December 2024 Competition Updates

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:

  • 2024 CAPA Salon 
  • 2024 Four Nations
  • 2024 Pacific Zone
  • 2024 Nature
  • 2024 Black & White

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:

  • Generates images from scratch based on text entered into a prompt description 
  • Complete creative freedom but less control over the specific details produced by the system

Photo Enhancement – Fill / Expand Boundaries:

  • Modifies existing photos by filling or modifying specific areas or expanding the boundaries of the photo 
  • Focuses on blending with existing content
  • Maintains consistency with original image (photograph)

Photo Image-to-Image:

  • Transforms an entire photo based on text prompts or style references
  • Preserves basic structure while changing style, content, or attributes
  • More control over output compared to text-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.

February 2024 Competitions Update

February 2024 Competitions Update

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:

  • Entrants may be required to submit all original images contributing to the creation of the submitted image. Failure to provide the requested image files will result in having the potential winning image removed from the competition. Competition results will then be re-sorted.
  • Thorough analysis of the metadata associated with the submitted image and all contributing images.
  • Missing or manipulated metadata may raise suspicions about the image’s 100% originality.
  • Utilization of forensic analysis tools to scrutinize elements of both the submitted image and contributing images.

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

  • Atlantic Zone (closes March 30, 2024) – see competition details here
  • Prairie Zone (closes March 30, 2024) – see competition details 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:

January 2024 Competitions Update

January 2024 Competitions Update

Competitions Now Open For Uploading Images

  • Artistic (closes on Jan. 30, 2024) – see competition details here.
  • Music (closes on February 15, 2024) – see competition details here.
  • Colour (closes on March 1, 2024) – see competition details here.

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:

  • 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 removed elements from a photograph) 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.
  • 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.

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:

December 2023 Competitions Update

December 2023 Competitions Update

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:

 

  • Ontario Zone Competition (Closes on January 15, 2024) – Competition details can be viewed here.
  • Quebec Zone Competition (Closes on January 15, 2024) – Details from this competition can be viewed here.
  • Artistic Competition (Closes on January 30, 2024) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.
  • Music Competition (Closes on February 15, 2024) – Competition details can be viewed here.

 

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;

 

  • Club category Medals – 3
  • Club Medal Certificates – 28 (English & French)
  • Club Merit Awards e-certificates – 19 (English & French)
  • Club Honour Awards – 57 (English & French)
  • Individual category Medals – 3
  • Individual Merit Awards – 13 (English & French)
  • Individual Honour Awards – 32 English & French)

 

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:

November 2023 Competitions Update

November 2023 Competitions Update

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:

  • Ontario Zone Competition (closes on January 15, 2024) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.
  • NEW Quebec Zone Competition (closes on January 15, 2024) – You can view the competition details by clicking here.

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)

October 2023 Competition Updates

October 2023 Competition Updates

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:

  • Images that have been created or modified using specific AI generative techniques – inpainting (where AI fills in generated elements not captured by the photographer) or outpainting (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.

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:

 

  • November 2023 – Zone Competitions
  • November 2023 – Tiered Skill-Level Zone Competitions
  • November 2023 – Provide Feedback Evaluations Not Just Scores

September 2023 Competition Update

September 2023 Competition Updates

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:

  • An Image’s title may be used by the judges in evaluating a submission, so entrants should take care in selecting a title that complements or contributes to the vision or message being presented in the image.
  • The judges will assign scores primarily based on the ‘emotional’ components of the image, considering values such as creativity and emotional impact. Secondary emphasis will be place on the ‘technical’ aspects, followed by considerations of the ‘composition’.
  • Technical and Organizational factors, such as exposure, sharpness, focus, space, and composition, will be taken into account solely to the degree they do or do not support or reinforce the creative vision and storytelling. Images will not be penalized in scoring for so-called technical rule infractions, such as focus, if that is immaterial to the creative vision and storytelling.

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:

May 2023 Competition Update

May 2023 Competition Updates

Canada: My Country

For this competition, we received a total of 790 images (249 images from Clubs & 541 from individual CAPA members.

One new CAPA camera club participated in this competition – Club de photo mauricien. Nine new individual CAPA members also participated in this competition for the first time.

You can view the winning images from this competition here:

The final competition report for this competition has been posted to the CAPA website. To view this report, you must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

If the Competition Reports are not visible on the Competitions dropdown menu, this indicates that you have not successfully logged into the CAPA website.

October 2023 to May 2024 Competitions

Our next competition cycle is now posted on the CAPA website. To view these competitions, you must select the Current Competitions option on the Competitions dropdown menu.

Over the summer, we will be enhancing our CAPA Eligibility Criteria website to keep pace with the rapidly changing AI generated images. Our emphasis will continue to be to a level playing field for all photographers.
Once the updates have been finalized, we will advise you via our CAPA News.

If you have any questions about these competitions, please do not hesitate in contacting the Competition Director : Sheldon Boles 

April 2023 Competition Updates

April 2023 Competition Updates

2023 Fall/Winter

For this competition, we received a total of 723 images (247 images from Clubs & 476 from individual CAPA members.

One new CAPA camera club participated in this competition – Club photo de La Prairie. Thirteen new individual CAPA members also participated in this competition for the first time.

You can view the winning images from this competition here:

The final competition report for this competition has been posted to the CAPA website. To view this report, you must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

If the Competition Reports are not visible on the Competitions dropdown menu, this indicates that you have not successfully logged into the CAPA website.

2023 Canada: My Country

This competition is now open for the uploading of images.

You can view the competition details here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-canada-my-country-mon-pays/

This competition closes on April 15, 2023.

2023 Annual Photo Challenge

Participation in this competition is limited to Individual CAPA members, CAPA family members, CAPA youth membership, international CAPA members and Life Members.

You can check out the details for this competition here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-annual-photo-challenge-defi-photo-annuel/

For this competition, Tamron Canada has generously provided a camera lens to each medal winner.

This competition is now open for the uploading of images.  Competition closes on May 4, 2023 at midnight.

October 2023 to May 2024 Competitions

Our next competition cycle is now posted on the CAPA website. To view these competitions, you must select the Current Competitions option on the Competitions dropdown menu.

If you have any questions about these competitions, please do not hesitate in contacting Sheldon Boles (Competition Director) at competitions@capacanada.ca

March 2023 Competition Updates

March 2023 Competition Updates

2023 Photojournalism Competition

You can view the winning images from this competition here:

The final competition report for this competition has been posted to the CAPA website. To view this report, you must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

If the Competition Reports are not visible on the Competitions dropdown menu, this indicates that you have not successfully logged into the CAPA website.

2023 Audio Visual Presentation Competition

This competition closes on March 15, 2023.

Check out the details of this competition here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-audio-visual-presentation-audio-visuelle/

2023 Atlantic Zone Competition

This competition is for participants who reside in the Atlantic Zone.

You can view the competition details here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-atlantic-zone-zone-de-latlantique/

Competition closes on March 30, 2023.

2023 Prairie Zone Competition

Only individuals residing in the Prairie Zone are permitted to participate in this competition.

You can view the competition details here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-prairie-zone/

Competition closes on March 30, 2023.

2023 Canada: My Country

This competition is now open for the uploading of images.

You can view the competition details here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-canada-my-country-mon-pays/

This competition closes on April 15, 2023.

Feb. 2023 Competition Updates

February 2023 Competition Updates

2023 Ontario Zone Competition

You can view the winning images from this competition here:

The final competition report for this competition has been posted to the CAPA website. To view this report, you must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

 

2023 Artistic Competition 

This competition is in the process of being judges.

Other Competition Now Open For Updating Images:

 


As a reminder, our 2023 Audio Visual Presentation Competition closes on March 15, 2023.

Please ensure you read the competition details prior to submitting your entry: https://capacanada.ca/2023-audio-visual-presentation-audio-visuelle/

Jan. 2023 Competition Updates

January 2023 Competition Update

2022 Monochrome Competition

You can view the winning from this competition here:

The final competition report for this competition has been posted to the CAPA website. To view this report, you must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.

If the Competition Reports are not visible on the Competitions dropdown menu, this indicates that you have not successfully logged into the CAPA website.

 

2023 Fall/Winter Competition

 

This competition is now open for the uploading of images. Closing date is March 1, 2023 at midnight Eastern Standard Time.

You can view the details of this competition here – https://capacanada.ca/2023-fall-winter-dautomne-2023/

 

Other competitions also open for uploading of images are as follows:

Nov. 2022 Competition Updates

November 2022 Competition Updates

 

2022 Pacific Zone Competition

Check out the winning images here:

 

2022 Nature/Wildlife Competition

Check out the winning images here:

 

2022 Ontario Zone Competition

This competition is now open for the uploading of images and closes on January 15, 2023.

Please review the competition details prior to uploading image into this competition.

 

2022 Artistic Competition

This competition is also now open for the uploading of images and closes on January 30, 2023.

 

If you have any questions about the scope of competition, please do not hesitate in emailing Sheldon Boles – Director of Competitions at competitions@capacanada.ca

 

2022 – 2023 Competition News & Updates

2022 – 2023 Competition News & Updates

All our 2022 – 2023 competitions have been updated and two new competitions have been added: Photo Journalism and Fall/Winter.

To avoid disappointments, it is imperative that all photographers review and comply with each scope of competition prior to submitting their images.

Reduced Number of Image Submissions

With many of our competitions receiving over 1,000 submitted images, the management of multiple themes and judging teams has become a logistical challenge.

To minimize these impacts, we have decided to reduce the total images submissions for individual CAPA members from 4 to 3 images.

Individual CAPA member submissions have represented 70 – 75% of total submissions for our national competitions.

Camera clubs will continue to upload 6 images from 6 different photographers. Only exception for club submissions is for our Atlantic and Prairie zone competitions.

Clarification In Using Artificial Intelligence For Photo Competitions

With the advent of Artificial Intelligence in the creation and enhancement of photographic images, we have updated our CAPA Eligibility Criteria webpage:

  • For the purposes of our competitions, a photographic image is defined “as being a captured image on a light-sensitive device (e.g. film camera, digital camera, smartphone, tablet, etc…) and recorded on film or in a digital format”.
  • An artificial intelligence (AI) generated image is not deemed to be a photographic image because it was created from scratch by the AI system and contains no image captured by the entrant. Therefore, this type of image will not be accepted into our competition.
  • Use of AI features contained within a post processing application (e.g. masking, sharpening, de-noise, enlarging, etc…) are permitted in our competitions provided they comply with a competition’s editing criteria and do not contain any elements which were not captured by the entrant (e.g. texture, sky, etc…). Potential winning images may be required to have supporting images (sky, texture, etc…which must have been captured by the submitting photographer) submitted on request by the Director of Competitions.

Most Recently Added Winners Webpages

Be sure to check out our recent winners for the following competitions:

Competitions Now Open For Uploading of Images

The following competitions are now open and images can be uploaded:

  • 2022 Pacific Zone Competition (closes October 1, 2022)
  • 2022 Nature Competition (closes October 15, 2022)

Competition News Update – May 2022 – Nouvelles des concours

May 2022 Competition News Update

2022 – 2023 Competitions Now Posed On CAPA Website

We have posted our 2022 – 2023 competition cycle on the Current Competitions website. You can view this webpage here – https://capacanada.ca/capa-competitions/current-competitions-2/

For this cycle we have removed some recent competitions and introduced a few new competitions such as Fall/Winter, Photo Journalism and a unique Annual Photo Challenge (Portrait) only for Individual CAPA members.

Based on suggestions received, we developed the Fall/Winter competition to replace our traditional Open competition. The themes for this competition reflect life living in Canada.

In addition, the Nature/Wildlife theme definitions has been updated based on suggestions received.

For the Fall Monochrome we have added the Still Life theme as this genre is becoming more popular based on recent submissions.

For the Canada: My Country competition, we have reduced the number of themes (13 – 10 provinces & 3 territories) to five zones.

The 2023 Annual Photographic (Portrait) Challenge contains two themes. CAPA medals will be awarded for each of these themes.

Only other notable change is that we have reduced the maximum number of submitted images for most competitions from 4 to 3. Details of this change is included in the respective competitions.

 

Reminder For Individual CAPA Members

Unless otherwise specified in a competition, the total number of images submitted by an individual CAPA member is being reduced from four (4) to three (3). This change is effective as of September 2022.

Number of images submitted by camera clubs will remain at six (6) with the exception of the Atlantic and Prairie Zone competitions.

 

2022 Ontario Zone Competition

This competition closed on March 30, 2022 and received a total of 60 images.

You can view the winning images here:

2022 Ontario Zone (individual) Competition –https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-ontario-zone/

 

2022 Atlantic Zone Competition

This competition closed on March 30, 2022 and received a total of 132 images (90 from clubs & 42 from individual CAPA members) into this competition.

You can view the winning images here:

Atlantic Zone ‘Club’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-atlantic-zone-club/

Atlantic Zone ‘Individual’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-atlantic-zone-individual/

 

2022 Prairie Zone Competition

This competition closed on March 30, 2022 and received a total of 122 images (26 from clubs & 96 from individual CAPA members) into this competition.

Prairie Zone ‘Club’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-prairie-zone-club/

Prairie Zone ‘Individual’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-prairie-zone-individual/

 

2022 Canada: My Country Competition

This competition closed on March 30, 2022 and received a total of 869 images (240 from clubs & 629 from individual CAPA members) into this competition.

Canada: My Country ‘Club’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-canada-my-country-club/

Canada: My Country ‘Individual’ Competition – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-canada-my-country-individual/

Mai 2022 Nouvelles des concours

2022 – 2023 La description des concours est accessible sur le site Web de l’ACAP

Nous avons mis en ligne sur notre site Web la description des concours pour le cycle 2022-2023. Vous pouvez consulter cette page sur ce lien - https://capacanada.ca/capa-competitions/current-competitions-2/

Pour ce cycle, nous avons retiré des concours récents et ajouté quelques nouveaux concours comme ‘Automne/Hiver’, ‘Photo journalisme’ et, pour les membres individuels seulement, une version unique du ‘Défi photo annuel (portrait)’.

En réponse aux suggestions reçues, nous avons développé le concours ‘Automne/Hiver’ pour remplacer la version traditionnelle du concours ‘Thème libre’. Les thèmes de ce concours reflètent ce qu’est ‘vivre au Canada’

De plus, les thèmes du concours ‘Nature/Vie sauvage’ ont été revus en réponse aux suggestions reçues.

Nous avons ajouté le thème ‘Nature morte’ au concours ‘Monochrome’ car ce genre de photos devient plus populaire d’après les photos soumises récemment.

Le nombre de thèmes du concours ‘Canada: Mon pays’ a été réduit de 13 ( 10 provinces et 3 territoires) à 5 zones.

Le ‘Défi photo annuel (portrait) 2023’ comporte deux thèmes. Des médailles de l’ACAP seront attribuées pour chaque thème.

 Le dernier point important est que le nombre maximum de photos pouvant être soumises a été réduit de 4 à 3 pour la plupart des concours. Les détails sont disponibles dans la description des concours.

 

Rappel aux membres individuels de l’ACAP

À moins d’un avis contraire dans un concours en particulier, le nombre total qu’un membre individuel peut soumettre a été réduit de quatre (4) à trois (3). Ce changement sera effectif dès septembre 2022.

Le nombre d’images qu’un club peut soumettre est maintenu à six (6) à l’exception des concours la zone de l’Atlantique et de la zone des Prairies.

 

2022 Concours de la zone de l’Ontario

Ce concours s’est terminé le 30 mars 2022. En tout, 60 images ont été soumises.

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ce lien:

2022 Concours de la zone de l’Ontario (individuel) – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-ontario-zone/

 

2022 Concours de la zone de l’Atlantique

Ce concours s’est terminé le 30 mars 2022. En tout, 132 images ont été soumises: 90 par les clubs et 42 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

Concours de la zone de l’Atlantique ‘Club’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-atlantic-zone-club/

Concours de la zone de l’Atlantique ‘Individuel’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-atlantic-zone-individual/

 

2022 Concours de la zone des Prairies

Ce concours s’est terminé le 30 mars 2022. En tout, 122 images ont été soumises: 26 par les clubs et 96 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

Concours de la zone des Prairies ‘Club’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-prairie-zone-club/

Concours de la zone des Prairies ‘Individuel’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-prairie-zone-individual/

 

2022 Concours Canada: Mon pays

Ce concours s’est terminé le 30 mars 2022. En tout, 869 images ont été soumises: 240 par les clubs et 629 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

Concours Canada: Mon pays ‘Club’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-canada-my-country-club/

Concours Canada: Mon pays ‘Individuel’ – https://capacanada.ca/competition-winners-2022-canada-my-country-individual/

Competition News Update – April 2022 – Nouvelles des concours

Competition News Update

2022 Series of Four Photos Competition

This competition closed on February 15, 2022. A total of 836 images were submitted (180 from clubs & 656 from individual CAPA members) into this competition.

You can view the winning images here:

 

2022 Monochrome Competition

For this competition, we had a total of 1,060 images (291 from clubs & 770 from individual CAPA members).

You can view the winning images here:

 

2022 Annual Photo Challenge

This competition is now open for images to be uploaded and competition closes on May 4th, 2022.

You can view the competition details here – https://capacanada.ca/2022-annual-photo-challenge/

 

2022 – 2023 Competitions Now Posted On CAPA Website

We have posted our 2022 – 2023 competition cycle on the Current Competitions website. You can view this webpage here – https://capacanada.ca/capa-competitions/current-competitions-2/

For this cycle we have removed some recent competitions and introduced a few new competitions such as Fall/Winter, Photo Journalism and a unique Annual Photo Challenge (Portrait) only for Individual CAPA members.

Based on suggestions received, we developed the Fall/Winter competition to replace our traditional Open competition. The themes for this competition reflect life living in Canada.

In addition, the Nature/Wildlife theme definitions has been updated based on suggestions received.

For the Fall Monochrome we have added the Still Life theme as this genre is becoming more popular based on recent submissions.

For the Canada: My Country competition, we have reduced the number of themes (13 – 10 provinces & 3 territories) to five zones.

The 2023 Annual Photographic (Portrait) Challenge contains two themes. CAPA medals will be awarded for each of these themes.

Only other notable change is that we have reduced the maximum number of submitted images for most competitions from 4 to 3. Details of this change is included in the respective competitions.

Des nouvelles des concours

2022 Série de quatre photos

Ce concours s’est terminé le 15 février 2022. En tout, 836 images ont été soumises: 180 par les clubs et 656 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

 

2022 Concours Monochrome

Pour ce concours nous avons reçu 1060 images: 291 images par les clubs et 770 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

 

2022 Défi photo annuel

Ce concours est actuellement ouvert au téléchargement de vos images et ferme le 4 mai 2022

Vous pouvez lire les détails du concours sur ce lien – https://capacanada.ca/2022-annual-photo-challenge/

 

2022 – 2023 La description des concours est accessible sur le site Web de l’ACAP

Nous avons mis en ligne sur notre site Web la description des concours pour le cycle 2022-2023. Vous pouvez consulter cette page sur ce lien – https://capacanada.ca/capa-competitions/current-competitions-2/

Pour ce cycle, nous avons retiré des concours récents et ajouté quelques nouveaux concours comme ‘Automne/Hiver’, ‘Photo journalisme’ et, pour les membres individuels seulement, une version unique du ‘Défi photo annuel (portrait)’.

En réponse aux suggestions reçues, nous avons développé le concours ‘Automne/Hiver’ pour remplacer la version traditionnelle du concours ‘Thème libre’. Les thèmes de ce concours reflètent ce qu’est ‘vivre au Canada’

De plus, les thèmes du concours ‘Nature/Vie sauvage’ ont été revus en réponse aux suggestions reçues.

Nous avons ajouté le thème ‘Nature morte’ au concours ‘Monochrome’ car ce genre de photos devient plus populaire d’après les photos soumises récemment.

Le nombre de thèmes du concours ‘Canada: Mon pays’ a été réduit de 13 ( 10 provinces et 3 territoires) à 5 zones.

Le ‘Défi photo annuel (portrait) 2023’ comporte deux thèmes. Des médailles de l’ACAP seront attribuées pour chaque thème.

 Le dernier point important est que le nombre maximum de photos pouvant être soumises a été réduit de 4 à 3 pour la plupart des concours. Les détails sont disponibles dans la description des concours.

Competition News Update – February 2022 – Nouvelles des concours

February 2022 Competition News Update

2022 Curves & Lines Competition

 

This competition had 944 images submitted (261 from clubs & 683 from individual CAPA members).

 

You can view the winning images here:

 

 

Competitions Now Open For Submission of Images

 

Février 2022 Nouvelles des concours

2022 Concours Courbes et lignes

 

Les images soumises à ce concours sont au nombre de 944, 261 par les clubs et 683 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.

 

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens:

 

 

Concours maintenant ouverts à la soumission d’images

 

Competition updates – January 2022 – Nouvelles des concours

January 2022 – Competition Updates

2021 Fall Open Competition 

 

This competition had 1,207 images submitted (305 from clubs & 902 from individual CAPA members). 

 

You can view the winning images here: 

 

 

 

2021 Smartphone Competition 

For this competition, we had 499 images submitted (197 from club & 302 from individual CAPA members). 

 

Winning images can be viewed here: 

 

 

 

Competitions Now Open For Submission of Images 

 

 

 

 

Janvier 2022 – Nouvelles des concours

2021 Concours Thème libre d’automne

 

Les images soumises à ce concours sont au nombre de 1207, 305 par les clubs et 902 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP.  

 

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens: 

 

 

 

2021 Concours Téléphone intelligent et tablette 

Les images soumises à ce concours sont au nombre de 499, 197 par les clubs et 302 par les membres individuels de l’ACAP. 

 

Vous pouvez visionner les images gagnantes sur ces liens: 

 

 

 

Concours maintenant ouverts à la soumission d’images

 

 

 

 

Competition Updates – November 2021 – Nouvelles des concours

November 2021 – Competition Updates

2021 Nature/Wildlife Competition 

 

The final competition report has been approved for this competition and the winning images can be viewed: 

 

 

 

A total of 988 images were submitted into this competition (Club 249 & Individual 739). 

Thirty-one new individual CAPA members participated in this competition for the first time. 

 

Final competition report is no longer being sent out to entrants.  To view the report, entrant must first log into the CAPA website and select the Competition Reports from the Competitions dropdown menu.  Once the Competition Reports window is presented, the respective club or individual report can be selected for viewing. 

 

Reminder of Closing Competition 

 

 

 

Competitions Now Open For Uploading  

 

 

 

Expanded Competition Team 

 

We have increased the members of our CAPA Competition team to include: 

 

Assistant Director of Competitions – Cheryl Bramble  

 

Pre-screening Committee – Rod Trider, Cheryl Bramble and Sue Olsen 

 

Awards Preparation Team – Lois DeEll and David Voth 

CAPA Award Designer – Leah Gray 

Novembre 2021 – Nouvelles des concours

2021 concours Nature/Vie sauvage 

 

Le rapport final du concours a été approuvé et les images gagnantes peuvent être visionnées : 

 

 

 

En tout, 988 images ont été soumises à ce concours, 249 par les clubs et 739 par les membres individuels. Trente et un nouveaux membres individuels ont participé à ce concours pour une première fois. 

 

Le rapport final d’un concours n’est plus envoyé aux participants. Pour consulter un rapport, les participants doivent se connecter au site Web de l’ACAP et sélectionner ‘Competition Reports’ depuis l’onglet ‘Competitions’. Lorsque la page des rapports des concours (‘Competition Reports window’) s’affiche, sélectionnez le rapport, club ou individuel, du concours qui vous intéresse. 

 

Concours qui se terminent – rappel 

 

 

 

Concours maintenant ouverts au téléchargement  

 

 

 

L’équipe des concours s’est agrandie 

 

Nous avons augmenté le nombre de membres dans l’équipe des concours de l’ACAP : 

 

Directeur adjoint des concours – Cheryl Bramble  

 

Comité de présélection– Rod Trider, Cheryl Bramble et Sue Olsen 

 

Équipe de préparation des prix – Lois DeEll et David Voth 

Concepteur des prix de l’ACAP – Leah Gray 

June 2018

Our monthly Competition News is aimed at providing all CAPA members and camera clubs with timely information relating to our competitions.

For this month, we have included information below under the appropriate title.

2018 Close-Up Competition

This competition was extremely popular and many outstanding images were submitted:

1 – Club category: 162 image from 25 clubs

2 – Individual category: 248 images from 63 CAPA members

Many thanks to the three CAPA judges: Sunchie Yang, Bharat Mistry and Leonie Holmes.

For the Club category, three camera clubs received CAPA medals:

1 – Gold Medal – Toronto Digital Photography Club 

2 – Silver Medal – Richmond Hill Camera Club

3 – Bronze Medal – Burnaby Photographic Society

You can view the  winning images on our Winners – Club webpage here.

CAPA members were also awarded CAPA medals for the individual category: 

1 – Gold Medal – Rick McKenzie of Dundas, Ont.

2 – Silver Medal – Lance Gitter of Thornhill, Ont.

3 – Bronze Medal – Yun Wang of Burlington, Ont.

You can check out their winning images on our Winners – Individual webpage here.

The final competition reports have been loaded onto our website.  You can be view these reports only after logging into the website with your username/password and by selecting the Competition Reports option on the Competitions dropdown menu.  If you cannot see the Competition Reports submenu then you are still not logged into the website.  

Each of these reports are now in our new bilingual format.  This format will continue to be enhanced and we seek your suggestions on how it can be improved.

Uploaded Presentation Photographs

Over the past few months, we have received and uploaded photographs of entrants being awarded their CAPA Awards.  You can check out these photographers below by selecting the respective hyperlink:

If you have a presentation photograph which has not yet been uploaded to our website, please forward the image and details to our Director of Competitions at competitions@capacanada.ca.

Importance Of Reading & Complying With All Competition Details

In the past few months, we have had four different categories of image disqualifications: 

A – watermark contained on a submitted image;

B – name of the photographer on the lower right corner of the image;

C – same image was submitted in both the ‘individual’ and ‘club’ categories of competition 

D – submitted image had previously received a CAPA award

To avoid the embarrassment of having your image disqualified, it is important that you ready and comply with all the details on the respective competition page prior to submitting your images into a CAPA competition.  Each competition page also has a hyperlink to our CAPA Eligibility Criteria  and the details of this webpage must also be adhered to. 

If you are unsure of your images has received a CAPA award or wondering if your image is acceptable for a competition, you can email our Director of Competitions at competitions@capacanada.ca.

2018 Four Nations Competition – Selected 80 Top Images 

We have selected the top 80 images for CAPA’s submission to the international 2018 Four Nations Competition.  

These images were selected from our top images from our October 2017 – April 2018 competitions.  The noted selection was made by three separate teams of CAPA judges.

The photographer of each selected image has been contacted and they have us their permission to include their image in this competition. 

All images will be uploaded on June 24, 2018.  During the summer, all submitted images from Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa will be judged by three internationally recognized judges.

Competition results will be received sometime prior to September 1, 2018.  

Forthcoming 2018-2019 Competition Cycle

We have posted on our competition for the 2018 -2019 competition cycle and they can be viewed here.  Check on our Competition News in September 2018 for any changes or enhancements to these competitions.

 Questions, Suggestions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of CAPA competitions, please email our Director of Competitions at competitions@capacanada.ca.