Quarterly Photo Contests

📌 How to Enter This Quarter

• Post your photo directly in the WhatsApp group between 1 January and 31 March 2026 — it is automatically considered an entry
• Only photos shot with a Nikon Z8, Z9 or Z9 II are eligible
• Multiple photos can be posted but only one image per photographer will be judged (best-scoring image selected)
• Editing is permitted — the final image should maintain a natural and realistic appearance
• AI-generated images or composites using non-original elements will be disqualified
• Admins may request your RAW file to verify authenticity; failure to provide it results in disqualification

Eligibility

• Open to all members of the Nikon Z Flagship Camera Community WhatsApp group
• Only photos captured with a Nikon Z8, Z9 or Z9 II are eligible
• Any wildlife, bird, macro, landscape or creative photography is welcome — open category
• Members can post multiple photos, but only one entry per photographer will be judged

Submission Rules

• All photos posted in the WhatsApp group during the contest window (3-month quarter) are automatically considered entries — no separate submission needed
• Editing is permitted, but the final image must maintain a natural and realistic appearance
• AI-generated images, composites with non-original elements, or non-original work will be disqualified
• Admins reserve the right to request the RAW file if authenticity is in doubt; failure to provide it results in disqualification

Judging Criteria (50 Points Total)

Each jury member scores every shortlisted photo across 5 criteria (1–10 points each):

• Composition (10 pts) — Framing, rule of thirds, leading lines, use of negative space
• Lighting & Exposure (10 pts) — Quality of light, dynamic range, exposure accuracy
• Storytelling & Impact (10 pts) — Emotional resonance, narrative, visual power
• Post-Processing & Natural Look (10 pts) — Tasteful editing, no over-processing, no AI compositing
• Uniqueness & Creativity (10 pts) — Originality of subject, perspective or timing

Prizes & Recognition

• 🥇 1st Prize — Winning photo pinned in WhatsApp group for the quarter + short critique from jury + featured on the Facebook group for wider audience
• 🥈 2nd Prize — Special mention in the group with jury feedback + featured on community page
• 🥉 3rd Prize — Community recognition + jury feedback
• ⭐ Honourable Mentions — Acknowledged in the winners announcement

Jury Selection

• Members may nominate themselves as a juror by replying "JURY" in the WhatsApp group
• Admins randomly select 3–5 jury members from the pool of nominees
• Jury members for a round cannot participate as contestants in the same round
• Jury members cannot vote for their own photos; if selected after posting, they must withdraw their entry
• The jury rotates every quarter — everyone gets a fair chance to judge

Fairness & Dispute Resolution

• Jury members must score objectively without bias or favouritism
• Jury scores and discussions remain confidential until official results are posted
• In the event of a tie, jurors discuss the tied entries; if consensus is not reached, the admin team casts the final deciding vote
• In case of any contest dispute, the jury and admin team's decision is final

Admin Team Responsibilities

Jury Coordination

• Finalise the 3-person jury panel from community nominees for each quarter
• Brief jury members on rules, timeline and scoring criteria before judging begins

Entry Compilation

• Collect and compile all entries submitted during the contest window
• Compile entries into a shared Google Drive folder accessible to jury members
• Verify that each image adheres to contest rules (camera body used, EXIF data, etc.)

Authenticity Verification

• Request RAW files or unedited versions if there are doubts about any image's originality
• Disqualify entries where authenticity cannot be confirmed

Dispute Resolution

• Coordinate with the jury to reach consensus in case of scoring ties
• Cast final vote if the jury cannot decide between tied entries

Results Announcement

• Share winners' names, images and jury commentary in the WhatsApp and Facebook groups
• Publish the winning photo with a short caption and the jury's critique
• Highlight the Top 3 and all Honourable Mentions