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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

The POY Rising Star Scholarship

For 2018, new Prize schedule

AWARDS & PRIZES

$1,000 cash prizes & Tiffany crystal trophies awarded to::
• Photographer of the Year
• Newspaper Photographer of the year
• World Understanding Award
• Community Awareness Award
• Environmental Vision Award

Tiffany crystal trophy awarded to::
• Multimedia Photographer of the Year
• Sports Photographer of the Year
• Newspaper Visual Editor of the Year
• Magazine/Media Photographer of the Year
• Documentary Project of the Year
• Best Photography Book

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

KEY DATES

Online registration opens:
Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018

Deadline for entries:
Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019,
5:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time)
11:59 p.m. (Greenwich Mean Time)

Judging in Columbia, Mo.:
Feb. 11 – March 1, 2019

Welcome to the 76th annual Pictures of the Year competition

POY is the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism program and competition in the world. Each year, POY recognizes excellence in photojournalism, multimedia, and visual editing. It is committed to engaging citizens worldwide with great documentary work by hosting educational programs and public exhibitions. POY believes it is critical for people to experience your coverage of news events and social issues facing our world. When you enter Pictures of the Year, your work is recognized worldwide and becomes part of our collective visual history.

POY76 Winners Gallery

Winning images will be posted here as soon as they become available.

• Category 3: General News
• Category 4: Impact 2018—Immigration Status
• Category 5: Spot News
• Category 6: Midterm Elections
• Category 7: Daily Life—Singles
• Category 8: Portrait
• Category 9: Portrait Series
• Category 12: Daily Life Picture Story
• Category 13: Newspaper Local Picture Story
• Category 14: Sports Action
• Category 15: Sports Life
• Category 16: Recreational Sports
• Category 17: Olympic Action
• Category 18: Olympic Life
• Category 19: Sports Picture Story
• Category 32: Newspaper Photographer of the Year
• Category 33: Sports Photographer of the Year

Judging Schedule

News

Monday, Feb. 11: Daily Life, Midterm Elections

Tuesday, Feb. 12: Spot News, General News, Impact 2018 - Immigration Status

Wednesday, Feb. 13: Daily Life – Picture Story, Portrait

Thursday, Feb. 14: Portrait Series, Newspaper Local Picture Story

Friday, Feb. 15: Newspaper Photographer of the Year

Sports

Saturday, Feb. 16: Sports Action, Sports Life

Sunday, Feb. 17: Olympic Action, Olympic Life, Sports Picture Story

Monday, Feb. 18: Recreational Sports, Sports Photographer of the Year

Reportage

Wednesday, Feb. 20: Science & Natural History - Singles, Science & Natural History – Picture Story, Environmental Vision Award

Thursday, Feb. 21: News Picture Story, Community Awareness Award

Friday, Feb. 22: Issue Reporting Picture Story, World Understanding Award

Saturday, Feb. 23: World Understanding Award cont., Photography Book of the Year, Photographer of the Year

Multimedia

Monday, Feb. 25: Multimedia Daily Life, Online Daily Life, Visual Editing

Tuesday, Feb. 26: Multimedia News & Issue Reporting: Online News & Issue Reporting, Visual Editing

Wednesday, Feb. 27: Newspaper, Visual Editing, Newspaper Visual Editor of the Year, Magazine/Media Visual Editing, Magazine/Media Visual Editor of the Year

Thursday, Feb. 28: Documentary Project of the Year, Angus McDougall Overall Excellence in Editing Award, Multimedia Photographer of the Year

Friday, March 1: Documentary Journalism

See This Year’s Judges

POY judging will be held at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., Monday, Feb. 11, to March 1, 2019. Livestreaming of the judging will be available.

POY76 Judging Video Archives

Missed any of the judging sessions for POY76? You can view all the the videos from the judging sessions here on Facebook.

Select Videos from POY Judging

• Category 7: Daily Life—Singles Award Discussion
• Category 6: Midterm Election Award Discussion
• Category 4: Impact 2018: Immigration Status Award Discussion
• Judges discussion regarding ethics in photojournalism with the Fundamentals of Photojournalism class
• Category 14: Sports Action Awards Discussion
• Category 17: Olympic Action Awards Discussion
• Category 18: Olympic Life Awards Discussion
• Category 19: Sports Picture Story Award Discussion
• Judges discussion with students
• Category 16: Recreational Sports Awards Discussion
• Category 33: Sports Photographer of the Year Awards Discussion
• Category 33: Sports Photographer of the Year Awards Discussion (cont.)

Pictures of the Year competition rules

 

Spirit of the Competition

The mission of Pictures of the Year 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.

All photographers, editors or contest coordinators submitting entries are required to accept these standards for the Spirit of the Competition when entering the competition.

 

POY Entry Standards

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

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 pre- or post-production effects that use excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignettes, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified. Examples of prohibited techniques include the exaggerated use color saturation, contrast or burning and dodging methods.

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 that artificially impose on the integrity of the scene with excessive tonal aberrations, textures, vignettes, or other artistic manipulations will be disqualified.

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

Diptychs and 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. 11, jury members have the discretion to disqualify entries that they think over manipulate the image or exploit the process.

During the pre-judging review process, POY has the discretion to move entries from one category into another category that are more suitable to the content.

Photographs with content specific to a themed year-specific category must enter the submissions into that category.  POY will move entries that are not submitted into the correct categories.

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 picture 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.

Each caption should include a date, or an approximation of the date. For example, “The photo was taken on Feb. 4, 2018,” or “The photo was taken in February, 2018.”

Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time, either in print or online, between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2018.

All photographs entered in the still photography categories — #1-19 and #31-37 — must be the taken and credited to a single photographer. No team entries.

 

Single Images & Picture Stories

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.

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

One image per .jpg file. No diptychs or multi-framed images created in post-production.

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

A single photograph may also by submitted as part of a picture story, but in no more than one story.

A picture story consists of 3 - 12 photos and counts as one entry. Do not re-edit photos from the same story and then submit it as a different story.

A picture story may be entered only once, and may also be included in a portfolio.

 

“15 Submissions” Defined

Of 15 total submission, a single submission is defined as:

One photo in a single-picture category

One picture story (3-12 photographs)

One project (up to 40 photographs) in any of the following premier 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 (#20- 30).

A portfolio in the Photographer and Editor of the Year categories (#29, #34, #40).

 

File 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.

Video and Editing files

For online page editing and multimedia stories: URL single primary via an active link.
Links: Should be active through judging dates and included any information needed for access.
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 Guidelines

On Dec. 15, 2019, POY opens for electronic online registration and entry. Follow the “76th POY Entry” links at www.poy.org.

Deadline is Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, 5:59 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time (11:59 p.m. GMT).

Each photographer must create an individual login.

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

POY judges will not move entries to another category. Entries may be moved by POY staff before judging begins.

Avoid duplicate entries between agency and photographer.

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

 

Entry Guidelines

Create a login and register online. Past registrations are not saved.

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

Upload files into the appropriate categories. You will be able to sequence your images.

 

$50 Entry Payment

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

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

Confirmations receipts are automatically emailed.

Three premier categories require an additional $50 payment. Please note, if a contestant is only entering one of the following categories, then only a single $50 payment is required.

• Multimedia Photographer of the Year
• Documentary Project of the Year
• Photography Book of the Year

 

Winner Notification

Winners will be posted to social media soon after the judges make their decisions. All winners will be contacted immediately after the results are announced. An official announcement will be made after the competition ends and the results are verified.

 

Still Photography

1 - Science & Natural History

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 20

Single photographs that increase understanding and appreciation of science or the natural world.  Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible.

2 - Science & Natural History Picture Story

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 20

A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that increases understanding and appreciation for science or the natural world.  Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible.  Twelve photographs maximum per entry.

3 - General News

Judging: Tuesday, Feb. 12

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

4 - Impact 2018 - Immigration Status

Judging: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Single photographs from the coverage of issues related to the movement of families and individuals across borders, whether by choice or through displacement. Photographs must be taken during 2018.

5 - Spot News

Judging: Tuesday, Feb. 12

Single photographs of breaking news or unplanned events taken during daily coverage.

6 – Midterm Elections

Judging: Monday, Feb. 11

Single photographs that capture the emotion, character, interaction, mood, or campaign environment during the 2018 local and state Midterm races.

7 - Daily Life, formerly called Feature

Judging: Monday, Feb. 11

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.

8 - Portrait

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 13

Single photographs of a human being that reveal the essence of the subject’s character.

9 - Portrait Series

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 14

A themed series of portraits that reveals the essence of a human being’s character. Twelve photographs maximum per series.

10 - News Picture Story

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 21

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, but can be included in a portfolio entry.)

11 - Issue Reporting Picture Story

Judging: Friday, Feb. 21

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, but can be included in a portfolio entry.)

12 - Daily Life Picture Story, formerly called Feature Picture Story

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 13

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, but can be included in a portfolio entry.)

13 - Newspaper Local Picture Story

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 14

This category is only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online.

A multiple-picture news, issue or feature story that focuses on local subjects and people from the organization's primary geographic market.  Entries 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, but can be included in a portfolio entry.) 

14 - Sports Action

Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16

Single photographs that capture the peak action of individual or team sports.  Jubilation, dejection, and reaction photographs should be entered in the Sports Life category #15.  Photographs must be taken during 2018.

15 - Sports Life, formerly called Sports Feature

Judging: Saturday, Feb. 16

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 2018.

16 - Recreational Sports

Judging: Monday, Feb. 18

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 2018.

17 - Olympics Action

Judging: Sunday, Feb. 17

Single photographs that capture the peak action of individual or team competition in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.  Jubilation, dejection, and reaction photographs should be entered in the Olympics Feature category.
(Note:  Must be taken during 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea between Feb. 9 - 25.  Action from pre- or post-Olympic contests, such as the various Olympic trials or Paralympics, should be entered in the Sports Action category #14.)

18 - Olympics Life

Judging: Sunday, Feb. 17

Single photographs that increase the understanding and appreciation for the experience of athletes and fans at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Jubilation, dejection, and reaction photographs should be entered in this category.
(Note:  Must be taken during 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, Feb. 9-25.)

19 - Sports Picture Story

Judging: Sunday, Feb. 17

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 2018 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 #24 & 25. A multimedia story entered in these categories also may be embedded on a web page as part of an Online Publications categories #24 & 25.

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 - 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 2018. 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.

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, #38.

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 published online during 2018, but may include content shot in previous years.

Submit a URL single primary link for each story.  Make sure the online links are active. If password access is required, submit a working password. 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.

Stories previously entered in the 75th POY competition are not eligible.

20 - Multimedia News & Issue Reporting Story

Judging: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Single multimedia stories based on coverage of general news or breaking news, or essays that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Each entry should be a single story or essay with a short run time (flexible length — about 10 minutes).  Stories of greater length should be entered in the “Documentary Journalism,” category #23.

21 - Multimedia Daily Life, formerly called Multimedia Feature Story

Judging: Monday, Feb. 25

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 story or essay with a short run time (flexible length — about 10 minutes).  Stories of greater length should be entered in the “Documentary Journalism,” category #23.

22 - 2018 Midterm Multimedia Story

A multimedia story or essay that increases understanding and appreciation of the mood of voters, the character of the candidate, or the events of a campaign during a race for local or state election. Each entry should be a single story or essay (flexible length — about 10 minutes). Stories of greater length should be entered in the "Documentary Journalism" category #23.

23 - Documentary Journalism

Judging: Friday, March 1

Documentary Journalism is intended for a single, long-term story or essay with a run time of up to about 35 minutes.  The story should rely on motion photojournalism and adopt the concepts of observational and direct cinema techniques.  The entry should conform to a documentary approach with journalistic standards that focus on a news event, social issue, or cultural trend of 2018. The term “documentary” is defined as storytelling grounded in truth, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects.

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.

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 2018 and may include content shot in previous years.

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

A shorter, edited version may not also be entered in multimedia categories #20, 21 or 22.

Multiple-chaptered stories or projects that include layered content should be entered in the premier category Documentary Project of the Year category #38.

Stories previously entered in the 75th POY competition are not eligible.

 

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 #20, 21 & 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 user's experience.

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

Submit a single URL primary link for each story.  Make sure the primary link is active and all needed passwords are included.

An online published story may be submitted only once.

All stories must be published in 2018.

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.

24 - Online News & Issue Reporting Story, Visual Editing

Judging: Tuesday, Feb. 26

Web page entries should be a single story. There are two story possibilities. An essay or online presentation based on daily coverage of general or breaking news. An issue-related story or essay that explores an important social, economic, or political issue.  2018 Midterm multimedia stories should be entered in this category. Updated versions of the originally posted story are acceptable.

25 - Online Daily Life, Visual Editing

Judging: Monday, Feb. 25

An online story or essay that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Web page entries should be a single story. Updated versions of the originally posted story are acceptable.

 

Print Publications — Editing and Presentation

Entries in these categories include the print version of a story and may consist of one or more pages, from no more than three consecutive issues, on coverage of a single-story topic.

Open to all in-print 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 in the printed pages through the effective use of photojournalism content, including 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 2018.

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.

27 - Print Newspaper Visual Editing

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 27

A news, issue or feature story or essay based on daily coverage printed in a general circulation newspaper.  May include one or more pages, from no more than three consecutive issues, on coverage of a single-story topic. Magazines published by a newspaper or other media organization should be entered in "Print Magazine / Media Visual Editing," category #28.

28 - Print Magazine / Media Visual Editing

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 27

A news, issue or feature story or essay based on coverage printed in a general circulation magazine or specialty publication. May include one or more pages, from no more than three consecutive issues, on coverage of a single-story topic.

 

Photographer and Visual Editor of the Year Portfolios

Visual Editor of the Year portfolios may be submitted only by an individual editor. (NOTE: Team editing entries should be submitted in the "Angus McDougall Overall Excellence in Editing Award" category #38.)  A visual editing portfolio may be a combination of both online web page stories and print publication stories.  A portfolio entry should present no more than 10 individual stories, either in print or online.  A converged print-and-online version of a specific story will count as one story.  The print version of stories may include one or more pages, from no more than three consecutive issues, on coverage of a single-story topic.

29 - Newspaper Visual Editor of the Year

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 27

30 - Magazine / Media Visual Editor of the Year

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 27

31 - Photographer of the Year

Judging: Saturday, Feb. 23

This Premier category is open to all photographers -- independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, wire service, or newspaper photographers.  Newspaper photographers who cover national or international stories are encouraged to enter portfolios in this category.

Independent, freelance, agency, and wire service photographers should enter this portfolio category, not the Newspaper portfolio category #32.

NOTE: Newspaper staff photographers' portfolios that consists mostly of local and/or regional stories from the organization's primary geographic market, may enter in the Newspaper Photographer of the Year category #32. However, a newspaper photographer may only submit one portfolio in one of the two categories, #31 or 32, but not both.  

Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

A portfolio should include at least two multiple-picture stories.  Stories are not limited to 12 images.

Single images are no longer required in this category

If single images are included in the portfolio, they should not be repeated in a picture story.

Arrange your single images 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 are encouraged to 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 into 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.

32 - Newspaper Photographer of the Year

Judging: Friday, Feb. 15

This premier category is only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. The spirit of this category is to honor photographers working in their home community.

The requirement for Newspaper Photographer of the Year is that a majority of their portfolio must be local and/or regional coverage from the organization's primary geographic market. If the newspaper photographer portfolio consists mostly of national or international stories from outside the organization's primary geographic market, then it should be entered in the Photographer of the Year category #31.

Portfolios may include one national or international picture story. 

Newspaper photographers may submit a portfolio into either portfolio category, #31 or 32, but not both.

Part-time or “stringer” photojournalists may enter the "Newspaper" categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper.

Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

At least four single images are required. 

A picture story is not limited to 12 images. Only one national or international story is allowed.

Single images within the portfolio should not be repeated in a picture story in the portfolio.

A portfolio should be diverse with at least four single pictures and two multiple-picture stories.

Arrange your single images 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 image 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 into 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 are not eligible for this portfolio category, and should submit portfolios into category #31.

33 - Sports Photographer of the Year

Judging: Monday, Feb. 18

This Premier category is open to everyone.

All photographs included in the Sports portfolio must be taken during 2018.

Contestants also may enter Photographer of the Year category #31 or #32, 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.

Single images 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 #14 - 19, so judges are familiar with the work before portfolios are judged.

POY will not separate a portfolio and enter the images into 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.

34 - Multimedia Photographer of the Year

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 28

This Premier category is open to everyone.

Stories must have been either shot, produced, or first published during 2018.

The multimedia portfolio must be the work of one individual photojournalist or videographer who shot the principal visual content (video and/or still photographs).

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

A portfolio may be a mix of linear (video) stories or non-linear (user experience) online stories.

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

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.

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

An extra $50 per entry is required for this Premier category. If a contestant is only entering projects in this category, and not entering any other category, then only a single $50 fee is required.

35 - Environmental Vision Award

Judging: Wednesday, Feb. 20

This Premier category recognizes 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.  The project may include a few studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer.  However, studio scenes should not comprise a majority of the images within the project.

Submit a maximum of 40 images.

Entries need not have been published.

A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2018.  Historic or establishing images shot in previous years may be included as supporting or transitional material.

The entry must be summarized in a single paragraph (2,000 characters or less) in the story summary field of the online registration form.

All photographs must include captions. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on story details as they pertain to the individual image.

Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

Single images 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 2018.

36 - Community Awareness Award

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 21

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. 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. 

A “community” may be defined as a neighborhood, a town, a small commune, a rural agricultural area, a city subdivision, or socioeconomic region. 

The project may include a few portraits that are arranged by the photographer.  However, portraits should not comprise a majority of the images within the project.

Ineligible are projects that center only on one person and that individual's social or cultural issue. 

Submit a maximum of 40 images.

Entries need not have been published.

A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2018.  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.

All photographs must include captions. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on story details as they pertain to the individual image.

Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

Singles images 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 2018.

37 - World Understanding Award

Judging: Friday, Feb. 22 – Saturday, Feb. 23

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.  The project may include a few portraits that are arranged by the photographer.  However, portraits should not comprise a majority of the images within the project.

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 2018.

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.

All photographs must include captions. You are encouraged to use the caption field to expand on your story details as they pertain to the individual image.

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 2018.

38 - Documentary Project of the Year

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 28

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 is no length limitation.

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

Projects must have been either shot, produced, or published during 2018.

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 passwords are included.

An extra $50 fee is required for this Premier category, which includes up to three project submissions. 

If a contestant is only entering projects in this category, and not entering any other category, then only a single $50 fee is required.

Up to three separate projects may be entered under the entry fee.  Each individual project will be judged separately and counts toward the 15 total possible submissions.  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.

39 - Photography Book of the Year, formerly called Best Photography Book

Judging: Saturday, Feb. 23

Book entries must rely on documentary photography and have been published within the last three years (2016, 2017, or 2018).  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. 14, 2019, as long as the shipment is post marked on or before Jan. 14.  Also, it is not necessary to provide "priority" shipping.  Standard shipping with any courier such as FedEx, DSL, UPS, or postal mail is sufficient. However, the book must arrive by the time judging begins on Feb. 11, 2019.

The trophy 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 fee is required.

40 - Angus McDougall Overall Excellence in Editing Award

Judging: Thursday, Feb. 28

This is a Premier category for POY that recognizes a publication's team of visual editors in both print and online presentations.  The winning organization will host a sterling silver trophy for one year, receive a plaque, and tuition to the Missouri Photo Workshop. The spirit of this category is to recognize the very best visual editing by a team across all platforms of a single organization — from online to mobile to print publication.

A visual editing team portfolio should be a combination of both online and print publication stories.  Photo editing should demonstrate sensitivity for the selection and organization of documentary photography.  Design should reflect consideration for the reader and respect for the vision of the photographer.  Judges will recognize overall excellence in use of visual journalism, still photojournalism, motion photojournalism (videography), interactive design, user experience, and multimedia storytelling.

This is open to all news organizations, media groups, newspapers, magazines, or specialty advocacy organizations. 

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.

A portfolio entry should present no more than 10 individual stories. The stories may be a print or online version or a converged print-and-online version of single-story topic.  Edit tightly.

Only one portfolio entry per organization.

A single-story topic may be submitted only once.

All stories must be published in 2018.

The print version of stories may be of one or more pages, from no more than three consecutive issues, on coverage of a single-story topic.

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.

The online version of stories may include web pages, apps, downloadable PDFs, mobile optimized websites, or other digital publishing forms. Submit a URL single primary link for each story.  Make sure the online links are active and the needed passwords are included.

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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 75th 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 2017. (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. POY provides an educational mission for career development and student advancement, without profit. To achieve the educational mission of the competition, POY requests $50 (U.S. dollars) compensation from participants to cover the costs associated with operation of the competition.