categories.
Nature & Landscape
This category celebrates everything in the natural world, whether it’s an spectacular natural event, an action-packed moment, or a breathtaking scene that tells a story; we’re looking for images that showcase natural locations and landmarks of the Gold Coast and surrounds.
This category extends to landscapes from North Straddie to Mt. Tamborine and along the entire GC coastline.
*Photo compositing will be accepted in this category for technical purposes.
Surf & Waves
The Gold Coast is home to some of the most powerful beach breaks and points in the world. Declared in 2019 as a World Surfing Reserve, this category opens the opportunity to present your best work from the best waves, swells and surfing photos you have ever taken here.
GC Cuture
Our Gold Coast Culture is vibrant by day and by night! There’s so much to portray about the Gold Coast; our surf life saving, the healthy beach lifestyle, the music scene, the food, the nightlife, the art festivals and the faces of locals that make our coastal city incredibly unique, diverse and a welcoming hub for everyone!
Open
This is an open category with no limits on style or approach. It invites photographers to experiment, interpret, and express ideas in their own way - blending imagination, emotion, and visual storytelling. Anything that steps beyond the ordinary and reflects a creative vision belongs here.
Single-exposure and photo-composite images are both accepted.
Underwater
In this category we are going to go deep; from ocean humans to underwater species and unique coexistence moments; we want to see what you see below the Gold Coast! Creativity and also natural, spontaneous photographs will be considered.
This category extends to show our amazing underwater world from North Straddie to Byron Bay allowing our talented underwater community to share their incredible work on our local spots.
Wildlife
This category celebrates everything wildlife in its natural habitat, whether it’s an intimate portrait, an action-packed moment, or a breathtaking scene that tells a story; we’re looking for images that showcase the true spirit of the wildlife world.
This category extends from North Straddie to Byron Bay considering migratory species al local spots.
Ethical photography practices are encouraged—entries should respect the welfare of the animals and their environment.
judging criteria.
The judging criteria of The Gold Coast Photography Awards will be based on six principals:
1. Technical Excellence (focus, lighting, compositions, colour)
2. Artistic Merit (creative, mood, storytelling)
3. Category impact
-
Landscape: Scenery, composition, flow and environmental connection.
-
Surf & Waves: Energy, motion, and the dynamic relationship between water, surfers and the surroundings.
-
Creative: Innovative techniques, abstract concepts, or unusual perspectives.
-
GC Lifestyle: Authenticity, connection, and moments of human experience.
-
Underwater: Perspective, marine life and ecosystem.
-
Wildlife: Behavior, habitat, interaction, and ethical.
4. Emotional & Visual Impact
5. Ethical. This competition won't accept any type of AI modifications, AI creations or animals in captivity.
6. Overall Appeal. Judges will look for images that stand out and showcase the photographer’s unique voice and vision. Each photo will be scored across these criteria, and top entries in each category will reflect not only technical and artistic mastery but also creativity, story and a connection to the category.