categories.
Landscape
This is the category that will showcase the most stunning natural locations and landmarks of the Gold Coast, from the hinterland to the beach and everything in between.
*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. Nominated in 2019 as a World Surfing Reserve, this category opens the opportunity to present your best work from the best swells as well as the best surfing photos you have ever taken here.
GC Lifestyle
The Gold Coast lifestyle is vibrant by day and by night! There’s so much to portray about the Gold Coast; our surf life saving culture, the healthy lifestyle along the dozens of esplanades in front of the beach, the music scene, the food, the nightlife and the faces of locals known and unknown that make the our coastal city incredibly unique and diverse; a welcoming hub for everyone!
Creative
This category will recognise uniqueness, experimentation and creativity. This is the category where everyone can create freely, play with light, speed, a parallel reality that merges the world we live in and the world of our thoughts and ideas.
*Photo-composite images are welcome as well as single-exposed images.
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.
Nature & Wildlife
Capture the raw essence of Nature & Wildlife.
This category celebrates everything alive in Nature, wildlife in its natural habitat, from animals to ecosystems, whether it’s an intimate portrait, an action-packed moment, or a breathtaking scene that tells a story of survival, conservation or pure existence, we’re looking for images that showcase the true spirit of the natural 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.
sponsors & partners.
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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
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Landscape: Majestic scenery, dramatic skies, and environmental connection.
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Surf & Waves: Energy, motion, and the dynamic relationship between water and its surroundings.
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Creative: Innovative techniques, abstract concepts, or unusual perspectives.
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Lifestyle: Authenticity, connection, and capturing moments of human experience.
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Underwater: Clarity, perspective, and the unique beauty of the subject, marine life or environments.
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Wildlife: Behavior, habitat interaction, and ethical considerations in capturing animals in their natural state.
4. Emotional & Visual Impact
5. Ethical. This competition won't accept any type of AI modifications or AI creations.
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 and a connection to the theme.
