TALENT OF THE YEAR 2026 – Named after Tsvetan Tomchev

Terms and Conditions for Participation

Eligibility
The competition is open to Bulgarian nationality photographers and visual storytellers, regardless of where they live in the world who are 26 years of age or younger on the date of submission.
Participation is free of charge.

Categories
Submitted works must fall within one of the following fields of visual storytelling:
We expect visual strories on any topic, done in documentary and journalistic manner. Conceptual approaches are also welcomed.
Projects should demonstrate strong visual narrative, originality, journalistic integrity, and social relevance.

1. Submission Requirements
   Participants may submit up to 12 photographs forming a coherent visual story, documentary project, or photojournalistic series.
   All images must have been created between:
   1 January 2025 and 21 August 2026
   Technical specifications:

• JPEG format (.jpg)

• Maximum file size: 5 MB per image

• 1500 px

• Images must retain original metadata (EXIF data)

Each submission must include:

• Project title
• Short project description (up to 300 words)
• Location(s) where the photographs were taken
• Date(s) of production
• Photographer's full name and contact details

2. Authenticity and Ethical Standards
   All submitted photographs must represent reality truthfully.
   The following are not permitted:

• AI-generated images, in whole or in part

• Generative AI additions, replacements, or visual elements

• Composite images created from multiple photographs

• Removal or addition of visual content that alters the factual reality of the scene

• Misleading captions or descriptions

Basic post-processing is allowed, including:

• Exposure correction

• Color balance adjustment

• Cropping

• Dust-spot removal

• Standard tonal corrections

The organizers reserve the right to request original RAW files, unedited image files, or additional verification materials at any stage of the judging process.
Failure to provide verification materials may result in disqualification.

3. Copyright and Permissions Participants must be the sole authors and copyright holders of all submitted images. Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions related to the creation and publication of their work. The organizers assume no responsibility for copyright infringements or violations of third-party rights.
4. Judging Criteria
   Entries will be evaluated based on:

• Visual storytelling and narrative strength
• Journalistic and documentary value
• Originality and creativity
• Technical quality
• Ethical standards and authenticity
• Relevance and impact of the subject matter

5. Rights and Usage
   Copyright remains with the photographer.
   By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use submitted images solely for purposes related to:

Competition promotion

• Exhibition and public presentation
• Printed and digital publications connected to the competition
• Press and media coverage
• Photographers will always be credited whenever their work is used.

6. Disqualification
   The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any entry that:

Violates these rules

• Contains AI-generated or manipulated content
• Includes false information
• Fails to meet technical requirements
• Infringes copyright or ethical standards

7. Final Decision The jury's decisions are final and cannot be appealed. By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and accepted these rules and conditions.