For 77 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 16-year dedication.

Please pay close attention to category descriptions and rules, as many categories have been changed significantly, particularly Interpretive Project, Interpretive Eye, Illustration and all Multimedia categories.

For the 77th CPOY we return to live judging and will bring judges to Columbia, Missouri for in-person judging of still categories. You are invited to attend these judging sessions in late October. Please follow @collegephotog for updates on how to watch judging.

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 2021 and December 2022 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 as a recent student and not a professional photographer. They will only be contacted if we have eligibility concerns.

Awards

College Photographer of the Year - Gold Portfolio Winner

Internship with National Geographic Magazine

Nikon digital camera set

National Press Photographers Foundation scholarship in memory of Colonel William J. Lookadoo

A plaque

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

Nikon digital camera set

Photography at the Summit Workshop fellowship

National Press Photographers Foundation scholarship in memory of Milton Freier

A plaque

Domestic Picture Story - Gold Winner

Missouri Photo Workshop fellowship in honor of Greg Dorsett / The Muskegon Chronicle

Sports Portfolio - Gold Winner

Nikon digital camera set

Summit Sports Photography Workshop fellowship

Documentary Photographic Project - Gold Winner

Tuition to the Missouri Photo Workshop

Multimedia: Individual Story or Essay - Gold Winner

Nikon digital camera set

Tuition to One Day MediaStorm Workshop

Multimedia: Documentary Short - Gold Winner

Tuition to One Day MediaStorm Workshop

A Simple Pass to the True/False Film Festival

Other Awards

Digital certificates will be emailed to Gold, Finalist and Award of Excellence winners in individual categories, upon request. One certificate will be emailed, upon request, to each group.

Instead of awarding Silver or Bronze, we are recognizing Finalists in addition to Gold and Award of Excellence.

All recognized entries will be featured at CPOY.org and on social media.

Eligible materials

All entries must have been created between August 23, 2021 and August 22, 2022 and may not have been previously entered in this competition. (There are some exceptions for Category 13 - Documentary Photographic Project).

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, analog/film or print alteration or deceptive modification of entry materials is strictly prohibited (with the exception of Category 8 - Illustration).

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, prints that are manipulated and rephotographed or other artistic effects (except in category 8 - Illustration).

• the following content alterations are prohibited:adding, deleting, rearranging or distorting people or objects in the image is manipulation and not allowed (except in category 8 - 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.

How to enter

File naming

Your files are automatically renamed when you submit.  It is not necessary to rename your files, although you should title them in the IPTC field.

Still Image File Specifications

• File type: .JPG only

• Image size: 3000 pixels minimum on the longer side (contact CPOY with issues).

• 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 for required thumbnail image: .jpg

• File type preferred for optional video file entry: x264 encoded mp4 files in 1080p

• File types accepted for option video file entry: .mp4, .mov, .mpg, .m4v and .m2ts

• You must also submit a URL

Captions, Dates and Information

Captions are required and can be critical during judging --- write and enter your image captions carefully. Please do not put your name in the caption. You are also required to submit Story Descriptions for the Picture Story and Portfolio categories.

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.

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.

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 9-13 (and 8, if you submit an Illustration project), include the story summary afterthe caption in the first image of the story or essay. For Portfolio category 15, you will create a black slide for story summaries (see portfolio details).

Multimedia Submissions

• Categories 16-18 require a single URL via an active link. Include needed passwords to access the URL content.

• You must also submit a thumbnail .jpg to represent the entry.

• If possible, please upload a file of the project. This is not required.

• If your entry wins, you will be asked to provide the video file after judging so that we can display it on the CPOY website.

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 1-8, if you entered a single image in 8), followed by the projects (categories 8-10 and 12-13).

• 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 11, which may not be entered in the Portfolio category. (For example, a story can be entered in International Picture Story, and as part of Portfolio, but not in both Documentary Photographic Project and International Picture Story)

• An entry in Team Picture Story may not be part of Category 15 / 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 11, Team Picture Story.

Advisor Verification

After the September 19 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 College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) competition. You grant permission to College Photographer of the Year and the Missouri School of Journalism and POY programs (including CPOY's parent program, Pictures of the Year International) to use your submitted entries in exhibitions, in publications, and in promotion of the competition itself, and for educational, research, and historical purposes concerning College Photographer of the Year and Pictures of the Year International. This usage includes print and electronic and online platforms such but not limited to the CPOY, POY or MU websites, social media, books, slides/tapes, television broadcast/film/tapes, DVDs and CDs. Winning entries become a part of the permanent CPOY and POY archive.

Juror information

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

1 Spot News (singles)

Single photographs of unscheduled or breaking events for which no advance planning was possible. Examples: fires, accidents or natural disasters.

2 General News (singles)

Single photographs of political, social or cultural events for which advance planning was possible. Examples: demonstrations, staged promotional or political events and other daily news.

3 Daily Life (singles)

A candid, un-posed photograph of a "found situation" with strong human interest, a fresh view of the ordinary, a celebration of life or humor. Respect for the dignity of the subject is important.

4 Sports Action (singles)

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

5 Sports Feature (singles)

A sports-related photograph 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.

6 Portrait (singles)

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

7 Interpretive Eye (singles)

How do you see the world around you? A photograph that showcases a photographer's personal unfiltered view of the world. This is a single, documentary image that features a visual commentary. It may express beauty, tension, harmony, chaos or other abstract concepts.

This category is NOT open to post-capture alteration of content, including through digital software, analog/film processes or print alteration. However, this category is open to images that are created with non-traditional analog equipment. Photojournalistic values of documentary photography apply.

8 Illustration (single or project)

Create your vision. Digital alterations are allowed. Let your photo freak flag fly! A conceptual image/project of food, product, still life, fashion or an idea that demonstrates tight control of esthetics, lighting and purpose. Each project must have a title. 1-6 photographs allowed per entry.

The following are allowed: Digital alteration, software capture filters, manual manipulation of prints, and non-traditional or creative analog processes and equipment.

* If you used digital or analog alteration in the creation of an image, please indicate that in your captions.

9 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. 10 photos maximum per story.

10 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. 10 photos maximum per story.

11 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 student photographers/editors. 10 photos maximum per story.

* None of these images may be entered into any other multiple picture category, specifically categories 9-10,12-13 and 8 (if it is entered as multiple images). 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.

12 Interpretive Project 

What do you want to say about your world? A photographic essay, story or series that showcases a photographer's unique perspective. Grounded in the documentary tradition, this project showcases a body of work that offers your visual commentary on an issue or idea. This category is NOT open to post -capture alteration of content, including through digital software, analog/film processes or print alteration. However, this category is open to images that are created with non-traditional analog equipment.  Photojournalistic ethics and values of documentary photography apply. 10 photos maximum per entry.

13 Documentary Photographic Project

A long-form narrative picture story or photographic essay that may span multiple years and 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, 2021 and August 22, 2022. 12 photos maximum per entry.

14 Sports Portfolio

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

15 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 (9, 10, 12, 13 and 8 if entered as multiples) and entries from at least two still image categories (1- 7 and 8 if entered as a single). 55 images maximum, including black slides. Team Picture Stories (11) and Multimedia stories (16-18) 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.

Place a black slide it at the beginning of each story (.jpg). Fill out the IPTC title and caption fields with the story title and story summary. 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."

16 Multimedia: Group Story or Essay (enter thumbnail or file on page 1, URL on page 2

A single multimedia story or essay created by a group of students, which uses more than one form of reporting (still image, video, audio). Each entry should have a short run time (flexible up to about 8 minutes). The work should be non-fiction, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects. All multimedia entries should adhere to strict journalistic ethics.

This category is open to groups of 2 to 5 students. All photography, audio, video and multimedia production must be solely the work of eligible students. No more than one story per entry. The entries should be presented in a linear format, edited in a timeline sequence. In other words, the viewer clicks "play," and the story runs from start to finish.

* 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.

17 Multimedia: Individual Story or Essay (enter thumbnail or file on page 1, URL on page 2)

A single multimedia story or essay created by one student, which uses more than one form of reporting (still image, video, audio). Each entry should have a short run time (flexible up to about 8 minutes). The work should be non-fiction, relying on visual evidence to report real situations or events involving real subjects. All multimedia entries should adhere to strict journalistic ethics.

All photography, audio, video and multimedia production must be solely the work of a single student. No more than one story per entry. The entries should be presented in a linear format, edited in a timeline sequence. In other words, the viewer clicks "play," and the story runs from start to finish.

* 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.

18 Multimedia: Documentary Short (enter thumbnail or file on page 1, URL on page 2)

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. All photography, audio, video and multimedia production must be solely the work of eligible students.

* 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.