Since 2010, we have upheld a consistent standard in recognizing authentic photography. For more than a decade, we have been one of the very few institutions to strictly maintain these principles, ensuring that every photograph we honor captures the world as it truly is. Our guidelines help photographers see the world differently and communicate their unique perspective, while maintaining a universal standard for visual art. This principle is not meant to limit creativity, but to preserve the emotional connection a photographer builds with their subject.
Without such a standard, photography risks losing its true essence — drifting into heavy manipulation, trends, or manufactured realities that replace what was genuinely there. That is why, when selecting photographs for this award, we follow authentic photography standards precisely, honoring works that capture the world as it truly is.
