1. Entry checks for:
Single, Stories and Long-Term Project entries
Our team conducts several checks to ensure entries are in line with the
entry rules and
category requirements, including: as only single frame photographs can be entered to these categories, we check to see if there are multiple exposures, polyptychs, stitched images or photographs with added texts or added borders; we also check whether creation and publication dates are according to the rules; and to spot any other problems that might have occurred when uploading to our entry platform.
Open Format entriesEntries in Open Format must meet the
entry rules and
category requirements. During an entry check our team ensures that the entries meet all the rules and requirements such as (but not limited to): The main visual content of the project must be lens-based still photography; entries in this category must have been produced or first published in 2023; all projects that include text elements must have English-language text available. In the case of video, entries must have English-language audio or include English subtitles.
2. Manipulation review for Single, Stories and Long-Term Project entries
Entry rule 17 states photographs “must not be altered by adding, rearranging, reversing, distorting or removing people and/or objects from within the frame.” For full details please see the entry rules on manipulation on the
what counts as manipulation page which describes and shows what alterations to the content of a photograph are not acceptable.
There are two exceptions to this: (i) cropping that removes extraneous details is permitted; (ii) sensor dust or scratches on scans of negatives can be removed.
The process for ensuring compliance with this rule takes place during the judging process. Entrants whose photographs remain in the contest and are eligible to progress are contacted between 25 January and 25 February 2024 and required to provide the file as recorded by the camera. These files could be:
- RAW file(s) (only 1 frame per contest image is required)
OR - Full format JPEG file(s). These must be as delivered by the camera, and provided in a series showing at least seven frames (three frames before the contest entry, the frame of the actual contest entry, and three frames after the contest entry)
OR - For smartphones, the unedited photograph emailed directly from the phone to contest@worldpressphoto.org and provided in a series showing at least seven frames (three frames before the contest entry, the frame of the actual contest image, and three frames after the contest image)
OR - Unprocessed unedited positive scans of film negative(s), plus a contact sheet of a series showing at least seven frames (three frames before the contest entry, the frame of the actual contest entry, and three frames after the contest entry).
Failure to provide these files will lead to the elimination of the entry, making it ineligible for a possible award.
Two independent digital analysts compare original files with contest entries to determine whether the content of any photograph (either a single photograph or frame in a story) has been altered.
3. Fact-checking
Once the winners are chosen, an external research team will check the context in which each image or story was produced, distributed and/or published. This could include (but is not limited to): if the persons named in the caption are in the photo; if a news event can be confirmed to have taken place; if an animal is depicted, is the correct species named; is the location accurate; is the date correct; etc.
The fact-checking process will be where clause 2 of the
code of ethics (that entrants “must not intend to mislead by recreating or staging events”) is handled.
Captions must explain the circumstances in which a photograph was taken. If the photographer influenced the scene in any way, or gave directions to a subject to pose in any way for a portrait, this must be disclosed in the caption.
4. Story text
Once the jury has selected the winners, the external research team gathers background information on each photograph and story. While we rely on the photographers for the basic captions, which are edited for accuracy and clarity, we often need additional information. This is so we can provide – in the yearbook, exhibition and on the website – the full story that gives the context for each photograph and story. The foundation is responsible for the content of this text. If required information is missing or incorrect, photographers will be contacted and asked to provide the correct information. Winning photographers are asked to fact check the captions and story descriptions before they are published.
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