Single image categories:
1. COVID-19: A single photograph, candid and un-staged, that reflects the news or human experience of the impact of COVID-19. The image must be documentary and may be related to news, sports, daily life or lifestyle. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2021.
2. SPOT NEWS: This is a category for non-COVID-19 single photographs of breaking news or events in which no planning was possible. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2021.
3. PORTRAITS: A single photograph of a person or group of people that increases the understanding and appreciation of the subject(s). Selfies or self-portraits are acceptable. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2021.
4. NATURE & ENVIRONMENT: A single photograph that increases the understanding and appreciation of nature and our environment. Photographers are encouraged to explore the relationship between human and nature/environment. Studio scenes that are arranged by the photographer are not eligible. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2021.
5. RECREATIONAL & TRADITIONAL SPORTS: A single photograph that celebrates the role sports play in the community. Images may show the emotional highlights of players on the field or the reactions of fans. Local, traditional, and obscure games which are often neglected in mainstream media are welcome in this category. The pictures must be from non-professional settings. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 10 images. The images must be taken in 2021.
Multiple images categories:
6. COVID PICTURE STORY: A multiple-picture story, essay, sequence or series based on daily coverage of general news or breaking news related to COVID-19. Each submission consists of 10 to 20 images. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 3 submissions. All images must be taken in 2020 or 2021.
7. COVID EXPRESSIONS: An interpretive project that reflects the personal experiences, feelings and thoughts related to COVID-19 and its impact. It may be conceptual or artistic in the approach. Submissions do not have to adhere to documentary principles. Alternate processes and digital manipulations are allowed. Each submission consists of 5 to 20 images. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 2 submissions. All images must be taken in 2021.
8. ISSUE REPORTING PICTURE STORY: A long-term project on a single topic. It could focus on science, news, politics or any number of topics, ranging from coverage of a single person to an entire community. The project must convey a deep understanding of the subject. Each submission consists of 10 to 40 images. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 3 submissions. All images must be taken in 2020 or 2021. Stories on COVID-19 should not be entered in this category.
9. CULTURAL PRACTICES: A set of photographs that increases the understanding and appreciation of a cultural practice. It can be about festivals, religion, traditions, or contemporary cultural trends. Submissions do not have to adhere to documentary principles. Alternate processes and digital manipulations are allowed. Each submission consists of 5 to 20 images. Each participant is allowed to enter up to 2 submissions. The images must be taken in 2020 or 2021.
10. PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, ASIA: This premier category is open to all photographers — independent, agency, wire service, or newspaper photographers. Please submit 10 to 50 images per portfolio consisting of at least two stories. Single images are optional. All images must be taken in 2020 or 2021. Each participant is allowed to enter only one portfolio.
Please create a blank, black slide (.jpg). Fill out the IPTC title and caption fields with the story title and story summary for the blank slide. Place the slide it at the beginning of each story. Title the slide with name of the project.
Single images may be included but are not required. Place them at the beginning of your portfolio. A portfolio must include at least two narrative picture stories (5 or more images). 50 images maximum (not including black slides).