Description
JASFOTS Photo Award 2026 — Uchumarca is a public open call focused on the district of Uchumarca (Province of Bolívar, La Libertad, Peru). We invite photographers of all levels to share images that reveal the place with honesty and intention—its people, traditions, architecture, landscape, and everyday life. Photography is not a neutral copy of reality: every frame is a choice, and every choice is authorship. This edition exists to give visibility to territories that rarely receive it, and to build a respectful visual record that can travel beyond borders without losing context. Technical perfection is not the objective: we evaluate intention, storytelling, and cultural respect first.
- Open to everyone (all levels).
- Theme: Uchumarca District (Bolívar, La Libertad — Peru).
- 1–2 photographs per submission.
- Only photographs taken from 1 January 2024 onwards.
- Two official submission methods: Instagram DM to @jasfots (fastest) or the web form on jasfots.com.
- Deadline: 15 Jun 2026, 23:59 (Peru time, UTC−5).
- To participate, you must follow @jasfots; this does not affect the judging, but it is a requirement for participation.
Timeline
15 Mar 2026, 13:00
Open call
15 Jun 2026, 14:00
Submission deadline
20 Jun 2026, 14:00
Jury deliberation / review (week)
04 Jul 2026, 14:00
Results published
Prizes
First Prize
S/ 300
Second Prize
S/ 200
Third Prize
S/ 100
Jury
Rules
- —Submit 1–2 photographs taken in Uchumarca District (Bolívar, La Libertad — Peru).
- —Eligible works must be captured from 1 January 2024 onwards.
- —Two official submission methods: Instagram DM to @jasfots (fastest) or the web form on jasfots.com.
- —Deadline: 15 Jun 2026, 23:59 (Peru time, UTC−5).
- —To participate, you must follow @jasfots; this does not affect the judging.
- —Copyright remains with the author; JASFOTS receives a non-exclusive license for contest communication and cultural dissemination (always credited).
Eligibility & Location
This open call is public and welcomes photographers of all levels. Eligible photographs must be captured within the District of Uchumarca (Province of Bolívar, La Libertad, Peru). Images must be respectful and truthful in context. If a recognizable person appears, especially minors, you must have their consent (or a guardian’s consent for minors).
Capture Date (2024+)
Only photographs captured from 1 January 2024 onwards are eligible. We may verify capture dates through available metadata (EXIF) or by requesting additional context when needed. If metadata is unavailable (e.g., some messaging apps remove it), the author’s declaration in the submission message will be used.
What to Submit
Submit 1–2 photographs. Any device is allowed (smartphone, compact camera, DSLR). For each image, you must include: (1) location within Uchumarca (sector/community if possible), (2) capture date (2024+), and (3) a short context/story (1–3 lines). Technical perfection is not required; we value intention, storytelling, and cultural respect first.
How to Submit (Instagram + Web)
There are two official submission methods. Both are valid.
A) Instagram (fastest): Send a DM to @jasfots with 1–2 images attached. If connectivity is limited, you may send a download link (Drive/WeTransfer).
B) Web: Submit through the form on jasfots.com and upload your 1–2 images (or provide a download link).
Shortlisted authors may be asked for the original file(s) for publication quality and authorship verification.
Following Requirement
To participate, contestants must follow @jasfots. This requirement is in place for communication and transparency purposes and helps ensure the continuity of future cultural initiatives. It does not influence the jury’s decision.
Editing & AI Policy
Basic edits are allowed (crop, exposure, contrast, color balance). Heavy compositing, adding/removing elements, deceptive manipulation, or AI-generated imagery is not allowed. If your work is shortlisted, we may request original files to confirm authorship and ensure publication quality.
Judging Criteria (Rubric)
To reduce subjectivity, the jury evaluates using a rubric:
- Intention & storytelling — 40%
- Cultural insight & respect — 25%
- Composition & light — 20%
- Technical quality relative to means — 15%
Smartphone photographs are welcome and are not penalized. The goal is the strength of the photograph as an authored act.
Rights, Credits & Use
Copyright remains with the author. By entering, you grant JASFOTS a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to publish the submitted images only for contest communication and cultural dissemination (website, social media, press, exhibition), always with proper credit. Any commercial use requires a separate written agreement with the author.
FAQ
Can I submit smartphone photos?
Yes. Smartphones are welcome. We evaluate intention, storytelling, and cultural respect first.
How many photographs can I submit?
1–2 photographs per submission.
How can I submit my photographs?
Two official methods: Instagram DM to @jasfots (fastest) or the web form on jasfots.com.
Do I need to be a professional photographer?
No. This open call is for everyone, regardless of experience level.
Are photographs taken before 2024 allowed?
No. Only photographs captured from 1 January 2024 onwards are eligible.
What is the exact submission deadline time?
15 Jun 2026, 23:59 (Peru time, UTC−5).
Why do I need to follow @jasfots?
It is a participation requirement for communication and transparency. It does not affect judging.
Do you take ownership of my images?
No. You keep copyright. JASFOTS only receives a non-exclusive license to publish for contest communication and cultural dissemination, always credited.
