The 2026–2027 competition cycle runs from October 1, 2026 to May 5, 2027. Full details and the competition schedule are available by clicking here
Our AI Editing Criteria has been updated to include the following provisions:
For Camera Club entries: The photographer’s original image as submitted to the club, before any club modifications such as resizing, copyright additions, or other editing.
The following administrative modifications by the club are explicitly permitted, provided that the image’s camera and editing details remain unaltered:
*Retention of the photographer’s original submission is the responsibility of the individual photographer, not the club.
*This update has been added to all remaining 2026 and 2027 competitions.
CAPA’s authentication process relies on a structured, multi-stage forensic approach rather than any single detection tool or automated system. When a submission is flagged for review, the authentication process draws on multiple inputs, including metadata analysis, Content Credentials (C2PA) verification, visual forensic examination, the photographer’s editing narrative, and original working files. No image will be disqualified solely on the basis of a single flag indicator.
Detection flags initiate a review, not an automatic determination. When results raise concerns or remain ambiguous, the photographer will be contacted to provide clarification and specific image files. A final ruling will be rendered only after the photographer’s response and all submitted files have been reviewed.
CAPA guidelines require that photographs incorporating another artist’s copyrighted work must show meaningful creative transformation. Simply photographing or reproducing existing copyrighted artwork without adding significant original elements does not qualify as original work. Submissions that fail this standard risk disqualification from competition.
For more details, please check out the attached document, available in both English and French.
Based on our experience with the 2026 Fine Art Competition and feedback received, we will discontinue the metadata pre-screening of image prior to the judging process. All submitted images will advance to judging unless the Pre-screening Committee identifies issues requiring intervention.
Our updated image authentication process is now part of each competition’s Editing Criteria. Find the details under ‘Original Files and Metadata Protection’ and ‘Verification For Award Candidate.’ You can view these details here.
Inspirational Colour – closes February 28, 2026 – Check it out here
Atlantic Zone – closes March 15, 2026 – Check it out here
Prairie Zone – closes March 30, 2026 – Check it out here
Triptych – closes April 15, 2026 – Check it out here
All competition entries must now meet our updated Editing Criteria requirements.
These standards are designed to maintain the integrity of CAPA competitions by prohibiting the use AI-generative technology and ensuring that only authentic photographic images are accepted.
Full details are available by clicking here
Pre-Screening Process:
Our pre-screening committee will review all submitted images to verify that camera and editing details are present in the image metadata. Only images containing the required metadata will advance to judging.
When metadata is incomplete or missing, the pre-screening committee will contact photographers directly with instructions on how to properly save and resubmit their images with the necessary information.
Resources for Clubs and Photographers:
To assist photographers and camera club coordinators with compliance, we have developed CAPA Club Compliance
Full details are available here: (English) (French)
On December 11, 2025, CAPA and the North Shore Photographic Society co-hosted a YouTube session titled “AI & the New CAPA Competition Rules,” where I presented an overview of the updated authentication standards.
You can view this Youtube video by clicking here
Updated AI Summary – Safe & Flagged (Prohibited) AI Tools
This webpage now includes details on the following post processing applications:
Clarification on Lightroom/Photoshop Presets
Updated – CAPA Eligibility Criteria: NEW – Previously Awarded Image
An image, or substantially the same image, that has previously received a CAPA Award (medal, medal certificate, merit award, or honourable mention) in any CAPA competition or salon is ineligible for entry into any future CAPA competition or salon. This restriction applies across all competition categories and types.
2025 Monochrome Competition
2025 Monochrome Competition
2026 Competitions Now Open For Uploading
Updated: CAPA Eligibility Criteria
To address enquires about using AI-generative systems to preforming photo post processes, we have updated our Eligibility Criteria to include the following provisions:
Post-Processing
All editing, manipulation, and post-processing of the image must be performed personally by the entrant. This work cannot be delegated to or performed by any other person(s) or AI-generative system.
Updated: Photographing Homeless Individuals
Our competitions now allow images of people experiencing homelessness, infirmity, or crisis, in line with common international photojournalism and documentary standards.
Such subjects are acceptable only when photographed responsibly and ethically, with respect for consent, dignity, privacy, and safety, especially for vulnerable individuals.
We encourage photographers to address social issues in creative ways that do not exploit personal suffering and to approach any such imagery with empathy, respect, and care.
Our Competition Q&A webpage has been updated to reflect the policy revision.
Effective January 1, 2026 – Updated Competition Editing Criteria
CRITICAL- All photographers review these provisions prior to submitting images into all our 2026 photo competitions. You can view these updated provisions by clicking here
2025 Nature/Wildlife Competition
2025 Monochrome Competition
New 2026 Competitions Now Open
2025 – 2026 Competitions
View the listing of competitions by clicking here
2025 Pacific Zone Competition
Club winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Individual winning images – view webpage by clicking here
2025 Nature/Wildlife Competition
We are pleased to announce that final competition reports have been published to our Competitions Report section.
To access these reports, please log into the CAPA website and select Competitions Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.
Winning images will be published next weekend, and all competition winners will receive notification early next week.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Effective January 1, 2026, all submitted images must include complete metadata, including camera settings and editing details. This requirement supports our new authentication processes to ensure the integrity of all competition entries.
Our pre-screening committee will review all submissions, and only images containing the required metadata will advance to the judging panel.
If your image lacks the necessary details, the pre-screening committee will notify you and provide a brief window to resubmit with the complete information.
This requirement has been added to the Editing Criteria for all competitions beginning January 1, 2026.
Now Open For Uploading of Images
Ontario Zone Competition – closes on January 15, 2026 @ midnight – view competition details by clicking here
Fine Art Competition – closes on January 30, 2025 @ midnight – view competition details by clicking here
Adobe Announcement – Photoshop (version 27.0)
On October 28, 2025, Adobe announced new and enhanced AI-generative features which adds synthetic elements to Photoshop:
Features adding synthetic elements to an image are not permitted in our competitions In the forthcoming month, we will be updating the Photoshop Pitfalls: Protecting Your Competition Eligibility.
Modification of Our New Authentication Standards Initiative
Following our September 2025 Competition announcement regarding new authentication standards for January 1, 2025, we received valuable feedback indicating this timeline was too aggressive, particularly given that C2PA Content Credentials are not yet universally supported across all post-processing applications.
In response, we’ve revised our approach, our new Content Credential initiative is now optional and educational rather than mandatory. Between now and the end of 2027, we will promote the Content Credential model while photographers and camera clubs explore and adopt these standards at their own pace. The revised implementation can be viewed here (English) (French)
We have created a new AI Info section in the Competitions dropdown menu featuring:
Updated AI presentation includes discussion on:
Clubs interested in hosting this AI presentation, please email the Director of Competitions at competitions@capacanada.ca.
2025 Four Nations International Competition
CAPA once again won this competition – you view the details and our winning images by clicking here
Watch the Youtube view here to view all the submitted images into this competition.
We thank Allen Bargen and Cheryl Bramble in selecting our to 80 images, for submission into this competition. Congratulations to all our 80 photographers in this notable achievement.
2025 – 2026 Competitions
Now Open For Uploading of Images
Balancing Innovation and Stability – CAPA’s Strategic Response to AI
As software companies continue to introduce AI-generative features on unpredictable timelines, we must maintain ongoing awareness while ensuring photographers receive the information necessary for competitive planning. Our new AI strategy addresses these challenges and is available in both (English) and (French).
We encourage photographers and camera clubs to review this documents during the transition period leading up to the implementation date. Between now and January 1, 2026, CAPA members and camera clubs are encouraged to review this document.
New AI Authentication Standard
Based on recent changes to Adobe Firefly AI algorithm, it has become necessary to implement a new AI Authentication Standard. You are encouraged to review this document here (English) (French).
IMPORTANT NOTE – We seek your support and acceptance of these standards for the benefit of our photographic community.
New Photography Guidelines
To support the new AI Authentication Standard and Content Credentials requirement, we’ve created five AI Pitfalls – Protecting Your Competition Eligibility guidelines for photographers entering our competition. These guidelines clarify which AI features are acceptable in submissions and which are not:
Adobe Photoshop – (English) (French)
Lightroom Desktop – (English) (French)
Lightroom Classic – (English) (French)
Lightroom Mobile – (English) (French)
Luminar Neo – (English) (French)
ON1 Photo RAW – (English) (French)
Topaz Labs – (English) (French)
AI Tool Guideline Summary – Permitted vs Flagged Features
Check out this listing if AI tools that are permitted and not permitted in our competitions – (English) (French)
CAPA Competition Policy Update – September 2025
Clarification on the use of large learning models (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude AI, etc…) in analyzing images. View policy update here – (English) (French)
2025 – 2026 Competitions
Now Open For Uploading of Images
2025 – 2026 Competitions
You’ll now find our upcoming 2025-2026 competitions listed in the Current Competitions section of our dropdown menu.
You can view this listing of competitions by clicking here
2025 Annual Photo Competition
Winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Updated CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage
As of May 15, 2025, the following provisions in our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage comes into effect:
2025 Curves & Lines Competition
Club winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Individual winning images – view webpage by clicking here
2025 Atlantic Zone Competition
Club winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Individual winning images – view webpage by clicking here
2025 Prairie Zone Competition
Club winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Individual winning images – view webpage by clicking here
Enquiries Received On How To Create a Triptych
Triptychs are popular in Europe and they provide means of storytelling in a series of three images.
We have had enquiries on how triptychs can be created in Photoshop and Lightroom. Based on these enquiries, we created these instructions.
Guideline to Creating Stunning Triptychs English French
These instructions have now been incorporated into our 2026 Triptych photo competition and on our website’s Members Resource webpage.
Re-Cropping Of Image That Previously Received CAPA Award
Question – I wonder if some flexibility might be considered in cases like re-cropping. For example, an original 4:3 image that has been thoughtfully re-cropped to a 16:9 panoramic format may offer a different visual impact or compositional interpretation. Might this be treated as a separate entry, provided the change is substantial and creatively justified?
My Response – While I understand your point about how re-cropping can significantly alter an image’s composition and visual impact, our current policy considers such modifications to still be ‘substantially the same image.’ This rule exists to encourage the submission of truly distinct photographic works and to ensure fairness across all participants.
The specific language in our criteria stating that ‘slight variations are still considered the same image‘ was designed to include modifications such as re-cropping, regardless of how dramatic the crop might be.
We invite photographers to submit new work that hasn’t previously won recognition in our competitions. This practice preserves the artistic integrity of each contest while ensuring all participants have an equal chance to highlight their most recent photographic accomplishments.
Images that haven’t received a CAPA Award may be submitted again in future competitions, as long as they meet all required specifications.
CAPA 2025 CAPA Salon
In accordance with Canada’s Personal Information Protection Act, we have created a comprehensive Privacy Statement for our 2025 Salon. You are encouraged to read this document prior to submitting images into our 2025 salon.
2025 Global Chinese Photography Association Exhibition
CAPA members may wish to consider participating in this Exhibition
Total USD15,000 Cash Prizes, 257 awards! 5th GCPA-DAJIANG Cup International Exhibition 2025 Call for Entries !
GCPA is inviting you to participate at the 5th GCPA-DAJIANG Cup International Exhibition 2025.
Please get your images ready and submit them before the deadline on May 27,2025 (http://www.gcpa.club).
Altogether 257 awards and USD15,000 Cash Prizes are here to be claimed!
Total 7 digital categories, 6 categories (except AI Creative section) are under the patronage of GPU: L210153 and CAPA Canadian Association for Photographic Art.
Open Color, Open Monochrome, Nature, People-theme & Portrait, Landscape color(General & Drone), Street & City life and AI Creative, up to 28 photos per entrant.
LOW ENTRY FEE Only USD10 for all 7 categories!
Closing date：May 27,2025
Country-Canada
E-Acceptance & Catalog
You can join at : http://www.gcpa.club
All awarded entries will be exhibited during the DALI International Photography Exhibition and an awards ceremony will be held.
Questions? Write to contest2020@gcpa.photo
Entry rules: GCPA
2025 Annual Photo Challenge
Now open and closes on May 15, 2025 – You can view this competition webpage here
Updated – CAPA Eligibility Criteria
To provide appropriate clarification, the following narrative has been added to our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage:
Understanding RAW Files, DNG Conversion and Competition Requirements
2025 – 2026 Competitions
As of April 1, 2025 our competitions for 2025-2026 are now posted to our Current Competitions listing, on our website
The following notable updates have been included in all our 2025-2026 competitions:
Image Metadata Required:
All submitted photographs should maintain complete, unaltered original metadata (EXIF). Preserving this information facilitates verification of potential winning entries.
Submissions must include full metadata from post-processing applications to ensure competition integrity. Screenshots and screen captures are not accepted as they remove essential metadata needed for fair evaluation.
The Competition Director will request original un-retouched JPEG or RAW files for potential winning images to verify compliance. Only images with intact metadata will be accepted for verification and authentication purposes.
Photographers of potential winning entries may be required to submit all original files, including unretouched JPG/RAW files, XMP files, and any other image files incorporated into the final submission.
If a photographer fails to provide requested image files when asked by the Director, their potential winning entry will be withdrawn and competition results recalculated.
These requirements aim to ensure transparency and verify adherence to the competition’s specifications regarding image authenticity and compliance with the editing criteria.
Image Specifications
Title of Image
When images are uploaded into a competition, you are required to enter the title of your image into the Title Field which is now limited to 32 characters. Title can be in either English or French.
For all Zone competitions
The following narrative has been added to all Zone Competitions:
CAPA medals will be awarded to entrants with the highest aggregate scores across their submitted images in both club and individual categories. Additionally, the top three highest-scoring images in each skill level will receive merit award e-certificates.
Questions Raised & Responses Provided
Question Raised: I am looking at doing some reflection photos with shiny objects and possibly using something like wallpaper samples or pre-printed scrapbook paper from Michaels, etc. I might also use some postage stamps.
I will of course use a camera to take a photo of the reflective object and the purchased printed material will be in the photo.
How does one decide if the pre-printed material is considered clip art which would be forbidden? If I take a photo of graffiti that isn’t mine but is part of a larger scene, I would assume I can include it. Obviously, a postage stamp is not my original work so what is the difference with graffiti?
Would it make any difference to take a photo of the wallpaper or stamp and then print it to use?
Our Response: The key distinction we make is between using pre-printed materials as physical elements within your photograph versus digitally inserting clip art or stock images after taking the photo.
When you photograph reflective objects alongside physical items like wallpaper samples, scrapbook paper, or postage stamps, these are considered physical props in your composition – similar to photographing graffiti as part of a street scene. These elements are being captured through your original photography, even though the designs themselves weren’t created by you.
What would not be permitted is:
Your approach of photographing physical objects and their reflections, including commercially printed materials as props, is perfectly acceptable within our competition rules.
Question Raised: Are border or frame permitted in CAPA competitions? If not, why not?
Our Response: Unfortunately, all our photo competitions contain the following restriction:
Frames, Borders, Pin-lines, and Mats: Photograph must not contain any decorative elements like frames, borders, pin-lines, or mats. This includes the edges and markings of scanned film. When the frame is integral to the captured image, for instance a window frame or door frame that has been captured by the camera, these elements are permitted.
The rationale for this restriction is based on the focus that the competition aims to evaluate the photograph itself, not decorative additions. Frames and borders can distract from or enhance an image in ways that aren’t part of the original photographic skill.
With this restriction, all photographers compete solely on their photographic merits rather than their framing or presentation skills, ensuring fairness. As such, this restriction emphasizes fundamental photography elements like composition, lighting, subject matter, and technical execution rather than post-processing embellishments.
Finally, decorative elements can create unconscious bias among judges. Without these elements, judges can evaluate all entries with the same visual baseline.
Join the 2025 CAPA International Salon: Now Open For Submissions!
We’re proud to announce the 2025 CAPA 2nd Annual International Salon is now open for submissions!
This prestigious event transcends traditional competitions, creating a global platform where photographers from diverse backgrounds converge to share their unique perspectives and style in photography.
Our inaugural salon was an extraordinary success, featuring over 4,300 photographs from entrants representing 45 countries across six continents. From Austria to Vietnam, both established masters and emerging talents united in a celebration of photographic excellence.
Join us this year as we continue to expand our global community of visual storytellers. Submit your work and become part of an international dialogue that honors photography in all its forms.
Why Participate?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic newcomer, your unique images deserve to be shared. Let your images join this worldwide celebration and help demonstrate the rich diversity of the Canadian photography community on the global stage.
Check out our salon website here – https://www.capasalon.ca
Salon opened on February 15, 2025 and closed on May 15, 2025.
Identifying Generative AI Elements in Adobe-Edited Images
As the Director of Competitions, I am seeing a significant number in photographers seeking ways to verify whether their Adobe-edited image contain generative AI elements.
This concern is legitimate and growing, particularly for our competitions which have strict authentication requirements.
If you’re concerned about inadvertently including AI-generated content in your photography work, these complementary free tools can help validate your images:
In the event, Adobe Firefly AI metadata has been altered with an EXIF Editor then the Content Credential website will present a message of “This file may have been tampered with. Its Content Credentials can’t be verified or viewed.”
*Special Note – For our 2025-2026 competitions, all Editing Criteria Sections have been updated with the following requirement:
2025 Fine Art Competition
2025 Quebec Zone Competition
2025 Curves and Lines Competition
Now open and closes on March 30, 2025. You can view this competition webpage here.
2025 Atlantic Zone Competition
Now open and closes on April 15, 2025. You can view this competition webpage here.
2025 Prairie Zone Competition
Now open and closes on April 15, 2025. You can view this competition webpage here.
2025 Canada: My Country
Now open and closes on April 30, 2025. You can view this competition webpage here.
Strategy To Address Generative AI in Photography
We have documented our current strategy on addressing Generative AI through keeping pace with technological advancements and education photographers on what artificial intelligence is accepted in our photo competitions.
You can review this document here – (English) (French)
February 1, 2025 – CAPA Stance on Artificial Intelligence in Photo Competitions
This document has been updated to include the most current details regarding about what artificial intelligence features are approved in photo competitions and what are not.
You view this document here – (English) (French)
2025 Ontario Zone Competition
2025 Photojournalism Competition
This competition is now open for the uploading of images.
You are strongly encouraged to review the competition details before uploading your images into the competition details and ensure your submitted images fall within one of the noted themes. Competition closes on March 15, 2025 (midnight). You can view this competition webpage here.
2025 Curves and Lines Competition
Competition is also now open for the uploading of images.
Prior to uploading any images into this competition, it is recommended that review the competition details and ensure your submitted images fall within one of the noted themes. Competition closes on March 30, 2024 (midnight). You can view this competition webpage here.
Important Update: AI Guidelines in Photo Post-Processing
Due to recent advances in AI-powered photo editing software, we’ve revised our CAPA position on artificial intelligence in photography. The updated guidelines provide detailed clarification on which AI features are acceptable and which are prohibited in our competitions.
You can view this document here (English) (French)
*You can also find this updated guideline in all Competition Editing Criteria sections.
Updating Advanced & Intermediate Skill Levels In All Zones
We’re currently reviewing and adjusting all Zone Skill-levels using results from:
Advanced and intermediate skill level updates will be completed by December 15, 2024.
Please review all competition details before submitting images to any zone competitions.
Updated CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage
This webpage has been updated and now include details on “image-to-image AI” as shown below in bold:
Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques are not permitted for submission into our competitions. This includes:
In-painting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer or removes and replaces elements from a photograph with AI-generated content);
Out-painting (where AI extends beyond the original boundaries of the photograph using generated elements); and
Image-to-image AI (where AI transforms an entire photograph based on text prompts or style references)
Text-to-image (generated images from scratch based on text entered into a prompt description)
These restrictions apply whether or not text prompts are used in the AI generation process.
In the area of Generative AI images, there are three categories:
Text-to-Image:
Photo Enhancement – Fill / Expand Boundaries:
Photo Image-to-Image:
2024 Black & White Competition
2025 Quebec Zone Competition
This completion is now open for the uploading of images. Key point that entries will only be accepted by Quebec residents. Competition closes on February 15, 2024 (midnight).
You are strongly encouraged to review the competition details before uploading your images into this competition. The details of this competition can be reviewed here.
2025 Colour Competition
Competition is also now open for the uploading of images.
Prior to uploading any images into this competition, you are wise to review the competition details and ensure your submitted images fall within one of the noted themes. Competition closes on February 15, 2024 (midnight).
You can view the competition by clicking here.
Authenticity – Immediate Change To Competition Requirements
Question #1:
Why is CAPA now requiring submitted images to include full metadata, and there may be a requirement to submit all original image files with complete metadata?
The Response:
We have added the following details to all our CAPA photo competition webpages: Image Metadata Required: For all competitions: it is mandatory that your submitted image includes complete image file metadata. Alternatively, if your image is chosen as a potential winning entry, you will be required to provide the original images (e.g., un-retouched JPG or RAW files) used in developing the submitted images. Ensure that all requested files maintain the full image file metadata.
Metadata plays a crucial role in authenticating photographs, serving as a detailed record of the image creation process. It encompasses information about the camera, lenses, editing software, potential AI generative features, and even geo-location data. Consistent and comprehensive photographic metadata acts as a ‘fingerprint,’ verifying the originality of claimed photographic work.
While some photo post-processing applications allow metadata removal upon image export, most applications retain this information. Consequently, metadata requirements are generally not a concern for the majority of photographers.
In the evaluation of potential winning images, we implement stringent processes to differentiate between AI-generative images and photographs enhanced by AI generative features. These processes include, but are not limited to:
Application of an AI classifier with a verified reliability of 99% in detecting AI generative images.
By implementing these measures, our objective is to strike a balance between embracing innovation and new technology while upholding the core values of photographers – authenticity and creativity. This commitment ensure that winning images truly reflect the skill and artistry while at the same time maintaining the integrity of our competitions.
If you have a question or issue relating to your image and possible submission into one of our competitions, you can email me at competitions@capacanada.ca
Question #2:
If I am not permitted to use the Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill to remove elements in an image, what other options are available to me which are permitted?
The Response:
Unwanted elements in an image can be eliminated through various tools, such as the clone stamp tool, content-aware fill, and remove brush.
It’s essential to note a restriction due to the behavior of the Adobe Firefly algorithm in Photoshop. This algorithm alters image metadata when any generative features are activated. Specifically, when using Photoshop Generative Fill (for adding or removing elements) or the Expand feature, the Firefly AI algorithm removes camera details and introduces multiple metadata tags. One of these tags is labelled “Title” with the data value of “Generative Image.”
The new Google Bard AI/Gemini AI creates a similar metadata tag called “Credit” and has corresponding details of “Made by Google AI. ”
These added metadata tags and narrative are not accessible by EXIF Editors.
Ontario Zone Competition
For this competition, we received a total of 150 images (75 from 15 clubs & 98 from 50 photographers). One new camera club submitted images into this competition for the first time – Camera Club of Ottawa. In addition, 5 new photographers participated in this competition.
Winning images can be viewed here:
Two of the three judges did provide supportive comments on submitted images. These comments can be viewed here:
Quebec Zone Competition
For this competition, we received a total of 122 images (34 from 7 clubs & 88 from 46 photographers). Nine new photographers participated in this competition for the first time.
Winning images can be viewed here:
Team of judges provided supportive comments for all images submitted. These comments can be viewed here:
Competitions Now Open For Uploading Images
2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses
In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.
The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:
Competitions Now Open For Uploading Images
IMPORTANT NOTICE – Global Changes to All Competition
Based on our recent extensive study of AI-generative image technology, we have implemented the following revisions to our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage and updated all competition Editing Criteria to include the following:
Example of Image Sizing
The Vernon Camera Club suggested that we include an image example on the sizing of images being submitted into our competitions.
We have accepted this suggestion and it is being added to all CAPA competitions.
The hyperlink is found under the Image Size – Dimension section of each competition webpage. You can view this example here.
2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses
In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.
The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:
2024 Atlantic Zone Competition
Rejean Pitre (Atlantic Zone Director) and I have agreed that images submitted into this competition should have been captured in the Atlantic Zone.
As such, the competition narrative has been updated to reflect the following:
“This is an open theme and images should be limited to being be captured in the Atlantic Zone”.
Competition closes on March 30, 2024. You can view the competition details here.
New Competitions Now Open
The following competitions are now open for the uploading of images:
Please remember that as of November 2023, all future CAPA competition Editing Criteria states:
Editing Techniques Not Permitted
Artificial Intelligence Renderings: Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques – in-painting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer) or out-painting (where the AI extends beyond the original boundaries using generated elements), whether with or without text prompts, are not permitted for submission into a CAPA competitions.
The inclusion of Photoshop application features, such as Firefly’s AI Generative Fill and AI Expand cannot be contained in your image submitted into a CAPA competition. Similar positions will be taken with other AI systems with these features.
This updated provision will be in effect starting from November 30, 2023, and it will apply to all CAPA competitions.
2023 Black & White Competition
For this competition, we received a total of 1,036 images ( 291 from 50 clubs & 745 from 254 Individual CAPA members). The total number (50 & 254) of entrant to this competition exceed all previous CAPA competitions.
Another noteworthy statistics are that one new camera club participated in their first CAPA Competition (Club Photo Valleyfield) and 33 new individual CAPA members.
The winning images can be viewed here:
Final statistics relating to the number of awards presented in this competition are as follows;
Both competition reports are now available on the Competition Reports webpage.
To view these reports, you must first into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.
If you cannot see the Competitions Report on the Competition dropdown menu then you have not been successfully logged into the CAPA website.
2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses
In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.
The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:
*New – November 2023:
*New – November 2023:
*New – November 2023:
*New – November 2023:
Updated Editing Criteria For All CAPA Competitions
With the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Generative technology, the Editing Criteria has been updated to include the following details:
–Artificial Intelligence Renderings: Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques – in-painting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer) or out-painting (where the AI extends beyond the original boundaries using generated elements), whether with or without text prompts, are not permitted for submission into a CAPA competitions.
-The inclusion of Photoshop application features, such as Firefly’s AI Generative Fill and AI Expand cannot be contained in your image submitted into a CAPA competition. Similar positions will be taken with other AI systems with these features.
-This updated provision will be in effect starting from November 30, 2023, and it will apply to all CAPA competitions.
Reminder of our Updated Editing Criteria
Photograph must not contain any decorative elements like frames, borders, pin-lines, or mats. This includes the edges and markings of scanned film. When the frame is integral to the captured image, for instance a window frame or door frame that has been captured by the camera, these elements are permitted.
Updated Competition Requirements – 2024 Audio Visual Presentation
The details of this competition have been updated to include the following:
– “Special Note – To comply with the Canadian Copying Act, all music included in a presentation must ONLY contain “non-copyrighted,” “released into public domain” or “royalty-free” and must comply with all conditions of the source of the music. In addition, the source of the music must be included in the last presentation credit slide.”
New Pilot Test For Tiered Skill-Level Zone Competitions
Following the valuable feedback received in our 2023 CAPA Survey, many respondents suggested that CAPA explore the possibility of introducing a competition format that caters to photographers of varying skill levels, including novices, intermediates, and advanced photographers.
In response to these suggestions, we have created a tiered skill-level competition model. We are proceeding with a pilot test of this model for the 2024 Atlantic Zone competition. If the pilot test proves feasible and effective, we may consider expanding this model to include all other zone competitions.
The details of this model can be reviewed here – November 2023 – Tiered Skill-Levels For Zone Competitions (English) (French)
New Competition Now Open
The following competitions are now open for the uploading of images:
2023 Pacific Zone Competition
For this competition, we received a total of 229 images (70 club & 81 individual CAPA members). The submissions were limited to permit four CAPA judges to provide one supportive comment for each image.
We will be extending the judge’s comments to all remaining CAPA Zone competitions.
You can view the winning image from this competition here:
2023 Nature Competition
For this competition, we received a total of 897 images (club 258 & individual 639).
The winning can be viewed here:
Excellent Webpage for Webpage Article on Copyright & Photography
Check out this most comprehensive explanation of the Copyright Act and Photographer by clicking here
2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses
In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.
The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:
New – November 2023 – Zone Competitions (English) (French)
New – November 2023 – Tiered Skill-Levels For Zone Competitions (English) (French)
New – November 2023 – Provide Feedback Evaluations Not Just Score (English) (French)
Competitions Now Open For Uploading of Images
Black & White competition (closes November 15, 2023) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.
Ontario Zone competition (closes January 14, 2023) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.
New Quebec Zone Competition
We are pleased to announce that we will be offering a new Quebec Zone competition and competition will close on January 15, 2024.
We will be working with David Boutin (new Quebec Zone Director) to finalize the competition narrative. Details regarding this competition should be posted to the CAPA website by the end of October or early November 2023.
Artificial Intelligence Generative text-to-images
To stay abreast of the rapidly changing AI generative technology, we’ve established an AI Advisory Committee to the Director of Competitions. The committee comprises of Dr. Bob Ito, Parez Khatib, and Robert Hulbert.
In response to recent advancements in AI generative capabilities, we have revised our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage to incorporate the following statement:
This statement has also been added to all our 2023 – 2024 competition narratives.
Prior to entering any competition, we strongly encourage you to carefully review the other components of the CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage concerning artificial intelligence and the definition of a photographic image. You can access the complete CAPA Eligibility Criteria by clicking here.
We have developed an informative presentation on Artificial Intelligence to enlighten our photographers about this swiftly changing evolving technology.
Camera clubs interested in hosting this presentation via Zoom can contact the Director of Competitions.
2023 CAPA Survey Suggestions Related to Competitions and Our Responses
In a proactive approach to carefully evaluate and implement a multitude of suggestions aimed at improving our competitions and processes, we will created documents which summaries suggestions and our responses.
The following is a listing of suggestions and response which are now available for your review:
Between now and April 2024, we plan to incorporate 3 to 4 suggestions and provide corresponding responses each month. For instance, in November, we will present the following suggestions:
2023 Annual Photo Challenge
For this competition, we received a total of 309 images from 99 entrants.
You can view the winning images from this competition here
2023 Four Nations Competition
For this competition, our 80 CAPA images were submitted into four categories: Open (35 images), Nature (15 images), Monochrome (15 images) and My Country (15 images).
You can view the results of this competition and the winning images here
All CAPA 80 entrants have been advised of these results.
Updated the Judging Criteria
Based on suggestions received in our 2023 CAPA survey, I worked with Glenn to update our standardized Judging Criteria.
The new Judging Criteria now states as follows:
Likewise, judges take into consideration in their scoring the degree to which the entrant’s use of techniques such as colour, monochrome, duo and multi-tone, contributes to or supports the creative vision and the story telling value of the image.
Competitions Made More Concise
Another suggestion from our 2023 CAPA survey was to make the competitions more precise. This suggestion has been applied to all our competitions.
October 2023 to May 2024 Competitions
The following competitions are now open for the uploading of images:
Translation Concern Identified & Corrected
It has been pointed out that our Nature competition contained an incorrect translation from English to French. The specific word was feral.
To correct this translation issue, the following statement has been added to the Nature and Wildlife themes:
No domestic or escaped animals or birds are permitted in this theme (e.g. horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, camels, pigs, chickens, etc…).
Please note that there some revisions and further explanations for the 2023-24 competitions:
