FAQs
HOW MANY CATEGORIES ARE THERE?
There are seven categories, each celebrating a different side of Northern music photography:
Artist/Band Portrait of the Year
Best Live Music Photo
Defining Moment
Festival Shot of the Year
Grassroots Venue Moment
Rising Talent Award (for photographers under 18)
Top Crowd Shot
CAN ANYONE ENTER?
This competition is open to UK-based photographers only. All categories are for entrants aged 18 and over, except the Rising Talent Award, which is exclusively for photographers aged 17 and under. We welcome photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds — inclusivity and creativity are at the heart of this project.
ARE THERE PRIZES?
We’re currently reaching out to potential sponsors to help fund and provide prizes for winners. If you're interested in sponsoring, please visit our Sponsors Page.
CAN I WIN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES?
Yes — if your work is shortlisted in more than one category, you’re eligible to win in each.
HOW DO I ENTER?
The competition will open soon — we’re just finalising a few last details. Once live, the entry page will be linked on our website homepage and across all social media platforms. Want to stay updated? Follow us on Instagram here.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO ENTER?
You’ll have two months from the official opening date (TBA — before the end of the year).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?
It’s completely free to enter. Have a go!
HOW MANY CATEGORIES CAN I ENTER?
You can enter as many categories as you’re eligible for. If you’re aged 17 or under, you may only enter the Rising Talent Award.
CAN I ENTER A CATEGORY MORE THAN ONCE?
No. You may only submit once per category. Only your first submission will be counted.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO I SUBMIT?
You must submit three photos per category. All three will be reviewed during shortlisting. If your entry is nominated, one image will be selected to represent your work in the final judging panel. (For the Defining Moment category, all three images from each nominee will be passed to the judges.)
CAN I USE PHOTOS FROM ANY YEAR?
Most categories require images taken between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025. The Rising Talent Award is the only category that accepts images from any year. Any entries outside this timeframe (except Rising Talent) will be disqualified.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY ENTRY AFTER SUBMITTING?
No. Once submitted, entries cannot be edited. Please review your submission carefully before sending. If you need to withdraw an incorrect entry, contact us at northernmusicphotography@gmail.com.
WILL I RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL?
Yes. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your entry is submitted. If you don’t receive one or have concerns, reach out to northernmusicphotography@gmail.com.
DO I RETAIN COPYRIGHT OF MY IMAGES?
Yes. You must be the sole copyright owner of all submitted images. Ownership remains with you, but by entering, you agree that your images may be used for promotional purposes (see full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy).
CAN I ENTER A COMPUTER-GENERATED IMAGE?
No. Images must be photographs, not AI-generated. Basic editing tools (including AI denoise features) are allowed, but any extensively AI-generated or synthetic content will be disqualified. All entries will be checked using AI detection software. If AI-generated content is discovered, your entry will be removed immediately.
WHAT FORMAT SHOULD MY PHOTOS BE?
Images must be submitted as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF files, between 1MB and 15MB in size.
HOW SHOULD I NAME MY IMAGE FILES?
Each image must be named using the following format: PhotographerName_VenueOrFestival_ArtistName_Date (e.g. JohnSmith_TheApollo_Squid_14-07-2025 or JohnSmith_LeedsFestival_Squid_14-07-2025)
This helps us keep entries organised and ensures your work is properly credited.
MY FILES AREN’T UPLOADING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First, check that your files meet the format and size requirements. If the issues persist, contact us at northernmusicphotography@gmail.com before the submission deadline.
i’m under 18, can i enter?
Yes, but only the Rising Talent Award is open to photographers aged 17 and under. All other categories are for entrants aged 18+.
I’M ENTERING THE RISING TALENT AWARD, DO I NEED PARENTAL CONSENT?
Yes. If you’re entering the Rising Talent Award, you’ll need to confirm that you have permission from a parent or legal guardian. You’ll be asked to tick a consent box and provide a parent/guardian email address when submitting your entry.
WHO IS ON THE JUDGING PANEL?
We’re currently finalising our judging team. Our judging team will be shared across our website and social medias after the winners have been announced.
HOW ARE ENTRIES JUDGED?
Each category is judged based on creativity, technical quality, emotional impact, and how well the image reflects the spirit of Northern music culture. Shortlisting is handled by our internal panel, followed by final judging from our selected experts.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED IF I’M SHORTLISTED OR WIN?
Shortlisted entrants will be contacted via email shortly after the submission window closes. Winners will be notified within one month of the deadline, once judging is complete.
WILL THERE BE AN EXHIBITION?
Yes, shortlisted photographers and winners will be invited to an exhibition opening showcasing the year’s selected images. After the opening, it will be open for public viewing.
WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE WINNERS BE ANNOUNCED?
Winners will be announced via our website, social media, and email within a month of the competition closing.
CAN I ENTER IF I’M BASED OUTSIDE OF NORTHERN ENGLAND?
Yes, as long as your images were taken in Northern England, you’re eligible. However, only UK-based entrants may submit.
can i enter as a duo or team?
Entries must be submitted by individual photographers only.
I’M A STUDENT, CAN I ENTER?
Absolutely! We welcome entries from students, hobbyists, professionals, and anyone passionate about music photography.
WHAT IF I NEED ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT TO ENTER?
We’re committed to making the competition inclusive. If you need help submitting or require alternative formats, please contact us at northernmusicphotography@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to assist.