Welcome to the Belgian Photo Awards competition! We are excited to showcase the best of Belgian professional photography and celebrate creativity across various categories. Below, you will find the rules and guidelines that govern this prestigious competition. These rules are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and the highest standard of photographic excellence. From eligibility criteria to submission guidelines, everything you need to know to participate is outlined here. Read carefully and get ready to share your best work with the world!
1. A MULTIFACETED COMPETITION!
1.1 Belgian Excellence 2026
Professional photographers may submit as many images as they wish in as many categories as they wish. A minimum of 3 images is required to be eligible for the Belgian Excellence Award. Additional images may be submitted without restriction, but only the 3 highest-scoring images will be considered for the awards.
1.2 Young Talent 2026
All participating photographers between the ages of 18 and 35 are automatically eligible for the Young Talent Award, provided they submit at least 3 images.
1.3 The categories
Photographers can submit images in 11 categories:
1.4 Decisions of the Jury
All decisions of the jury are final and binding. These decisions are not subject to appeal. The main jury will conduct a final review to ensure that images have been correctly submitted to the appropriate category. If necessary, the main jury may move an image to a more suitable category if this is in the photographer’s best interest. Submitted photographic work may not be older than five (5) years at the time of submission.
1.5 Category assignment by the jury
The jury reserves the right to determine the category in which a submitted work is placed, regardless of the participant’s original choice.
1.4 Theme of the Year
The theme of the year invites photographers to explore a current topic. This category focuses on creativity and visual storytelling.
Transformation: think of contrasts, change, tension, moments of becoming, or letting go.
1.5 World Photographic Cup (WPC)
To be eligible for selection to the WPC Team Belgium, the photographer must submit at least one image in one or more of the 11 categories. The jury and grand jury select Team Belgium based on scores and the WPC rules. More information about the WPC can be found here (subject to changes by the WPC organization).
Selection for International Representation (World Photographic Cup)
The selection of images for participation in the World Photographic Cup (WPC) and the composition of Team Belgium are based on the jury’s assessment. The jury independently decides which works (anonymous to the photographer) will represent Belgium, taking into account quality, scores, originality, and international competitiveness. This is because the categories do not fully align with those of this international competition.
2. RULES
2.1 Belgian Photo Awards
Participants must be professionally active as a photographer, artistic photographer, or employed as a photographer or photography instructor. They must hold a Belgian passport or a permanent residence permit. By participating, you agree to the rules and privacy terms listed below.
Submissions for the preselection of the First Photographer of Belgium open on 06/15/2025 and close at midnight on 09/15/2025.
2.2 Belgian Excellence
To be eligible for the Belgian Excellence Award, you must submit at least 3 images. Additional images are allowed, but only the 3 highest scores will count.
The 10 photographers with the highest average scores on their top 3 images will be re-evaluated in a live jury round. The photographer with the highest-scoring set of 3 images wins the title Belgian Excellence 2025. The 2nd and 3rd place finishers will be designated as Runners-Up.
2.3 Young Talent 2025
Photographers may submit as many images as they wish, in as many categories as desired. A minimum of 3 images is required to participate in the Young Talent Award.
All participants aged 18 through 35 are automatically eligible. The winner is the author of the highest-scoring set of 3 images. The 2nd and 3rd place finishers are the Runners-Up.
2.4 World Photographic Cup (WPC)
From the images submitted for the Belgian Photo Awards, a jury selects the WPC Team Belgium according to the international WPC categories. Only professional photographers are eligible for selection.
3. PARTICIPATION
Participants have the right to view, modify, or delete their personal data at any time by sending an email to competition@beroepsfotografen.be.
The registration fee is non-refundable.
The jury’s decision is final.
Jury members may not participate in the competition in the year they serve on the jury.
4. IMAGE RULES
When uploading, you can provide a title for your image. This will be visible to the jury.
Please choose a title in English, as not all jury members understand Dutch, French, or German.
The photographer’s name or logo must not be visible on the image or in the file name.
Image requirements:
At least 4000 pixels on the longest side
Age of the photographic work
Submitted photographic work must not be older than five (5) years at the time of submission.
JPEG (quality 0–12)
Maximum 50 MB
Color profiles: sRGB, Adobe 98, or Grayscale
An image may only be entered in one category.
Images may not be shared in advance on, for example, social media under the name “Belgian Photo Awards.” Images that have been previously published or entered in other competitions are permitted.
4.1 Rules per category
The participant is solely responsible for selecting the correct category for their submission.
The organization reserves the right to reclassify entries into a more appropriate category if necessary. However, if an entry is placed in the wrong category, this remains the photographer’s responsibility. The jury also has the right to comment on the chosen category and may recommend that an entry be moved to a different category.
4.1.1 Fashion and Commercial
This category includes images created with the intention of being used by a commercial client to promote or brand a product, service, or company. Fashion, advertising, still life, food, events, corporate, and industrial photography are all included. Both composite and non-composite images, as well as heavily edited or manipulated work (e.g. via Photoshop), are allowed. However, images containing AI-generated or CGI elements are not permitted.
To confirm eligibility, the Validation Committee will request original files (RAW or unedited JPG with intact EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement.
4.1.2 Conceptual art & illustration
Conceptual Art Photography is the intentional use of photography as your artistic medium of choice, used to further your conceptual idea. It includes the following: an artistic statement; manipulation of a subject and the work is created purely for its aesthetic or imaginative nature.
An Illustration entry is a graphic depiction of any concept or subject. The main principle of an illustration is to convey a concept, story or activity in such a way as to provide a visual representation.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite and non-composite images and highly manipulated images (Photoshop or similar) are allowed in this category. Al or CGI elements are not permitted
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.3 Portrait
Entries in this category can include natural portraits but also composite images and images that have been highly manipulated or stylized.
Images must tell a story about the personality of the subject(s) including their culture and/or traditions if applicable.
All contributing elements must be made by the submitting photographer. Stock images are not permitted as elements within the final image. Al or CGI elements are not permitted. Fashion/beauty images must be entered in the Fashion & Brands category.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
4.1.4 Wildlife
Images must illustrate the astonishing diversity of wildlife from all parts of the world in a natural habitat. Images made in a controlled environment (e.g. a zoo) or using “baiting techniques" are not allowed.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite and highly manipulated images are not allowed. It is NOT allowed to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools. Images created by "baiting" the animal are not allowed.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.5 Landscape & Nature
This category is for photography that is devoted to displaying natural elements such as landscapes, animals, cityscapes, plants, flowers, trees and close-ups of natural scenes and textures. Aerial, macro and astrophotography are included in this category.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite images are allowed through photo stitching, focus stacking and multiple exposure shot at the same time and in the same place.
It is NOT permitted to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.6 Portrait
Entries in this category can include natural portraits but also composite images and images that have been highly manipulated or stylized.
All contributing elements must be made by the submitting photographer. Stock images are not permitted as elements within the final image. Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
Animals that are seen in the wild must be entered in the Wildlife category.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
4.1.7 Reportage // Photojournalism
Images that illustrate an actual public or nonpublic event (excluding sports). Images that display life, human interest, news telling or record of events. Successful images will likely have high impact and lasting emotional response.
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
It is NOT allowed to combine several photos into one image (panorama, multi-exposure, etc), or add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.8 Sports
Images must be from a sports activity that illustrates an actual sporting event (public or non-public). Staged images are not allowed. This category is for all sports-related photography featuring any competitive or recreational sport.
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
It is NOT allowed to combine several photos into one image (panorama, multi-exposure, etc.), or add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
8.1.9 Architecture
This category includes photography that captures the design, form and aesthetic of buildings, interiors and other architectural structures, whether old or new. Both exterior and interior shots are allowed.
Composite and non-composite images are allowed. Photo stitching (e.g. panoramas), focus stacking and multiple exposures shot at the same time and in the same location are permitted.
It is NOT permitted to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.10 Wedding
Wedding entries must be photographed in connection with an actual wedding event. Images must include some visual reference(s) that define the wedding event.
Composite images are allowed so long as each element used was shot at the same wedding.
All elements used must be created by the submitting photographer.
Commercial, Illustrative and Fashion images are not permitted in the wedding category and must be entered into Commercial or Illustration/Digital categories.
In instances where an image is questioned about being from a real wedding event, the photographer will be asked to provide additional supporting images confirming the image was taken from a real wedding event (e.g. bride and groom, groups, ceremony etc).
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black- and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Only single capture images will be accepted. Composite and multiple exposure images will not be accepted.
It is not permitted to add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.11 Commercial
Capturing the vision, strategy, and impact behind commercial imagery. Whether it’s a bold brand story, an eye-catching product photo, or a campaign that grabs attention: we’re looking for images that go beyond mere aesthetics.
4.1.11 Theme of the year: Party Fête Celebration
Creativity and visual storytelling is key in this category.
Celebration, think people, high emotions, intense moments ups in our lives,.. This year, you capture the essence of celebration. Whether it’s a vibrant festival, a personal milestone, or an intimate gathering, we want to see the joy, connection, and spirit of togetherness in every shot. Let your images tell the story of life’s most meaningful moments—those that bring us closer and fill us with happiness.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted. The Validation committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
5. PRIVACY
By participating in the competition, photographers agree and confirm that the competition committee for the Belgian Photo Awards is allowed to receive and store photographer’s submitted personal data. Participants agree that their personal data, which includes, but is not limited to name, address, phone number, and email address, may be collected, processed, stored, and used for the purpose of conducting and administering the Belgian Photo Awards and sending entries to the WPC.
By participating in the competition, photographers agree that their entries, if selected, may also compete for Belgium's national photographers team in the World Photographic Cup (WPC).
6. IMAGE USAGE
By participating in the competition, photographers allow the organization, without compensation, to use any of the images submitted for marketing purposes, including on the Belpa website, social media, and in printed materials for this and future Belgian Photo Awards projects.
By participating in the competition, photographers agree their images and results to be published on any of Belpa’s marketing channels (website, social media, etc.), as well as in other contexts related to the competition. Sponsors and media may also publish/show the images in contexts related to the competition. The organization also reserves the right to curate and present selected images in physical or digital exhibitions—similar to Lens op de Mens—as part of the Belgian Photo Awards or its promotional activities, without requiring additional permission or compensation.
6.1. AI, Digital Manipulation, and Composite Images
Digitally manipulated and composite images are allowed in all categories, except for Nature – Macro, Nature – Landscape, and Nature – Wildlife. In the categories Portrait and Conceptual Art, minor adjustments are allowed.
If major adjustments, manipulations, or composites have been made, the more creative categories are suitable for the image (Conceptual art & Illustration, Commercial).
In composite images, all elements must be created by the photographers themselves. This means that no stock images are allowed in the competition. Images or image elements created using AI are not allowed in any category of the Belgian Photo Awards competition. It is prohibited to use editing tools that insert information not derivable from the original file(s).
6.2. Validation - original files
For all images that advance to the print final, the unedited original files will be requested to verify that the photographer is the author of the finished competition image. Instructions for this will be sent via email to the relevant photographers along with other instructions prior to the final (Belgian Excellence competition). The original file(s) may also be requested earlier during the competition. In such cases, the photographer will be contacted by the head judge and given instructions on how and when to submit the original files. It is therefore important to save the original file(s) and have them available in case of such a request. For composite images, ALL image elements must be submitted as separate original files as described above. Instructions will be provided by the head judge via email.
6.3. Disqualification
If it comes to the jury's attention that any image has caused suffering to animals or destruction of the natural environment, the participant may be disqualified. Any images that do not meet technical specifications/requirements or that violate the stated rules will be disqualified. Final images that are not submitted as physical enlargements on time before the print final will be disqualified. The deadline and complete instructions for submission will be sent via email to all finalists immediately after the finalists are announced. Final images (prints) that are not correctly labeled on the back of the print will be disqualified. Labeling instructions will be sent via email to all finalists immediately after the finalists are announced. Final images (prints) that do not have the correct dimensions according to the PRINT FINAL SPECIFICATIONS will be disqualified. Final images (prints) that have been altered compared to the digital competition image (e.g., through cropping, cloning, retouching, color corrections, etc.) will be disqualified. Final images (prints) that in any other way differ from the digital competition image will be disqualified.
1. A MULTIFACETED COMPETITION!
1.1 Belgian Excellence 2026
Professional photographers may submit as many images as they wish in as many categories as they wish. A minimum of 3 images is required to be eligible for the Belgian Excellence Award. Additional images may be submitted without restriction, but only the 3 highest-scoring images will be considered for the awards.
1.2 Young Talent 2026
All participating photographers between the ages of 18 and 35 are automatically eligible for the Young Talent Award, provided they submit at least 3 images.
1.3 The categories
Photographers can submit images in 11 categories:
- Fashion & brands
- Conceptual art & illustration
- Portrait
- Wildlife
- Landscape & nature
- Domasticated animals
- Reportage // photojournalism
- Sport
- Architecture & cityscapes
- Wedding
- Commercial
- Theme of the year: Transformation
1.4 Decisions of the Jury
All decisions of the jury are final and binding. These decisions are not subject to appeal. The main jury will conduct a final review to ensure that images have been correctly submitted to the appropriate category. If necessary, the main jury may move an image to a more suitable category if this is in the photographer’s best interest. Submitted photographic work may not be older than five (5) years at the time of submission.
1.5 Category assignment by the jury
The jury reserves the right to determine the category in which a submitted work is placed, regardless of the participant’s original choice.
1.4 Theme of the Year
The theme of the year invites photographers to explore a current topic. This category focuses on creativity and visual storytelling.
Transformation: think of contrasts, change, tension, moments of becoming, or letting go.
1.5 World Photographic Cup (WPC)
To be eligible for selection to the WPC Team Belgium, the photographer must submit at least one image in one or more of the 11 categories. The jury and grand jury select Team Belgium based on scores and the WPC rules. More information about the WPC can be found here (subject to changes by the WPC organization).
Selection for International Representation (World Photographic Cup)
The selection of images for participation in the World Photographic Cup (WPC) and the composition of Team Belgium are based on the jury’s assessment. The jury independently decides which works (anonymous to the photographer) will represent Belgium, taking into account quality, scores, originality, and international competitiveness. This is because the categories do not fully align with those of this international competition.
2. RULES
2.1 Belgian Photo Awards
Participants must be professionally active as a photographer, artistic photographer, or employed as a photographer or photography instructor. They must hold a Belgian passport or a permanent residence permit. By participating, you agree to the rules and privacy terms listed below.
Submissions for the preselection of the First Photographer of Belgium open on 06/15/2025 and close at midnight on 09/15/2025.
2.2 Belgian Excellence
To be eligible for the Belgian Excellence Award, you must submit at least 3 images. Additional images are allowed, but only the 3 highest scores will count.
The 10 photographers with the highest average scores on their top 3 images will be re-evaluated in a live jury round. The photographer with the highest-scoring set of 3 images wins the title Belgian Excellence 2025. The 2nd and 3rd place finishers will be designated as Runners-Up.
2.3 Young Talent 2025
Photographers may submit as many images as they wish, in as many categories as desired. A minimum of 3 images is required to participate in the Young Talent Award.
All participants aged 18 through 35 are automatically eligible. The winner is the author of the highest-scoring set of 3 images. The 2nd and 3rd place finishers are the Runners-Up.
2.4 World Photographic Cup (WPC)
From the images submitted for the Belgian Photo Awards, a jury selects the WPC Team Belgium according to the international WPC categories. Only professional photographers are eligible for selection.
3. PARTICIPATION
Participants have the right to view, modify, or delete their personal data at any time by sending an email to competition@beroepsfotografen.be.
The registration fee is non-refundable.
The jury’s decision is final.
Jury members may not participate in the competition in the year they serve on the jury.
4. IMAGE RULES
When uploading, you can provide a title for your image. This will be visible to the jury.
Please choose a title in English, as not all jury members understand Dutch, French, or German.
The photographer’s name or logo must not be visible on the image or in the file name.
Image requirements:
At least 4000 pixels on the longest side
Age of the photographic work
Submitted photographic work must not be older than five (5) years at the time of submission.
JPEG (quality 0–12)
Maximum 50 MB
Color profiles: sRGB, Adobe 98, or Grayscale
An image may only be entered in one category.
Images may not be shared in advance on, for example, social media under the name “Belgian Photo Awards.” Images that have been previously published or entered in other competitions are permitted.
4.1 Rules per category
The participant is solely responsible for selecting the correct category for their submission.
The organization reserves the right to reclassify entries into a more appropriate category if necessary. However, if an entry is placed in the wrong category, this remains the photographer’s responsibility. The jury also has the right to comment on the chosen category and may recommend that an entry be moved to a different category.
4.1.1 Fashion and Commercial
This category includes images created with the intention of being used by a commercial client to promote or brand a product, service, or company. Fashion, advertising, still life, food, events, corporate, and industrial photography are all included. Both composite and non-composite images, as well as heavily edited or manipulated work (e.g. via Photoshop), are allowed. However, images containing AI-generated or CGI elements are not permitted.
To confirm eligibility, the Validation Committee will request original files (RAW or unedited JPG with intact EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement.
4.1.2 Conceptual art & illustration
Conceptual Art Photography is the intentional use of photography as your artistic medium of choice, used to further your conceptual idea. It includes the following: an artistic statement; manipulation of a subject and the work is created purely for its aesthetic or imaginative nature.
An Illustration entry is a graphic depiction of any concept or subject. The main principle of an illustration is to convey a concept, story or activity in such a way as to provide a visual representation.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite and non-composite images and highly manipulated images (Photoshop or similar) are allowed in this category. Al or CGI elements are not permitted
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.3 Portrait
Entries in this category can include natural portraits but also composite images and images that have been highly manipulated or stylized.
Images must tell a story about the personality of the subject(s) including their culture and/or traditions if applicable.
All contributing elements must be made by the submitting photographer. Stock images are not permitted as elements within the final image. Al or CGI elements are not permitted. Fashion/beauty images must be entered in the Fashion & Brands category.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
4.1.4 Wildlife
Images must illustrate the astonishing diversity of wildlife from all parts of the world in a natural habitat. Images made in a controlled environment (e.g. a zoo) or using “baiting techniques" are not allowed.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite and highly manipulated images are not allowed. It is NOT allowed to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools. Images created by "baiting" the animal are not allowed.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.5 Landscape & Nature
This category is for photography that is devoted to displaying natural elements such as landscapes, animals, cityscapes, plants, flowers, trees and close-ups of natural scenes and textures. Aerial, macro and astrophotography are included in this category.
Minor adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Composite images are allowed through photo stitching, focus stacking and multiple exposure shot at the same time and in the same place.
It is NOT permitted to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.6 Portrait
Entries in this category can include natural portraits but also composite images and images that have been highly manipulated or stylized.
All contributing elements must be made by the submitting photographer. Stock images are not permitted as elements within the final image. Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
Animals that are seen in the wild must be entered in the Wildlife category.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
4.1.7 Reportage // Photojournalism
Images that illustrate an actual public or nonpublic event (excluding sports). Images that display life, human interest, news telling or record of events. Successful images will likely have high impact and lasting emotional response.
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
It is NOT allowed to combine several photos into one image (panorama, multi-exposure, etc), or add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.8 Sports
Images must be from a sports activity that illustrates an actual sporting event (public or non-public). Staged images are not allowed. This category is for all sports-related photography featuring any competitive or recreational sport.
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black-and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
It is NOT allowed to combine several photos into one image (panorama, multi-exposure, etc.), or add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
8.1.9 Architecture
This category includes photography that captures the design, form and aesthetic of buildings, interiors and other architectural structures, whether old or new. Both exterior and interior shots are allowed.
Composite and non-composite images are allowed. Photo stitching (e.g. panoramas), focus stacking and multiple exposures shot at the same time and in the same location are permitted.
It is NOT permitted to add, delete or move elements by cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.10 Wedding
Wedding entries must be photographed in connection with an actual wedding event. Images must include some visual reference(s) that define the wedding event.
Composite images are allowed so long as each element used was shot at the same wedding.
All elements used must be created by the submitting photographer.
Commercial, Illustrative and Fashion images are not permitted in the wedding category and must be entered into Commercial or Illustration/Digital categories.
In instances where an image is questioned about being from a real wedding event, the photographer will be asked to provide additional supporting images confirming the image was taken from a real wedding event (e.g. bride and groom, groups, ceremony etc).
Adjustments to crop, rotate, selective dodge and burn, reduce noise, sharpen, adjust colour/black- and-white, and minor cleaning jobs to remove sensor dust or chromatic aberration are permitted.
Only single capture images will be accepted. Composite and multiple exposure images will not be accepted.
It is not permitted to add, delete or move elements by, for instance, cloning, healing, patching, content aware fill, liquify or similar tools.
The Validation Committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
4.1.11 Commercial
Capturing the vision, strategy, and impact behind commercial imagery. Whether it’s a bold brand story, an eye-catching product photo, or a campaign that grabs attention: we’re looking for images that go beyond mere aesthetics.
4.1.11 Theme of the year: Party Fête Celebration
Creativity and visual storytelling is key in this category.
Celebration, think people, high emotions, intense moments ups in our lives,.. This year, you capture the essence of celebration. Whether it’s a vibrant festival, a personal milestone, or an intimate gathering, we want to see the joy, connection, and spirit of togetherness in every shot. Let your images tell the story of life’s most meaningful moments—those that bring us closer and fill us with happiness.
Al or CGI elements are not permitted. The Validation committee will request original files (Raw or JPG that includes original EXIF data) after the Top Ten announcement to confirm eligibility.
5. PRIVACY
By participating in the competition, photographers agree and confirm that the competition committee for the Belgian Photo Awards is allowed to receive and store photographer’s submitted personal data. Participants agree that their personal data, which includes, but is not limited to name, address, phone number, and email address, may be collected, processed, stored, and used for the purpose of conducting and administering the Belgian Photo Awards and sending entries to the WPC.
By participating in the competition, photographers agree that their entries, if selected, may also compete for Belgium's national photographers team in the World Photographic Cup (WPC).
6. IMAGE USAGE
By participating in the competition, photographers allow the organization, without compensation, to use any of the images submitted for marketing purposes, including on the Belpa website, social media, and in printed materials for this and future Belgian Photo Awards projects.
By participating in the competition, photographers agree their images and results to be published on any of Belpa’s marketing channels (website, social media, etc.), as well as in other contexts related to the competition. Sponsors and media may also publish/show the images in contexts related to the competition. The organization also reserves the right to curate and present selected images in physical or digital exhibitions—similar to Lens op de Mens—as part of the Belgian Photo Awards or its promotional activities, without requiring additional permission or compensation.
6.1. AI, Digital Manipulation, and Composite Images
Digitally manipulated and composite images are allowed in all categories, except for Nature – Macro, Nature – Landscape, and Nature – Wildlife. In the categories Portrait and Conceptual Art, minor adjustments are allowed.
If major adjustments, manipulations, or composites have been made, the more creative categories are suitable for the image (Conceptual art & Illustration, Commercial).
In composite images, all elements must be created by the photographers themselves. This means that no stock images are allowed in the competition. Images or image elements created using AI are not allowed in any category of the Belgian Photo Awards competition. It is prohibited to use editing tools that insert information not derivable from the original file(s).
6.2. Validation - original files
For all images that advance to the print final, the unedited original files will be requested to verify that the photographer is the author of the finished competition image. Instructions for this will be sent via email to the relevant photographers along with other instructions prior to the final (Belgian Excellence competition). The original file(s) may also be requested earlier during the competition. In such cases, the photographer will be contacted by the head judge and given instructions on how and when to submit the original files. It is therefore important to save the original file(s) and have them available in case of such a request. For composite images, ALL image elements must be submitted as separate original files as described above. Instructions will be provided by the head judge via email.
6.3. Disqualification
If it comes to the jury's attention that any image has caused suffering to animals or destruction of the natural environment, the participant may be disqualified. Any images that do not meet technical specifications/requirements or that violate the stated rules will be disqualified. Final images that are not submitted as physical enlargements on time before the print final will be disqualified. The deadline and complete instructions for submission will be sent via email to all finalists immediately after the finalists are announced. Final images (prints) that are not correctly labeled on the back of the print will be disqualified. Labeling instructions will be sent via email to all finalists immediately after the finalists are announced. Final images (prints) that do not have the correct dimensions according to the PRINT FINAL SPECIFICATIONS will be disqualified. Final images (prints) that have been altered compared to the digital competition image (e.g., through cropping, cloning, retouching, color corrections, etc.) will be disqualified. Final images (prints) that in any other way differ from the digital competition image will be disqualified.