Q.
What is the meaning of “completely unaltered”?
According to Oxford Dictionary, unaltered means "remaining the same; unchanged." Combined with "completely", it means totally and utterly without manipulation. For this award, a photograph must be taken without any post-processing software alterations. Minimal in-camera tonal representation is respected, but no elements may be cloned, erased, composited, or artificially rendered. The original RAW file or unaltered camera JPEG is required to verify every awarded work.
Q.
I believe JPEG files are processed in the camera; doesn’t this break the award rules?
As most people do not understand the internal JPEG data structure, this is a common misconception spread by software makers. Camera sensors naturally convert photons into raw electric charges and write standard color matrices into standard color spaces (sRGB / Adobe RGB). This in-camera conversion is not post-capture manipulation. When you shoot in RAW+JPEG, your camera saves the unaltered optical recording, which is exactly what our jury validates.
Q.
Does opening a photograph in Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop make it "altered"?
Simply opening or viewing a photograph in editing software does not alter the pixels. However, without inspecting the camera original file (RAW or original JPEG direct from media card), our jury cannot verify whether modifications occurred. To maintain 100% fairness and integrity across thousands of global laureates, all contestants submit the unaltered original file directly from camera storage.
Q.
Is it allowed to submit Black & White photographs converted from color?
Visualization is the key in monochrome photography. In early photographic history, master artists learned to see tonalities of grey before triggering the shutter. We accept black and white photographs converted from color files, provided you submit the original color RAW/JPEG alongside your monochrome submission for authenticity verification.
Q.
Why is my photographer profile, award, or interview not yet published?
Submissions undergo thorough editorial review for photographic authenticity and clear biographical text. Profiles may be delayed if the questionnaire was submitted in incomplete or broken machine-translated language, or if the accompanying high-resolution photographs are pending verification. Our editorial team reaches out via email if revisions are needed.
Q.
How does membership and subscription renewal work?
Active photographers who regularly submit work to the award maintain active laureate status. Members who submit at least 3 photographs monthly retain continuous access. Annual memberships can be renewed or upgraded via the Membership Registration portal.
Q.
Can I win Photo of the Month as a Guest Photographer?
Submitting as a guest allows photographers to enter and win the Photo of the Day Award. When a guest photograph achieves a high jury score (>65/80), the photographer is invited to register for full membership to qualify for Photo of the Month podiums and Top 100 World Rankings.