RJI
71st POY call for entries
judging

Complete Guide for Entry, Registration, and Category Descriptions



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CALL FOR ENTRIES

For a printable version of the POY Call for Entries, click the link below.

Call for Entries PDF, click here.


CONTACT

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

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

AWARDS & PRIZES

$1,000 cash prizes & Tiffany crystal trophies for top Premier winners:
• Photographer of the Year-Freelance
• Photographer of the Year-Newspaper
• Sports Photographer of the Year
• Multimedia Photographer of the Year
• Documentary Project of the Year
• World Understanding Award
• Environmental Vision Award
• Community Awareness Award
• Best Photography Book Award

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

KEY DATES

Online registration opens:
Monday, Dec. 16, 2013

Deadline for entries:
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014,
11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time)

Judging in Columbia, Mo.:
Feb. 5 - 25, 2014

RULES ON DIGITAL PROCESSING
AND "APP" FILTERS

POYi accepts two photographic modes: color and black & white. For color images, the goal is to replicate what the human eye experiences. Routine image correction for color toning, white balance, and exposure is acceptable. Flagrantly desaturated or over saturated images may be disqualified. Black & white images should display a full grayscale range from deep-shadow blacks to highlight whites.

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

Judges will disqualify entries that they feel over manipulate the image or exploit the process.

Digital manipulation or alteration of content, manufactured photo illustrations, double exposures, added masks, borders, backgrounds, text, handwritten notes, or other artistic effects are all prohibited.

Diptychs, triptychs are not eligible.

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

PICTURE STORIES

"Freelance / Agency" photo story and portfolio categories are open to all photographers — independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, or wire service.

"Newspaper" photo story and portfolio categories are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. Part time or “stringers” may enter the "Newspaper" categories if their freelance agreement is “exclusive” to one newspaper or is a majority of their work.

A photographer’s stories must be entered consistently in the same division.

Guidelines state that entries “must have been taken or published for the first time during 2013.” A few pre-2013 images are acceptable, if they are an integral part of a story and have not been published before. Please consider your purpose for submitting pre-2013 images.

Entries should have a clearly defined structure with each image contributing something different. Literal, chronological stories and thematic essays are both acceptable; logical organization, however, is essential. Edit tightly. Eliminate weak and redundant images.

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

MULTIMEDIA STORIES

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

Stories should conform to a documentary approach with journalistic standards. The multimedia categories are intended to appraise storytelling in still and/or motion photojournalism (video) with audio, using observational and direct cinema techniques. The goal is to “show” the story rather than have a interviewee “tell” the story. News value, visual aesthetics, audio, as well as overall narrative structure will be the guiding criteria for the judges.

Stories that feature staged reenactments, business & organization promotions, or personal portfolios are not eligible. Also not eligible are stories that include the funding organization as the primary subject.

Multimedia stories must be either shot or published online during 2013. Stories previously entered in the 70th POYi competition are not eligible.

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

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

PHOTO EDITING

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.

All stories must be published in 2013.

Judges will consider the effectiveness of the captions, headlines, and other display typography as well as photo content. Aggressive local coverage and imaginative editing of wire and syndicated photos are important. Design and presentation of inside pages and section fronts will be evaluated.

The distinctions of “single” and “multiple” pages are removed for greater flexibility to enter packages. So, 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 published story may be submitted only once.

ENTERING "BEST PUBLICATIONS"

See page 3 of this Call for Entries, under the headline "$50 Payment," for categories that require an extra $50 per entry in the "Best Publications" division.

If entering only a single "Best Photography Book" or "Best eBook" entry and no other category entries, then a single $50 is all that is required.

"Best eBook" category #31 will accept entries as apps, downloadable PDFs, mobile optimized websites, or other digital publishing forms. On the registration form, please provide specific directions on where POYi can download the app.

"Best Magazine,"
"Best Newspaper," and
"Best Photography Book" entries, tape a "Best" label to the back with the publication title and names.
Place the complete newspapers, magazines, or book in one envelope.

Mail or courier to:
Pictures of the Year International
Missouri School of Journalism
109 Lee Hills Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

71st POY "Best" Label, simply list
Publication:
Names(s):

QUICK ANSWERS

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

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

• Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2013.

• Photographs must include captions.

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

• Each photographer must have an individual registration.

• Deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 11:59 p.m (U.S. Central Standard Time).

HOW TO REGISTER & UPLOAD

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

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

WELCOME

Welcome to the 71st annual the Pictures of the Year International competition.

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


SPIRIT OF THE COMPETITION

The mission of Pictures of the Year International is to recognize excellence in documentary photography and photojournalism, within both still and motion photography formats.

"Show truth with a camera," is still the guiding principle established by the founder of POYi, Cliff Edom, in 1943.

Images should reflect the news events and social issues with respect for the integrity of the scene and the intent of the moment. Scenes that are set up or staged by the photographer do not honor the essence of documentary photography. Portrait categories are the only exceptions.

Color toning and exposure correction should replicate what the human eye experiences. The content of a photographic scene should not be digitally manipulated or altered.

Story summaries and caption information should meet journalistic standards for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements.

The goal of POYi is to review and honor the very best work from this past year — 2013. Please respect the spirit of the competition.


GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Still photography entries must be the work of only one person with a single credit line.

• All 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.

• Photographs entered must have been taken or published for the first time, either in print or online, between Jan. 1, and Dec. 31, 2013.

• Each photograph must have a caption, and each picture story must include a summary, that meets journalistic standards for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements.

• A photograph’s content and subjects must not be digitally manipulated or altered.

• Color toning and exposure correction should be routine adjustments that attempt to replicate what the human eye experiences. Please review "Digital Processing" rules in the left column.


SINGLES & PHOTO STORIES

• One image per .JPG file. No diptychs.

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

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

• A picture story may be entered only once.

• A picture story consists of 3 to 12 photos.


FREELANCE & NEWSPAPER DEFINED

"Freelance/Agency" photo story and portfolio categories are open to all photographers — freelance, independent, self-employed, agency, or wire service photographers.

"Newspaper" photo story and portfolio categories are only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. Part time or "stringers" may enter the "Newspaper" categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper.

• A photographer’s stories and portfolio must be entered consistently in the same division — "Newspaper" or "Freelance/Agency."


FILES SPECIFICATIONS

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

Still photography files
File type: .JPG Image Size: 3,000 pixels or larger, on the longer side — width or height. Resolution: 300 dpi, minimum.

Editing page files
File type: 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.

Multimedia entries
Type: URL single primary active link. Links: Active through judging dates. Secured: No password-protected Vimeo links. Files: Do not attempt to upload original .mov, .mp4, .m4v, or .swf files.


REGISTRATION & ENTRY

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

• Access the POYi website on or after Dec. 16 at www.poyi.org and follow the "71st POYi Entry" link.

• Create a login and register online.

• Upload files into the appropriate categories.

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

• Confirmation receipts will be emailed.

Deadline is Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Central Standard Time).


PARTICIPATION LOGINS

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

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

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

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

• Editing and multimedia organizations may create a single "team" registration and enter multiple editors’ work up to 15 submissions.

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


15 "SUBMISSIONS" DEFINED

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

• One photo in a single-picture category.

• One picture story (12 photographs).

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

• An entry in a multimedia category (#19 - 23)

• An entry in an editing category (#24 - 31)

• A "Photographer of the Year" portfolio.


$50 PAYMENT

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

There is an extra $50 for:

• Entries in the "Best Publications" Division (#32 - 36).

• Multimedia Photographer of the Year.

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

• Exception for "Best Photography Book" (#36) and "Best eBook" (#32). If a contestant is only entering a single print book or eBook and no other submissions, then a single $50 is all that is required.


WINNER NOTIFICATION

Winners will be posted Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014. All winners will be contacted immediately after the results are announced.

• • •



Categories


STILL PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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

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

4 - Natural Disaster
Single photographs from a natural disaster such as Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, India’s flash floods, or other acts of nature.

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

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

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

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

News Picture Story
9 - Newspaper category
10 - Freelance / Agency category

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.)

Issue Reporting Picture Story
11 - Newspaper category
12 - Freelance / Agency category

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.)

Feature Picture Story
13 - Newspaper category
14 - Freelance / Agency category

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.)


SPORTS DIVISION

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

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

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

18 - Sports Picture Story
A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence, or series that increases understanding and appreciation for individual and team sports and/or the role that athletics play in the lives of amateur and/or professional athletes and fans. Twelve photographs maximum per story.

Sports Multimedia Story (#22) is listed under the Multimedia Division.
Sports Story Editing (#28)is listed under the Editing Division.
Sports Photographer of the Year is listed under the Premier Division.


MULTIMEDIA DIVISION

19 - News Multimedia Story
A multimedia story or essay based on coverage of general news or breaking news. Each entry should be a single news story or essay under six minutes in length.
Stories over six minutes should be entered in the "Documentary Journalism," category # 23.

20 - Issue Reporting Multimedia Story
A multimedia story or essay that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Each entry should be a single issue-related story or essay under six minutes in length.
Stories over six minutes should be entered in the "Documentary Journalism," category # 23.

21 - Feature Multimedia Story
A multimedia story or essay that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important. Each entry should be a single feature story or essay under six minutes in length.
Stories over six minutes should be entered in the "Documentary Journalism," category # 23.

22 - Sports Multimedia Story
A multimedia story or essay 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. Each entry should be a single sports story or essay under six minutes in length.
Stories over six minutes should be entered in the "Documentary Journalism," category # 23.

23 - Documentary Journalism
A multimedia story or essay that adopts the concepts of documentary film using observational and direct cinema techniques with an extended length up to 35 minutes. Stories should conform to a documentary approach with journalistic standards that focus on the news events, social issues, or cultural trends of 2013. The term "documentary" in this context, is defined as storytelling grounded in truth, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects who present themselves as themselves. Not fitting this definition are fictional allegories, historical reenactments, docu-dramas, or television news reports where an on-camera commentator tells the story.
(Note: A shorter, edited version cannot also be entered in multimedia categories #19 - 22.)

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


EDITING DIVISION

News & Issue Story Editing
24 - Newspaper category
25 - Magazine category

A published news story or essay based on daily coverage of general news, breaking news, or an issue-related story or essay that explores an important social, economic, or political issue. Entries must be from a single issue, of one or more pages.

Feature Story Editing
26 - Newspaper category
27 - Magazine category

A published feature story or essay that reflects the human experience, celebrates life, or chronicles a cultural trend. Must be from a single issue, of one or more pages.

28 - Sports Story Editing
A sports story or essay published in either a magazine or newspaper based on event coverage or features. Entries must be from a single issue, of one or more pages.
(Note: This category combines both Newspaper and Magazine entries.)

29 -Series or Special Section
One topic covered in one or more issues of a magazine or newspaper, or in a reprinted edition.
(Note: This category combines both Newspaper and Magazine entries.)

Picture Editing Portfolios
30 - Newspaper category
31 - Magazine category

A picture editing portfolio may be submitted by an individual editor, a team, or both. Edit tightly. A portfolio entry should present less than 40 pages. A magazine spread or newspaper doubletruck is considered one page.


BEST PUBLICATIONS DIVISION

32 - Best eBook
This category will recognize a story, series, or an extensive, long-term documentary photography project presented on an ePublishing platform. Content is not limited to 2013 and may have been photographed anytime within the last three years (2011, 2012, or 2013). Photographs may be the work of one or more photographers.
• This category will accept entries as apps, downloadable PDFs, mobile optimized websites, or other digital publishing forms.
• On the registration form, please provide specific directions on where POYi can download the app, PDF, or website link. Also, if the app is from iTunes, Amazon, or any other online book retailers, be sure to include a courtesy login and password to download the app.

33 - Best Website
Open to online sites affiliated with news organizations, newspapers, magazines, or specialty advocacy organizations. This category will recognize overall excellence in use of photojournalism (still and/or motion), interactive design, and multimedia storytelling on websites produced by independent teams, individual journalists, or media companies.
• Only one entry per organization.
• The judges will review the website’s overall home page; the photo gallery / multimedia page; and three specific multimedia stories.
Provide URL links to:
1.) the organization’s website home page
2.) the photo gallery and/or multimedia page
3.) and three specific multimedia stories. Stories may be from a larger project.
• Portfolios, business promotions, catalogs, or personal websites are not eligible.

34 - Best Newspaper
Only one entry per publication. Submit the three best issues from any dates during 2013.

35 - Best Magazine
Only one entry per publication. Submit the three best issues from any dates during 2013.

36 - Best Photography Book
Note: This is a Premier Award category.
Book entries must rely on documentary photography and have been published sometime within the last three years (2011, 2012, or 2013). 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 tape a “Best” label on the inside of the back cover.
• The trophy and cash prize will honor the photographer(s). The publishing group will be recognized with a plaque, listing the editors and photographers involved.
• An extra $50 per entry for each book entered in this Premier category. If a contestant is only entering a single book and not entering any other category, then just a single $50.


PREMIER DIVISION

37 - Photographer of the Year - Newspaper
This Premier category is only open to photographers employed as staff members for a regularly published newspaper, either in print or online. Part time or "stringers" may enter this categories if their freelance agreement is "exclusive" to one newspaper or is a majority of their work. Independent photographers should enter Photographer of the Year - Freelance / Agency category.

• Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

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

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

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

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

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

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


38 - Photographer of the Year - Freelance / Agency
This Premier category is open to all photographers — independent, freelance, self-employed, agency, or wire service photographers. Newspaper staff photographers should enter in the Photographer of the Year - Newspaper.

• Submit a maximum of 50 photographs.

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

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

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

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

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

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


39 - Sports Photographer of the Year
This Premier category is open to everyone.

• All photographs included in the Sports portfolio must be taken during 2013.

• Contestants also may enter Photographer of the Year category #37 or #38, with images or stories from their Sports portfolio.

• Submit a maximum of 30 photographs.

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

• Represent at least three different sports.

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

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

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

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

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


40 - Multimedia Photographer of the Year

This Premier category is open to everyone.

• Stories must have been either shot, produced, or published during 2013.

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

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

• All members of the production and editing team will be recognized.

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

• A portfolio must include multimedia stories entered in at least two multimedia categories #19 - 22.

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

• Each story or essay should be under six minutes in length.

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


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

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2013. 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.

• Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

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

• Portions of the essay may be part of a Photographer of the Year portfolio entry if the photos were taken or published in 2013.


42 - Community Awareness Award
This Premier category will recognize a photographer's extended story or essay that demonstrates an understanding of and appreciation for everyday life within a community. A “community” may be defined as a neighborhood, a town, a small commune, a rural agricultural area, a city subdivision, or socioeconomic region. The purpose is to encourage attention to the small events in life that are often overshadowed by the news of the day, and to celebrate those images that reflect the work and dreams of humankind.

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• A majority of the photos must have been taken during 2013. 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.

• Winning entries from previous years may not be resubmitted.

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

• Portions of the essay may be part of a Photographer of the Year portfolio entry if the photos were taken or published in 2013.


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

• Submit a maximum of 40 images.

• Entries need not have been published.

• There are no subject requirements.

• There are no time restrictions. Photos need not have been taken during 2013.

• 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.

• 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 2013.


44 - Documentary Project of the Year

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

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

• There are no length criteria.

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

• Projects must have been either shot, produced, or published during 2013.

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

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

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


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

• • •



STATEMENT

I declare that I am authorized by the holder of the copyright (or the right to copyright) to submit photographs to the 71st annual Pictures of the Year International (POYi) competition. 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 POYi Archive. By entering, I declare that the photographs were taken or initially published during the calendar year of 2013. (The time period does not apply to the World Understanding Award.)

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

RJI
MU