For 76 years, our mission has been to recognize the best in collegiate photojournalism and set the standards.

Each year, most of the roughly 600 students from 130 colleges and universities worldwide who enter CPOY hope to win a prestigious award and have their work recognized. However, our greatest value is educational, as it encourages still and multimedia photographers to evaluate their best work and share it with their peers and the esteemed working professionals who judge the contest each year.

The College Photographer of the Year competition was founded by Cliff and Vi Edom in 1945. The University of Missouri administers the contest with support from its co-sponsor Nikon Inc., whose generosity allows CPOY to offer free entry to college students worldwide. We thank them for their 15-year dedication.

Continuing to adapt to the pandemic, we are hosting virtual, remote judging for this year’s competition. The judges will complete the first round of judging on their own. We will then meet virtually for the final rounds of voting and discussion, which will be broadcast live, as well as posted on our website as screencasts.

Who may enter

Undergraduate or graduate students at any college or university worldwide who enrolled for at least one semester, trimester or quarter between September 2020 and December 2021 may enter. Those who have worked two years or more as full-time professional photographers, videographers or web producers (including paid internships) are not eligible.

You must submit the name and contact information for a faculty member or advisor who can verify your eligibility.

Key dates

CPOY entry will open on August 21, 2021 and will close on September 20 at Noon/12PM CDT. The contest will be judged virtually from October 22 through November 1 in Columbia, MO, and winners will be announced and contacted shortly thereafter. Please stayed tuned to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @collegephotog for judging updates.

Awards

College Photographer of the Year - Gold Portfolio Winner

Internship with National Geographic Magazine
Nikon digital SLR camera set
National Press Photographers Foundation scholarship award in memory of Colonel William J. Lookadoo
A plaque

Runner-up College Photographer of the Year - Silver Portfolio Winner

Nikon digital SLR camera set
Photography at the Summit fellowship
National Press Photographers Foundation scholarship award in memory of Milton Freier
A plaque

Sports Portfolio - Gold Winner

Summit Sports Photography Workshop fellowship and a certificate

Documentary - Gold Winner

Tuition to the Missouri Photo Workshop and a certificate

Multimedia: Online Storytelling - Gold Winner

A plaque awarded in the name of the college or workshop

Multimedia: Group Story or Essay - Standalone - Gold Winner

Tuition to One Day MediaStorm Workshop and a certificate

Multimedia: Individual Story or Essay - Standalone - Gold Winner

Nikon digital SLR camera set
Tuition to One Day MediaStorm Workshop and a certificate

Multimedia: Documentary Short - Gold Winner

Tuition to One Day MediaStorm Workshop and a certificate
A Simple Pass to the True/False Film Festival

Other Awards

Certificates will be awarded to all winners in individual categories. One certificate will be awarded to each group entry, with a PDF of the certificate available to groups for additional printing.

All recognized entries will be featured at CPOY.org.

Eligible materials

All entries must have been created between August 23, 2020 and August 22, 2021 and may not have been previously entered in this competition. (There are some exceptions for Category 15 -- Documentary).

All entries or components of entries must be publishable. The work is not eligible if you invaded someone's privacy, promised it would not be published or did not obtain informed consent in the case of people of diminished capacity.

CPOY Ethics Standards

College Photographer of the Year is a journalistic competition. Digital alteration or deceptive modification of entry materials is strictly prohibited (with the exception of Category 9 -- Illustration).

Images made with the use of software capture filters may only be entered in Category 8 - Interpretive Eye, Category 9 -- Illustration, Category 13 -- COVID Experience and Category 14 - Interpretive Project.

Digital alteration rules:

• CPOY accepts two photographic modes: color or black & white images

• black and white images - should display a full grayscale range and may not contain color information. Conversion to black and white that does not alter content is permitted.

• color images - routine image correction for color toning, white balance, and exposure is acceptable; desaturation, over saturation, high dynamic range or other painterly toning is not.

• film edges are not permitted unless the original photograph was shot on film (negative or transparency) or Polaroid, and the border is the true nature of the medium.

• the following are ineligible: diptychs, triptychs, double exposures, in-camera multiple exposures, stitched panoramas, added masks, borders, backgrounds, text, handwritten notes, or other artistic effects (except in category 9 - Illustration).

• the following digital content alterations are prohibited: adding, deleting, rearranging or distorting people or objects in the image is manipulation and not allowed (except in category 9 - Illustration).

Staging and re-creations are prohibited. As a journalistic competition, CPOY does not allow deceptive modification of entry materials. You may not deliberately arrange a scene or direct subjects to re-create or rearrange a scene. Exceptions are illustrations and portraits. 

Images submitted into single-photo categories cannot be copies, scans or a photograph of other photographs or documents. A photograph of a photograph can serve as a detail image as part of a larger picture story or project, but they may not comprise a majority of the story.

CPOY reviews every still photograph and multimedia entry in advance of judging. CPOY may contact photographers whose images seem to conflict with these standards and provide them with the opportunity to resubmit the photograph before judging begins. Once judging begins ,judges may disqualify entries deemed manipulated or over controlled. At any point, CPOY may contact photographers to request original RAW images or unedited JPGs for image verification.

Words of advice: Before submitting your images, compare them to the original files as shot in camera to verify that your toning is within these journalistic guidelines.

These guidelines may not be exhaustive, but CPOY expects you to live within the spirit of the competition, which awards honest and straightforward photojournalism.

Copyright

Entrants must own the copyright (or the right to copyright) all submitted material. In the case of multimedia categories, the entrant must be the authorized holder of the copyright for all components of the entry, or entrant must have copyright permission or have licensed the work from the holder.

Entry Instructions

Please pay close attention to these instructions and the competition rules above, as most of the information and many categories have changed.

Files, captions, dates and IPTC

File naming

Please give each file a unique name/title. The “image title” in the entry system should be the same as the “document title” of the file.

Still Image File Specifications

• File type: .JPG only

• Image size: 3000 pixels minimum on the longest side (contact CPOY with issues/concerns on this limitation).

• Recommended JPEG compression setting is between 10-11 and no less than 9 (for Adobe Lightroom users, 100 on the compression slider is preferred, minimum is 90)

• Resolution: 300 dpi, minimum

• Do not upsize or interpolate your submissions

Multimedia File Specifications

• File type preferred: x264/H.264 encoded mp4 files in 1080p

• File types accepted: .mp4, .mov, .mpg, .m4v and .m2ts

• Contact info@cpoy.org with questions regarding zip or unsupported files

• Multimedia category 18 requires a URL entry instead of file

Image Captions, Dates and IPTC Information

Captions can be critical during judging --- write and enter your image captions carefully. Please do not put your name in the caption. Each photograph must include a caption embedded in the .jpg file's IPTC metadata description field that meets journalistic standard for accuracy and ready-for-publication requirements. You will also be required to submit Story Descriptions for the Picture Story and Portfolio categories.

IPTC data may be embedded into images using Photoshop, Photo Mechanic, Aperture, Lightroom and other image editing solutions. You must include the correct capture date and location information. Please verify that capture dates are correct so you remain eligible. Once you have uploaded your files, any preexisting IPTC data will be automatically extracted and displayed for review and eligibility verification.

Entry Tip! Captions are read in the final rounds of each category. Well-written captions with relevant details strengthen your entry and stand apart from entries with weak captions.

Captions that are inaccurate or falsely represent the picture content may be disqualified.

The following IPTC fields are required:

• DOCUMENT TITLE is the image title

• AUTHOR is the photographer's name

• DESCRIPTION is the caption

• CAPTURE DATE verify that this field is correct.If any images are outside eligible entry dates your entry will be rejected. IMPORTANT: If your IPTC date is incorrect for some reason, you are able to edit the date during entry.

• LOCATION INFORMATION include city (or nearest city), state/province, country

Picture Story Submissions

The order or sequence of images you create upon entering will be preserved. You may change and verify the sequence after you upload the images. CPOY will not change the order of the pictures after you submit the entry.

For Story categories 10-15, you must include a story summary for the entire project, as well as captions for each image. When entering on Picter, the story summary goes in the “description” field of the Project Description box, while individual captions are included in the “description” field of the File Description boxes. When preparing your files, include the story summary after the caption in the first image of the story or essay. For Portfolio category 17 entries, you will create a black slide for story summaries (see portfolio details).

Multimedia Submissions

Multimedia categories 18-21 require files uploads.

• Include project description in thumbnail

• File specifications are above, under “multimedia file specifications.”

Category 17 requires you submit a URL via an active link (Enter URL on page 2, after first submitting a thumbnail to represent the entry on page 1)

• Include needed passwords to access the URL content.
• If a URL submission is modified after the entry period closes on September 20, 2021 it will be disqualified.
• Include project description in thumbnail image.

Portfolio Submissions

The order of images you create upon entry will be preserved. You should verify the order after you upload the images and change the sequence as necessary. CPOY will not change the order of the pictures after you submit the entry.

• Organize the Portfolio with the individual photos first (categories 1-9), followed by the projects (categories 10-11 and 13-15).

• You must create a blank, black .jpg slide to begin each story within the portfolio. Fill out the IPTC document title and caption fields with the story title and story description. Place the slide it at the beginning of each story.

• Single images within the portfolio should not be repeated in a picture story in the portfolio.

• Team Picture Stories and Multimedia entries cannot be included.

• Multiple image entries within the portfolio are limited to 20 images.

• 55 images maximum.

Rules about images in more than one category

• A single image can only be entered in one single image category. However, an image may be entered in one single category, one multiple image category and a portfolio category. (For example, a single image may be entered in General News, Domestic Picture Story and Portfolio, but not in both the General News and Portrait categories.)

• A story may only be entered in one multiple picture category. However, a story can also be entered in the Portfolio category entry. The exception to this is Team Picture Story, category 12, which may not be entered in the Portfolio category. (For example, a story can be entered in COVID Experience, and as part of Portfolio, but not in both COVID Experience and International Picture Story.)

• An entry in Team Picture Story may not be part of Category 17 / Portfolio. However, a single image from Team Picture Story may be entered into a single category and into Portfolio as a single image, with a single byline.

• An entry in Team Picture Story may not be broken apart and entered into another multiple picture category. However, a Team Picture Story may be broken apart and entered into Portfolio as a story if all the images are from one entrant.

• All photographs entered in still photography categories must be taken and credited to a single photographer. Team still photography entries with dual credits are only allowed in Category 12, Team Picture Story.

Advisor Verification

After the September 20 deadline, CPOY will begin to review entries. If we have questions about your student or professional status, we may reach out to the faculty or advisor you listed to verify your eligibility.

Use of Submitted Material

By entering this competition, you declare that you meet the eligibility requirements stated in the rules of the competition and that you are authorized by the holder of the copyright (or the right to copyright) to submit photos and multimedia entries to the 76th annual College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) competition. You additionally grant permission to College Photographer of the Year and the Missouri School of Journalism to use your submitted photographs in exhibitions, in publications, and in promotion of the competition itself, and for educational, research, and historical purposes concerning College Photographer of the Year. This usage includes print and electronic mediums, such but not limited to the CPOY or MU websites, slides/tapes, television film/tapes, DVDs and CDs. Winning photos become a part of the permanent CPOY archive.

Juror information

Juror information, including names and affiliations, will be announced shortly before judging. Please See www.cpoy.org and @collegephotog for details.

1 Spot News (Singles)

A picture of an unscheduled or breaking event for which no advance planning was possible. Examples: fires, accidents or natural disasters.

2 General News (Singles)

A picture of a scheduled political, social or cultural event for which advance planning was possible. Examples: demonstrations, staged promotional or political events and other daily news.

3 Feature (Singles)

A candid picture of a "found situation" with strong human interest, a fresh view of the ordinary, a celebration of life or humor. In all cases the dignity of the subject must be respected.

4 COVID (Singles)

A single picture that captures the experience of COVID. The photograph can be spot / general news, sports feature / action, a feature or a portrait. This category is NOT open to illustrations, to digital alteration of content through the use of post capture editing software or to images created with the use of software capture filters.

5 Sports Action (Singles)

A picture that captures peak action and the competitive spirit of team or individual sports. Should increase understanding of and appreciation for sport.

6 Sports Feature (Singles)

A sports-related picture with strong human interest or pictorial quality that celebrates the role athletics play in the lives of athletes and fans. Examples: The joy of victory or agony of defeat, fan reaction and interaction, athlete portraits.

7 Portrait (Singles)

A picture of a person that reveals the essence of the subject's character.

8 Interpretive Eye (Singles)

A picture that showcases a photographer's distinctive perspective on the world. May express beauty, tension, harmony, chaos and other abstract concepts through composition, tonal and color relationships, or may be an abstraction or non-traditional photograph. This category is open to images created with the use of software capture filters or non-traditional analog processes and equipment. However, this category is NOT open to digital alteration of content through the use of post capture editing software.

* If you used software filters in the creation of an image, please indicate that in your captions.

9 Illustration (Singles)

A food, product, still life, fashion or concept picture demonstrating tight control of lighting, esthetics and purpose. Each entry must have a title. Digital alteration through post capture editing software or software capture filters is allowable in this category.

* If you used post-capture editing software or software filters in the creation of an image, please indicate that in your captions.

10 Domestic Picture Story

A narrative picture story or thematic essay photographed in your home country that either reports on significant events, celebrates life, portrays sport or explores environmental, social, economic or political topics. 8 photos maximum per story.

11 International Picture Story

A narrative picture story or thematic essay photographed outside of your home country that reports on significant events, celebrates life, portrays sport or explores environmental, social, economic or political topics. 8 photos maximum per story.

12 Team Picture Story

A narrative picture story or thematic essay that reports on significant events, celebrates life, portrays sport or explores environmental, social, economic or political topics. This category is only for teams of 2-5 student photographers. 10 photos maximum per story.

* None of these images may be entered into any other multiple picture category, specifically categories 10-11 and 13-15. You must determine if you want to enter them in a team or non-team category.

* All student names must be listed for credit. They should also be notified they are entered in the team story category.

13 The COVID Experience

A narrative picture story, thematic essay or interpretive project that covers COVID-19 and its impact. Examples are a COVID news story, daily life during the pandemic or portraying a personal experience related to the virus. 12 photos maximum per entry. *Details about Interpretive Projects are under Category 14.

* If you used software filters in the creation of an image, please indicate that in your captions.

14 Interpretive Project

A photographic essay, story or series that showcases a photographer's distinctive perspective on the world and in which that vision creates cohesion and voice in the multiple image presentation. This category is open to images created with the use of software capture filters or non-traditional analog processes and equipment. However, it is NOT open to the digital alteration of content through the use of post capture editing software. 12 photos maximum per entry.  

* If you used software filters in the creation of an image, please indicate that in your captions.

15 Documentary

A long-form photographic essay or extended narrative story which portrays important contemporary concerns or social issues. To encourage long-term projects, images from previous years' work may be included, provided none of them have previously won a CPOY award. Half of the photographs in the entry must have been taken between August 23, 2020 and August 22, 2021. 12 photos maximum per entry.

16 Sports Portfolio

Demonstrates versatility and includes at least three different sports. No stories. Eight images maximum.

17 Portfolio

A body of work that demonstrates versatility, expertise and depth and showcases a photographer's vision. Minimum Requirements: Must include at least one entry from a multiple picture category (10-11 and 13-15) and entries from at least two still image categories (1- 9). 55 images maximum, including black slides. Team Picture Stories (12) and Multimedia stories (18-21) may not be included. A Sports Portfolio entry does not fulfill the requirement for a multiple picture entry within the Portfolio category.

Organize the portfolio with the individual photos first, followed by the projects.

Please create a blank, black slide (.jpg). Fill out the IPTC title and caption fields with the story title and story summary. Place a black slide it at the beginning of each story. Do not title the slide.

* Multiple image entries within the portfolio are limited to 20 images each. Additional entry information can be found in "How To Enter."

18 Multimedia: Online Storytelling (enter thumbnail on page 1, file on page 2)

A website or collection of stories utilizing multiple mediums (still photography, video, audio, etc.). This category is open to work produced in a class or workshop setting with input and supervision by faculty or collaboration with other students, but outside professional help is not allowed. Judges will evaluate projects based on the strength of individual story components, editing, user interface, and overall effectiveness. This category is not intended for personal online portfolios.

* Detailed project credits must be submitted with each entry. Open to individuals or groups.

* Entrant(s) must be the authorized holder of the copyright for all components of the entry, or entrant(s) must have copyright permission or have licensed the work from the copyright holder.

19 Multimedia: Group Story or Essay -- Standalone

A single standalone story or essay created by a group of students, which uses more than one form of reporting (still image, video, audio) and where the media choice and its utilization enrich and enhance the understanding of the subject. Each entry should have a short run time (flexible up to about 8 minutes). No more than one story per entry.

This category is for groups of 2 to 5 students, and all photography, audio, video and multimedia production must be solely the work of eligible students. May be a single component of category 18, Online Multimedia Storytelling. However, it may not be entered in any other category, and significant portions of this entry may not be used in entries in categories 20 or 21.

* Detailed project credits must be submitted with each entry.

* Entrant(s) must be the authorized holder of the copyright for all components of the entry, or entrant(s) must have copyright permission or have licensed the work from the copyright holder.

20 Multimedia: Individual Story or Essay

A single standalone story or essay created by one student, which uses more than one form of reporting (still image, video, audio) and where the media choice and its utilization enrich and enhance the understanding of the subject. No more than one story per entry. Each entry should have a short run time (flexible up to about 8 minutes).

All photography, audio, video and multimedia production must be the work of a single student. It may be a single component of category 18, Online Multimedia Storytelling. However, it may not be entered in any other category, and significant portions of this entry may not be used in entries in categories 19 or 21

* Detailed project credits must be submitted with each entry.

* Entrant must be the authorized holder of the copyright for all components of the entry, or entrant must have copyright permission or have licensed the work from the copyright holder.

21 Multimedia: Documentary Short

A single, short documentary film with extended run time of roughly 8 to 30 minutes that uses more than one form of reporting (still image, video, audio) in pursuit of enriching and enhancing the understanding of the subject. This is not open to a collection of stories or multi-chaptered websites. Documentary storytelling is grounded in truth, and docu-dramas, re-enactments, or television news reports are not allowed.

This category is open to individuals or to groups of up to 5 students, but the content, production, and presentation must be done without the input or guidance of outside professionals. May be a single component of category 18, Online Multimedia Storytelling. However, it may not be entered in any other category, and significant portions of this entry may not be used in entries in categories 19 or 20.

* Detailed project credits must be submitted with each entry.

* Entrant(s) must be the authorized holder of the copyright for all components of the entry, or entrant(s) must have copyright permission or have licensed the work from the copyright holder.