VIRTUAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the outstanding individual images that are captured by digital artists everywhere,
The most outstanding individual images captured in photo mode. Submissions are now open for the 2022 Virtual Photographer of the Year categories.
- ENVIRONMENT | CREATIVE | DETAIL | PORTRAIT | ACTION | ABSTRACT -
HOW TO ENTER
Virtual photographers of all abilities are invited to submit their very best shots across 6 thematic categories. This can be done either by replying to the appropriate Twitter thread, or via direct upload to the category entry forms below.
-
1 entry per category per person
-
Entries close Dec 31st 23:59 GMT
-
Open to all territories
-
Category winners selected by an expert Judging Panel
-
Got questions? Check out the FAQ
ENVIRONMENT
Broad interpretations of the varied and wonderful virtual worlds of video games. This category welcomes anything from traditional landscapes and nature to urban areas and fantasy worlds.
CREATIVE
A broad category that is open to artistic creations, whether through more extensive edits, composite images or imaginative digital art using in-game captures.
DETAIL
Whether close-up shots of in-game models, or things that are easily overlooked, use your eye for detail and capture the finer elements that make for a believable virtual world.
PORTRAIT
Shots that focus on a single or small group of characters as the subject, and that convey a sense of personality, emotion or other connection to the viewer.
ACTION
Anything from movement and combat to sports and racing, action shots should look to capture movement in a single frame.
ABSTRACT
Experimental, obscure and conceptual shots that don't rely on traditional techniques. Abstract images may not have an immediately obvious connection to any particular subject.
THE AWARD
Befitting of the digital art of virtual photography, each category winner will be presented with a personalised virtual award trophy along with an exciting prize bundle, all courtesy of this year's award partners:
-
Personalised Virtual Award
-
Digital copy of God of War Ragnarök
-
PULSE 3D™ Wireless Headset
-
Topaz Labs Image Quality & Photo AI bundle
-
12 month Flickr Pro subscription
- When can I enter?
Entries are open from 14th Dec 2022 and close on 31st Dec 2022 at 23:59 GMT
- I missed the deadline, can I still enter?
Entries submitted after 23:59 GMT on 31st Dec 2022 will not be included
- How many images can I enter?
You can enter up to 1 image per category; it is not necessary to enter all categories. If multiple entries are received in one category, only the first will be considered valid
- Can I withdraw my entries?
Entries may be withdrawn at any time by deleting public posts or by getting in touch with requests to withdraw web form entries
- Do my entries have to be from a game that released in 2022?
No, you are free to enter shots from any game you like
- Do my entries have to be taken in 2022?
There are currently no restrictions on the date that images were captured
- Does it matter what hardware I use to capture my shots?
No, just like using different cameras, your virtual photographs can be captured on devices including home consoles and PC
- Are PC camera tools allowed?
Yes, the awards are looking for outstanding individual images that demonstrate creative and artistic use of any virtual photography tools
- Are mods and glitches allowed?
You are free to take advantage of any in-game behaviour that helps to achieve your creative vision
- Are edited images allowed?
Minor edits and optimisation of images is a normal part of the photographic process and are permitted in the following photographic categories: PORTRAIT, ABSTRACT, DETAIL, ENVIRONMENT, ACTION
- Where can I enter heavily edited images?
Entries that contain heavily edited content, composite images or other digital art using in-game captures may be entered into the CREATIVE category
- How are the winners chosen?
Entries will be judged in two stages by impartial panels of international judges. Winners will be chosen on artistic merit, technical ability and interpretation of the theme. [ Meet the panel members ]
- Do I need to be an experienced virtual photographer to enter?
No, people of all skill levels are encouraged to take part
- Do I need lots of followers or "likes" to win?
Every image will be judged on merit with no regard for popularity on social media
- Can I enter someone else's image?
No, entries must be your own work. Any entries found to be plagiarised will be disqualified
- Can I enter captures of a cinematic cutscene?
A cutscene capture without original composition would be considered a copy of the original on-screen presentation and as such does not qualify for the virtual photography awards. [ Copyright Ownership Guide ]