the Photographer of the Year category #33.
Part time or “stringers” may enter the "Newspaper" categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper.

• Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

• A portfolio should be diverse with single pictures and at least two multiple-picture stories. The portfolio must include at least two picture stories of local and/or regional coverage from the organization's primary geographic market. Stories are not limited to 12 images.

• Singles within the portfolio should not be repeated in a picture story in the portfolio.

• Arrange your singles and picture stories in the order you wish them to be reviewed. Judges will view singles first, then stories.

• It is not necessary to insert a blank black .JPG file (black slide) between photo stories. The uploading program will automatically insert a slide with the title of your story at the beginning for separation.

• Photographers should enter single and picture story categories so judges are familiar with the work before portfolios are judged.

• POY will not separate a portfolio and enter the images in individual categories. If you wish to enter work from your portfolio into single or picture story categories, you must upload separate files into those categories.

• Newspaper photographers may submit a portfolio into either portfolio category, #33 or 34, but not both.

• Independent, freelance, agency, and wire service photographers are not eligible for this portfolio category, and should submit portfolios into category #33.


35 - Sports Photographer of the Year

This Premier category is open to everyone.

• All photographs included in the Sports portfolio must be taken during 2015.

• Contestants also may enter Photographer of the Year category #33 or #34, with images or stories from their Sports portfolio.

• Submit a maximum of 30 photographs.

• A portfolio should be diverse with single pictures and at least one multiple-picture story. Stories are not limited to 12 images.

• Represent at least three different sports.

• Singles within the portfolio should not be repeated in a picture story in the portfolio.

• Arrange your singles and picture stories in the order you wish them to be reviewed. Judges will view singles first, then stories.

• It is not necessary to insert a blank black .JPG file (black slide) between photo stories. The uploading program will automatically insert a slide with the title of your story at the beginning for separation.

• Photographers should enter the various Sports categories #16 - 20, so judges are familiar with the work before portfolios are judged.

• POY will not separate a portfolio and enter the images in individual categories. If you wish to enter work from your portfolio into single or picture story categories, you must upload separate files into those categories.


36 - Multimedia Photographer of the Year

This Premier category is open to everyone.

• Stories must have been either shot, produced, or published during 2015.

• The multimedia portfolio must be the work of one individual photojournalist or videographer who shot the principal visual content (video and/or still photographs). • A portfolio may be a mix of either linear (video) stories or non-linear (user experience) online stories.

• The various stories in the portfolio may be produced and edited by different members.

• All members of the production and editing team will be credited and recognized in the Winners List and Winners Gallery.

• A portfolio should represent a diversity of work from throughout the year.

• A portfolio must include multimedia stories entered in at least two categories in the Visual Editing Division, and may be a combination of either images within web pages or individual videos.

• A portfolio should include at least three stories up to a maximum of five multimedia stories (as URL address links).

• Each multimedia story or essay within the portfolio should have a short run time (flexible length up to about eight minutes).

• An extra $50 per entry for this Premier category.


37 - Environmental Vision Award

This Premier category will recognize a photographer's long-term story, project, or essay that explores issues related to the environment, natural history, or science. This could include a facet of human impact on the natural world, scientific discovery, coverage of plant or animal habitat, climate concerns, or similar topics. This is not a category for coverage of human medical issues or natural disasters, unless they are a proven result of environmental impact.

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2015. Historic or establishing images shot in previous years may be included as supporting or transitional material.

• The project essay must be summarized in a single paragraph (2,000 characters or less) in the story summary field of the online registration form. The caption fields for each individual photo provides for 2,000 characters. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on your story details as they pertain to the individual image.

• All photographs must include captions.

• Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

• Singles and picture stories from this category are encouraged to be entered in Science/Natural History categories #1 and 2.

• Portions of the essay may be part of a Photographer of the Year portfolio entry if the photos were taken or published in 2015.


38 - Community Awareness Award

This Premier category will recognize a photographer’s extended story or essay that demonstrates an understanding of and appreciation for everyday life of the people who make up a community. A “community” may be defined as a neighborhood, a town, a small commune, a rural agricultural area, a city subdivision, or socioeconomic region. Ineligible are projects that center only on one person and that individual's social or cultural issue. The purpose is to encourage attention to the small events in life that are often overshadowed by the news of the day, and to celebrate those images that reflect the work and dreams of humankind.

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2015. Historic or establishing images shot in previous years may be included as supporting or transitional material.

• The project essay must be summarized in a single paragraph (2,000 characters or less) in the story summary field of the online registration form. The caption fields for each individual photo provides for 2,000 characters. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on your story details as they pertain to the individual image.

• All photographs must include captions.

• Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

• Singles and picture stories from this category are encouraged to be entered in other categories.

• Portions of the essay may be part of a Photographer of the Year portfolio entry if the photos were taken or published in 2015.


39 - World Understanding Award

This Premier category will recognize a photographer's long-term story, project, or essay that focuses on the human condition and portrays a sense of justice or insight into difficult problems. This could include a facet of human relations, a mutual concern for world conflict, social injustice, or any number of other topics.

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• There are no subject requirements.

• There are no time restrictions. Photos need not have been taken during 2015.

• The project essay must be summarized in a single paragraph (2,000 characters or less) in the story summary field of the online registration form. The caption fields for each individual photo provides for 2,000 characters. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on your story details as they pertain to the individual image.

• All photographs must include captions.

• Previous World Understanding entries may not be resubmitted for five years.

• Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

• Portions of the essay may not be entered in single or picture story categories.

• Portions of the essay may be part of a Photographer of the Year portfolio entry if the photos were taken or published in 2015.


40 - Documentary Project of the Year

This Premier category is open to teams or individuals that best utilize online multimedia components to investigate or explore social, economic, or political issues.
The Documentary Project of the Year category is intended to appraise visual journalism storytelling as a special report, a series, or with multiple chapters. The project should employ the right mix of still photography, motion photography (videography), audio, and informational graphics to visually communicate the story. In addition, news value, writing, audio, as well as overall organization, design, clarity of focus, and user experience will be the guiding criteria for the judges.

• Open to everyone — Production and editing teams; individual photographers, editors, or producers; independent journalists; photo agencies; news organizations; media companies; newspapers; magazines; NGOs or other advocacy organizations.

• There are no length criteria.

• Personal web portfolios, agency catalogs, or business promotions are not eligible.

• Projects must have been either shot, produced, or published during 2015.

• Provide a URL to the project’s primary web page during registration. The judges will review the work as it appears online, so make sure the URLs are active and current.

• An extra $50 for this Premier category that includes up to three project submissions. If a contestant is only entering projects in this category, and not entering any other category, then just a single $50.

• Three projects — Up to three different projects may be entered, which count as just one "submission" in POY. Each individual project will be judged separately. There is no limit on the number of times that a team or individual may enter, but counts toward the 15 total possible submissions in POY. For example, if a contestant wishes to submit six projects, they could submit three projects for the first $50, then submit three more for another $50.


Angus McDougall Overall Excellence in Editing Award

No entry required. Judges will select one organization that demonstrates excellence in photo use across all editing and multimedia divisions. Winner will host a sterling silver trophy for one year, receive a plaque, and tuition to the Missouri Photo Workshop.


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COPYRIGHTS & USAGE STATEMENT

I declare that I am authorized by the holder of the copyright (or the right to copyright) to submit photographs to the 73rd annual Pictures of the Year International (POY) competition. Pictures of the Year International (POY) recognizes and respects that copyrights are held by the photographer and/or news organization. I grant permission to Pictures of the Year International and the Missouri School of Journalism to use my submitted photographs in exhibitions, in publications, and in promotions of the competition itself, and for educational, research, and historical record purposes concerning Pictures of the Year International. This usage includes, but is not limited to, slides/tapes, television film/tapes, videodisc, DVDs, CDs, websites, and any other type of mechanical, electronic, or digital dissemination system. Winning photographs, published tearsheets, editing displays, multimedia productions, and other images selected for historic significance become part of the permanent POY Archive. By entering, I declare that the photographs were taken or initially published during the calendar year of 2015. (The time period does not apply to the World Understanding Award.)

Pictures of the Year International is a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. The University of Missouri is a public, tax-exempt educational institution of the State of Missouri. POYi provides an educational mission for career development and student advancement, without profit. To achieve the educational mission of the competition, POYi requests $50 (U.S. dollars) compensation from participants to cover the costs associated with operation of the competition.

RJI
MU