The Visual Storytelling Photography Award by Xposure celebrates photographers who excel in the art of storytelling through images. This award honours those who can craft a compelling and meaningful narrative using a carefully curated sequence of nine (9) images, demonstrating the power of photography to convey emotion, context, and depth.
Recognising narrative strength, storytelling impact, composition, and technical execution, this award highlights photographers who skillfully connect their images into a cohesive and engaging visual journey. The selected sequence should guide the viewer through a well-structured story, evoking emotion, provoking thought, or offering insight into a subject, theme, or moment in time.
Open to photographers of all levels, this award values originality, creativity, and the ability to communicate a story beyond a single frame. The Visual Storytelling Photography Award celebrates the ability of images to inform, inspire, and connect audiences through the universal language of photography.
Eligibility
- The award is open to all nationalities.
- Entrants must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
- Open to all skill levels, from intermediate to advanced photographers.
- Each entrant may submit a maximum of two (2) stories, each consisting of nine (9) images.
Entry Deadline
- Submission Deadline: 15 September 2025, 23:00 GST (UTC+4)
Submission Requirements
Photo Story Structure
- Each entry must consist of nine (9) images arranged in a sequence that effectively conveys a cohesive and structured story.
- The images should be curated intentionally, ensuring a strong visual flow and narrative progression.
- Entries must adhere to journalistic integrity and ethical storytelling standards.
- Minimal digital editing is allowed; images must remain true to the original scene.
Technical Image Specifications (Online Submission)
- File Format: JPG
- Colour Space: sRGB
- Resolution: 300 dpi
- Image Dimensions:
- 2700 px on the long edge (for non-square images)
- 1500 px per side for 1:1 ratio images
Story Description Guidelines
Each entrant must submit a written story description to accompany the images. This should be between 150 and 300 words and must include:
- Introduction (2-3 sentences) – Overview of the story’s subject and theme.
- Context & Background (3-5 sentences) – Explain the story’s significance, why it matters, and any relevant background.
- Narrative Flow (3-5 sentences) – Describe how the sequence of images progresses, highlighting key moments.
- Conclusion (2-3 sentences) – Summarise the impact of the story and what the viewer should take away.
Caption Guidelines
- Each image must have a brief yet informative caption.
- Captions should be between 15 and 40 words.
- Must provide relevant context, such as names, locations, and significance.
Nominee & Finalist Image Requirements
- All nominees and finalists must provide high-resolution TIFF files for printing and exhibition at the Xposure Festival.
- Finalists will be required to submit RAW files to verify authenticity.
- TIFF files must be in Adobe 1998 or ProPhoto RGB colour space, ensuring the highest print quality.
Judging Procedure
A dedicated jury of industry experts will review submissions based on the following criteria:
- Narrative Strength – How well the images tell a structured, compelling story.
- Storytelling Impact – The emotional and visual resonance of the story.
- Composition – The framing, structure, and visual flow of images.
- Technical Execution – Sharpness, clarity, exposure, and overall image quality.
Judging Process
- Round One: The jury assesses overall impact and narrative strength.
- Round Two: Shortlisted entries are judged on technical execution, composition, and storytelling effectiveness.
- Tie-Break: A final round will focus on originality and uniqueness if necessary.
Rights & Releases
- Copyright: Entrants retain full rights to their work but grant non-exclusive usage rights to Xposure for exhibitions, festival promotions, and publications.
- Usage Agreement: Winning entries will be published in the Xposure Yearbook and SGMB Public Archive.
Awards & Prizes
Winner – Cash prize of $3,000, trophy, and exhibition at Xposure Festival.
Runner-Up – Cash prize of $1,500, trophy, and exhibition at Xposure Festival.
Finalists – Featured in the Xposure Festival exhibition.
Finalists’ Travel & Accommodation
- International finalists will receive flight and accommodation to attend Xposure Festival.
- Local finalists who reside over 50km from the festival venue will receive accommodation only.
