About

In a world that’s shifting shape by the minute, all we truly have is NOW. We encourage you to capture the depth of the NOW - the moments that define and connect us. The unique lens of YOU, EVERYWHERE you go, capturing the essence of the NOW. YOU. EVERYWHERE. NOW.

This is an open call for those who see the world as it is. Unfiltered. Unposed. Alive. We’re looking for more than just a mise-en-scène; we want to feel the impact of the moment. We want a story, woven by the threads of a place, people and emotion. An image capturing the deep yet flickering beauty of life around us.

By entering this competition, you vow to slow down and open your lens to the pulse of an era rushing through you and everywhere around you.

Join us. The fleeting is made eternal by YOU.

What winners receive

Enthusiasts (Top 3)

Top 1:

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja with paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

• A professional camera for fresh photography artworks.

• €500 in cash from Balcia to support further development of talent.

Top 2:

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja with paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

• €500 in cash from Balcia to support further development of talent.

Top 3:

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

Professionals (Top 3)

Top 1:

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja with paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

• A workshop with one of the jury members on the chosen photography topic.

• €500 in cash from Balcia to support the creation of the exhibition

Top 2:

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja with paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

• A workshop with one of the jury members on the chosen photography topic.

Top 3: 

• The entrance ticket to "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja with paid accommodation for two people for two nights.

About Balcia

Balcia, an insurance technology company, together with photography event ‘One day in Latvia’ are organizing a competition to highlight the best photography talent in photography and also promote the upcoming conference "Vision & Voices 2025: Photography for a Connected World" in Liepāja. Balcia insurance provides lifestyle insurance products that inspire people to live bolder and find new ways to excel in their life.

Judging criteria

1. Creativity and Originality - Uniqueness of the concept and idea behind the photograph. Originality in the approach, subject matter, and composition.

2. Technical Excellence - The quality of the image in terms of sharpness, exposure, and focus. The proper use of lighting, colour, and contrast. Appropriate use of depth of field and other photographic techniques.

3. Composition - Effective use of framing, symmetry, and balance. Rule of thirds, leading lines, and other compositional elements that enhance the image. Overall visual harmony and flow within the image.

4. Emotion and Impact - The ability of the photograph to evoke emotion or convey a message. The image's ability to engage the viewer and create a lasting impression.

5. Relevance to the Theme - How well the photograph aligns with the competition's theme or subject matter. The connection between the image and the intended concept or narrative.

6. Storytelling - The photographer's ability to tell a story or capture a moment in time. The depth and layers of meaning within the image.

Post-Processing and Editing - The skillful use of editing techniques to enhance the image without over-processing. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the photograph.