1. Entries must be received by 12.00am GMT (midnight) on 21st July (“the Closing Date”).
2. The adult competition is open to anyone aged 19 or over on 1st September 2025.
3. The young competition is open to anyone aged 18 or under on 1st September 2025.
4. Entrants must select their appropriate category based on their age on the date of 1st September, regardless of the age at their time of entry submission.
5. Each individual may enter up to 3 photographs.
6. The Community Photography category may include photographs taken by an individual who has also entered separately
   1. This category is open to photographs that capture the spirit, work, or story of a community group.
   2. Individuals affiliated with a community group may also submit separate entries as individuals. Dual submission is permitted.
7. Collaborative Submissions
   1. Community groups who do not have access to photography equipment or experience are encouraged to consider working with volunteer photographers.
   2. This optional collaboration aims to ensure groups can present high-quality images that reflect their activities and impact.
8. By submitting an entry to the competition, participants agree:
   1. to abide by the rules and confirm that their entry complies with the guidelines.
   2. to consent to the use of their entered photographs in all activities connected to the Harrow Photographer of the Year Awards. This may include (but not limited to) use in the press, on websites, social media, printed materials merchandise, community events, and in the exhibition.
9. All entries must be photographs that:
   1. meet the sizing guidelines of less than 10MB for entry. High-resolution files will be required if shortlisted and must not exceed 500MB.
   2. have been taken in the London Borough of Harrow in the last year (between 21st July 2024 and 21st July 2025). Supplementary information may be requested to verify the location and date.
   3. are uploaded in JPEG format.
   4. are entirely the photographer’s own work.
   5. may include some minor post-production, such as cropping, exposure adjustments, and resolution enhancement. However, this should not extend to significantly altering the photograph, such as merging multiple images, removing or inserting elements, or using AI-generated content. We reserve the right to request the original, unaltered image or other photographs from the same occasion to verify authenticity.
10. AI Usage Policy to maintain the integrity of the competition:
    1. Fully AI-generated images (e.g., created using tools such as Midjourney or DALL·E) are not permitted and will be disqualified.
    2. AI-powered enlarging tools that introduce new elements or information, such as Adobe Super Resolution and Topaz Photo AI, are not permitted.
    3. The usage of AI-assisted editing tools is allowed only for minor adjustments (e.g., noise reduction, exposure correction), provided they do not alter the original content of the photograph.
    4. Tools such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, and Gigapixel may be used for basic enhancements.
    5. Participants must declare any AI-assisted tools used during the editing process at the time of submission.
    6. Failure to disclose AI usage or comply with these guidelines may result in disqualification.
11. We reserve the right to reject any entry we deem to be inappropriate or likely to cause offence.
12. The competition organisers reserve the right to request original, unedited files to verify the authenticity of submitted photographs.
13. We are committed to making Harrow Photographer of the Year as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any questions about the rules and requirements for the competition, please do contact us for assistance.
14. Portrait Photography & Permissions
    1. If an entry includes a portrait or identifiable individual, it is the responsibility of the photographer to obtain written consent from the subject (or their parent/guardian if under 18) before submitting the image.
    2. Portraits are defined as photographs in which an individual can be clearly recognised, whether they are the main subject or part of a small group.
    3. A completed Photography Consent Form must be submitted alongside any portrait photograph entry. Harrow Giving will provide a standard form template for this purpose
15. By submitting a portrait photograph to the competition, participants confirm they have obtained consent from the subject for the following uses:
    1. Exhibition as part of Harrow Photographer of the Year.
    2. Use on Harrow Giving’s website, social media, printed materials, and related promotional activities.
    3. Use in press coverage, community events, and external communications directly related to the competition.
16. All consent forms will be stored securely in accordance with GDPR and data protection legislation. Subjects may withdraw their consent at any time by contacting Harrow Giving in writing.
17. Photographs submitted without appropriate permissions, or where consent cannot be verified, may be removed from the competition and exhibition.

Any problems? Email hello@harrowgiving.org.uk