​1. Introduction

By entering this photography competition, participants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

2. Eligibility

• The competition is open to anyone living in Australia aged 16+.

• If the entrant is under 18, parental/guardian consent will be required if they get selected as one of the 18 finalists, win a category or win the overall competition as their photo will be exhibited, published and will be part of the awards night exhibition.

• Immediate families from the GCPA Founders and judges are not eligible to enter.

3. Entry Requirements

• Entries must be the original work of the participant.

• Photos must not infringe on any third-party rights, including copyright and privacy.

• Strictly NO AI.

• Entries must be submitted by the specified deadline. 1st of March - 30st of March 2026. 

• It is mandatory and required to label your photos before uploading. Please label your photo with the following information:

  • Photographer name - Category - Title of the photo.

  • This allows the judges to identify your photos when downloading them for revision.. 

4. Usage Rights

• By entering, participants grant the organisers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted photos for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, and printed material.

• Credit will be given to photographers on social media posts, website and printed material done by The Gold Coast Photography Awards.

• For the Action Camera category powered by Insta360, participants grant Insta360 permission to share their entries in their social media platforms tagging the photographers. For commercial usage (ads, print, PR), negotiations are between the photographer and Insta360.

5. Judging and Prizes

• The competition will be judged by a panel appointed by the organisers.

• Judging criteria may include originality, technical skill, composition, and impact. For details about judging criteria please check https://www.goldcoastphotographyawards.com.au/categories 

• The judges' decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the selection process or outcomes.

6. Liability

• The organisers are not responsible for any technical failures or issues affecting the entry process.

• Participants retain copyright of their submitted works but agree to the granted usage rights as per term 4. 

• The organisers accept no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged entries.

7. Disqualification

• Entries that do not comply with these terms and conditions will be disqualified.

• Offensive, defamatory, or inappropriate content will result in immediate disqualification.

8. Personal Information

• Personal data provided during entry will be used solely for the administration of the competition.

• No personal data will be shared with third parties without explicit consent.

9. Agreement

• By entering the competition, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

• By entering the competition, participants agree to cropping recommendations for exhibition purposes as well as sending the photos polished and print ready.

• The organisers reserve the right to amend these terms at any time.

10. Governing Law

• This competition is governed by the Australia Law.​

11. Finalists Photos

• Finalists will be granted the option to have their photos on sale in our website for 15 days and on the night of the awards. 70% of the sale profit of their photo goes directly to the photographer. The Organisers will send a direct email to the finalists with all the information for them to accept or reject the opportunity.

 

Contact Information: For any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact gcphotographyawards@gmail.com