Question 1

Is there a specific theme for each event?

Accepted Answer

Unless specifically stated, we do not have a specific theme per event. You can submit any photo as long as you are the owner. However, as we prepare the exhibition, we group the big photos based on theme, to create harmony for visitors.

Question 2

Can I submit photos taken with a phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can submit any photo taken with any camera. We do not care about which camera or lens you use, we care much more about the emotions you can create with your photo.

Question 3

Why do I have to pay to join the competition?

Accepted Answer

In this event, we physically print your photos and exhibit them in a real prestigious gallery. It is not an online event. Your payments cover the costs of printing, gallery rental, personnel, organization, and prizes.

Question 4

How many photos can I submit?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit to the number of photos you can submit, but most participants submit between 3-5 photos.

Question 5

How can I prepare my photos for submission?

Accepted Answer

The photos that you send should be in jpg format, in one of the standard ratios (3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 2:1, 3:1), in the highest resolution that you have out of the camera, with a size less than 50MB. You can use any image editor (e.g. Lightroom , Photos, Capture 1, Luminar, GIMP, etc) to crop and export your photos in these criteria. We recommend using Lightroom Classic . We also recommend using software like Jpeg Mini to reduce the file size. You can check our article about our recommended photography software . If you don't have an image editor, you can also use an online service for resizing. Some examples as of writing this article: https://imageresizer.com/ https://www.iloveimg.com/resize-image https://www.reduceimages.com/

Question 6

I get an error message when submitting photos. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

First of all, we are sorry if you have any issues submitting your photos. Please check and try the following first: Check your browser: We have some issues with the old versions of Safari. If this is your case, you can try with Google Chrome or Firefox. Make sure the files are in jpg format, each of them should be less than 50MB Try different payment methods If these don't work, you can simply send your photos to us by email to hello [at] swissphotoclub.com using a service like https://swisstransfer.com with the photo titles. Then we will upload them for you and send you an invoice by email.

Question 7

Is it free to visit the exhibition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the exhibitions are open to the public and anybody can visit and vote for their favorite photos in person.

Question 8

How does public voting work?

Accepted Answer

During the opening hours of the gallery, every visitor will be handed a card with a security vote that they can use to cast their votes for their favorite photos. We ask for the top 3 photos: #1 choice gets 3 points, #2 choice gets 2 points and #3 choice gets 1 point. On the closing day, we add up all the points, complete our checks, and then present the winners. Only the actual visitors are allowed to vote. Online voting, sharing codes, voting for the same photo more than one time, and excessive "friends and family" votes are not permitted. If we detect any irregularities with the votes for a specific photo, all the votes for that photo will be counted as invalid and the photographer will be disqualified from the event. We want to ensure a fair competition for all participants, so let us know if you discover any irregularities.

Question 9

I cannot visit the exhibition, can I vote online?

Accepted Answer

Only actual visitors are allowed to vote for their favorite photos.

Question 10

How does the jury selection work?

Accepted Answer

The jury is made up of our photography instructors who volunteer to vote for the submissions. Every instructor goes through each photo and rates them from 1 to 10. We send the following instructions to the jury to rate each photo: When evaluating submissions, prioritize artistic capability over technical skills . Focus should initially be placed on the concept (idea), followed by an assessment of execution (technical aspects, composition, etc.). 1-3 points: Bad concept, bad execution 4-5 points: Boring / not original concept but good execution 5-7 points: OK concept, great execution 8-10 points: Great concept and great execution After the jury voting deadline, we add up the votes from each jury member to determine which photos will be printed in big size.

Question 11

When will I know if my photo is selected for big print?

Accepted Answer

After the submissions are closed, we need about two weeks for our jury to go through the photos and cast their votes. After the jury voting is finished, we will communicate the results through our newsletter . You can also check the awards event page from time to time.

Question 12

How can I pick up my photos after the exhibition?

Accepted Answer

You can collect your photos on the last day of the exhibition (finissage) just after the winners are announced. You can also send someone to collect your photos for you. If you can't come at that time, you'll also receive our newsletter with different dates and times options to pick up your photos in person after the exhibition. If you can't collect your photos at all, you can order a postal delivery here .

Question 13

How can I benefit from the 50% discount for photo submissions?

Accepted Answer

The 50% discount for photo awards submissions is only available to our previous students who joined a paid class or joined one of our trips. It does not apply to those who joined a free class or participated in a previous contest.

Question 14

I live outside Switzerland or Germany. Can I participate ?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We welcome all international enthusiasts to participate in all of our services, including the photography competition, trips, and courses. There are no restrictions based on where our users live.

Question 15

Can I change a photo after submitting it?

Accepted Answer

You can only replace a submitted photo with a higher resolution or improved version if there was a mistake during submission. However, changing the photo entirely is not allowed.

Question 16

Can I come to the exhibition even if I did not participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The exhibition is free and open to everyone. We recommend coming on the evening of the vernissage to enjoy a festive atmosphere and conversations with your local photography community. While you're there, take the time to look at all the photos. Get inspired and remember to vote for your favorites.

Question 17

Do I keep the copyright to my photos?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You keep all your own intellectual property. We may share your photo on Instagram if you include your account name in your submission, and we will put winning photos on our website. Photographers featured this way are always credited, which boosts your recognition and visibility. Photos of the exhibition may also be used in advertising. If you have concerns about the way your photo is used, send us a message.

Question 18

Can I submit images created with AI?

Accepted Answer

No. Although editing with Photoshop, Lightroom, and other similar programs is allowed--and so is digital art created from photographs--we do not accept images using generative AI, either in whole or in part. We thank you in advance for your honesty.

Question 19

Can I participate with my own prints?

Accepted Answer

For the SPC Photo Awards competition, we print all the photos ourselves the same way to ensure a consistent look and a level playing field. However, if you already have prints, we recommend to booking an Artists Corner. This way your prints will get maximum exposure with our visitors. Click here to learn more .

Photo Competition 2026:
SPC Photo Awards

Join Now

HOW IT WORKS

Collection of Photos

Upload your photos:

Jury Voting

Photos sent to Jury:

All photos printed

Top 50 finalized:

EXHIBITION*

Vernissage:

FINISSAGE

Closing ceremony:

UPCOMING AWARDS

Geneva: Galerie Renaissance

Opening Soon

Vienna: CITYgalleryVIENNA

Opening Soon

Zurich: PhotoBastei

Call for Entries

Stuttgart: Strzelski Galerie

Call for Entries

Munich: Kunstlabor 2

Call for Entries

Berlin: feldfünf

Call for Entries

Geneva: Galerie Renaissance

Call for Entries

Cologne: Galerie Seippel

Call for Entries

Partners

What are the SPC Photo Awards?

Who can participate?

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Competition 2026: SPC Photo Awards

Join Now

HOW IT WORKS

Collection of Photos

Upload your photos:

Jury Voting

Photos sent to Jury:

All photos printed

Top 50 finalized:

EXHIBITION*

Vernissage:

FINISSAGE

Closing ceremony:

UPCOMING AWARDS

Geneva: Galerie Renaissance

Opening Soon

Vienna: CITYgalleryVIENNA

Opening Soon

Zurich: PhotoBastei

Call for Entries

Stuttgart: Strzelski Galerie

Call for Entries

Munich: Kunstlabor 2

Call for Entries

Berlin: feldfünf

Call for Entries

Geneva: Galerie Renaissance

Call for Entries

Cologne: Galerie Seippel

Call for Entries

Partners

What are the SPC Photo Awards?

Who can participate?

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Photo Competition 2026:
SPC Photo Awards