TIMELESS GAZE is international contest of art photography, organized by Student Photo Group Koper from Koper, Slovenia.

The contest is divided into the following sections:
• OPEN (color)
• RITUAL
• WILD LIFE
• SEASONS
• OPEN (monochrome)
• PHOTOJOURNALISM
• HISTORY
• CONTRAST
• TRAVEL
• ELDERLY
• EMOTION
• SEASCAPE

Closing date: October 18, 2026
Judging date: October 25, 2026
Notification date: November 1, 2026
Delivery date: December 27, 2026
Gallery publish date: December 27, 2026

The entry fee depends on the number of sections the participant enters. The fees are as follows:
• 1-3 sections = 5 EUR
• 4-6 sections = 10 EUR
• 7-9 sections = 15 EUR
• 10-12 sections = 20 EUR

The entry fee can be paid in the following ways:
• through our website: https://photogroupkoper.com/gaze/
• PAYPAL ACCOUNT: [email protected]

Images from participants who have not paid the entry fee will not be considered.

The contest is open to anyone (amateur and professional photographers from all over the world); however, an entry may be rejected when the sponsoring organization or its agent, in its reasonable discretion, believes the entry does not conform to the contest rules and conditions.
Entries must originate as photographs (image-captures of objects via light sensitivity) made by the entrant on photographic emulsion or acquired digitally. By virtue of submitting an entry, the entrant certifies the image as his own (aliases are not permitted). The entrant permits the sponsors to reproduce all or part of the entered material free of charge for publication and/or display in media related to the exhibition. This may include low resolution posting on a website. Note: Entrants who indicate that their images may not be reproduced or used 'will not be eligible for awards' or inclusion in audio-visuals of the exhibition 'and could be subject to disqualification' by the exhibition sponsors.
By submitting an entry, the entrant certifies legal Age, and own all rights to these images, including copyright or parents or guardians gives permission on his/her behalf if he/she is not of Legal Age. The exhibition assumes no liability of any misuse of copyright. Images may be altered, either electronically or otherwise, by the maker. All final image must be on photographic film, or on electronic file, or on photographic or electronic print material, mounting excepted.
No title or identification of the maker shall be visible anywhere on the face of an image, print mat or mount.

Photographs must be in JPEG format, with dimensions 1920x1080 pixels at 300, JPEG compression (if Photoshop used for export): 7-12, file size maximum 4 Mb. Each image must have a unique title. Titles must not include file extensions such as .jpg or .jpeg (or any other camera capture filenames). No title or identification of the maker shall be written anywhere on the face of an image.
The photographs of participants with the application are submitted in these ways:
- uploading thought our website: https://photogroupkoper.com/gaze/
- by e-mail: [email protected]

The judging will be done by remote online judging. All judges will be using equipment capable of displaying images at 100% of the image resolution. Judges will be using color calibrated equipment. Target Range will be max 30%.

By entering this contest, you are explicitly consenting to the personal details you have supplied, including physical addresses, email addresses, being held, processed and used by the contest organizers for purposes associated with this contest. You also explicitly consent to such information being sent to organizations that have accorded official recognition, patronage or accreditation to this contest. You acknowledge, agree and accept that by entering this contest, your participation status which includes your first and last name, name of the country used during registration at the contest, number of sections entered and number of photos entered in those sections will be made public in a published status list and that the results of your entry shall be made public in exhibition gallery, exhibition catalog.

• Gottfried Catania; (Malta)
• Vladimir Jovanovski; M NPUM; MPSA; RISF5; GPU CR3 Hermes (North Macedonia)
• NEVIN CIG; (Turkiye)

The judges of the event will present the following awards:
12 x IAAP Gold E-Certificate, 12 x IAAP Silver E-Certificate, 12 x IAAP Bronze E-Certificate, 36 x IAAP Diploma E-Certificate
12 x CLUB Gold E-Certificate, 12 x CLUB Silver E-Certificate, 12 x CLUB Bronze E-Certificate, 36 x CLUB Diploma E-Certificate
Total 144 awards. The organizer reserves the right to adjust the number of awards based on the total number of entrants.

All entries shall conform to the stricter of these definitions for acceptances to be validated by all the international organizations granting recognition or patronage.

[General conditions]
● Every image is the work of the author, made from the author's own photographs.
● A section accepts both colour and monochrome work unless its name or the rules of the event say otherwise.
● Unless the definition restricts it, post-processing is free, but the subject must remain recognisable as the stated theme.
● Where a section is also entered as a FIAP or PSA division, the FIAP or PSA definition prevails over the text given here.
● Whether an image meets the theme is decided by the judges. An image outside the theme may be rejected before judging or left unscored, and the rules of the event say which of the two happens.
● An organizer may narrow a definition and must then publish the narrowing. An organizer may not widen one while keeping the standard section name.
● Images generated wholly or partly by generative artificial intelligence are not photographs and are not eligible in any section defined here.


[IAAP · Monochrome]
Black and white photography is an image that displays a range of shades from black to white, encompassing various tones of gray. Such an image focuses on the nuances of light, shadow, and contrast without incorporating any colors. If the entire image is toned in a single hue, it remains within the black and white category. However, if it is modified by partial toning or the addition of any color, it becomes a color work and no longer qualifies as a black and white photograph.


[IAAP · Photojournalism]
A photojournalism photograph is an image that captures a moment or event in a way that tells a factual story, intended to inform and convey truth to the public. It should document real events, people, and places without staging or manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of the scene. The primary aim is to provide an accurate and unbiased representation of the subject matter, often related to news, social issues, cultural events, or significant moments in history. Ethical standards are crucial in photojournalism, prohibiting any alterations that could mislead the viewer or distort the reality of the captured moment.


[IAAP · Travel]
A travel photograph captures the essence of a location, conveying the unique character and atmosphere of a place. It should reflect the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and distinctive features of the destination, providing viewers with a sense of the location identity and spirit. Travel photography encompasses a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, architecture, people, and customs, all of which contribute to the overall experience of the destination. The primary goal is to transport viewers to the location through the image, allowing them to explore and appreciate the worlds diverse cultures and environments.


[Standard section definitions]

[Life]
The Life section documents everyday living in any place or culture. Subjects may include home life, work, school, markets, travel, worship, rest and leisure. Celebrations, mourning, life transitions, different generations together and life in old age are also welcome. The emphasis is on observing life rather than arranging it for the camera. Purely formal or abstract studies without human or living content do not qualify. Neither do constructed or conceptual images made for the camera.


[Tradition]
The Tradition section documents traditional, customary or ceremonial practices that continue to be carried out. Subjects may include folklore groups, traditional clothing, music and dance, religious or secular ceremonies, and important life rituals. Traditional crafts and trades, fairs, carnivals, markets and seasonal customs are also accepted. When a scene has been arranged or re-enacted for the camera, the author must disclose this on request, and the event may then exclude the image. General views of a place without a customary practice, and modern entertainment without a traditional basis, do not qualify.


[Emotion]
The Emotion section focuses on a feeling that is clearly expressed through a face, a gesture or a situation. Subjects may convey joy, grief, fear, tenderness, anger, boredom or solitude. Portraits and candid photographs are accepted, as are scenes whose arrangement communicates the feeling. Emotion in animals may be included when the event allows it. The emotional content must be evident in the photograph itself. A neutral portrait without emotional content, or an image whose connection to the theme depends only on its title, does not qualify.


[Contrast]
The Contrast section explores visible differences or opposing elements within an image. These may involve tone, colour, scale, age, texture, mood or meaning. Accepted approaches include tonal contrast, from high-key to low-key treatments, opposing or complementary colours, and contrasting subjects placed together. Examples include old and new, rich and poor, large and small, or stillness and movement. The contrast must be evident in the photograph, not explained only by its title. Images without clear opposing elements do not qualify.


[Seasons]
The Seasons section explores the character of a season through its light, weather, colour, activities or mood. Seasonal landscapes and weather are accepted, along with seasonal work, customs, food and clothing. Images showing the transition from one season to another are also welcome. When an event names a particular season, only photographs relating to that season are accepted. The seasonal connection must be visible in the image. A caption alone is not enough.


[Seascape]
Seascape photography focuses on the sea, the coast or the meeting of sea and land. Accepted subjects include open water, surf, waves, coastlines, cliffs, beaches, dunes, harbours and jetties. The changing light over the sea and long-exposure studies of moving water are also welcome. Inland water belongs in the Water section. Images in which the sea serves only as a background to another subject do not qualify as Seascapes.


[Elderly]
The Elderly section focuses on an older person or older people as the main subject of the photograph. Portraits and character studies are welcome, along with documentary images of ageing, care, retirement, loss, work and community life. Photographs showing several generations are accepted when the older person remains the dominant subject. Subjects must be treated with respect. Images in which age is only an incidental feature do not qualify, and degrading portrayals are not eligible.

Notification cards will be sent by email.

Mila Jovanovska
Koper, Slovenia

email: [email protected]
website: www.theiaap.com