2025 NTD 5th International Photography Competition
Purpose of the Competition
The NTD International Photography Competition is one of several arts and culture initiatives organized by New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television. This competition promotes cultural and artistic exchange among photographers worldwide. By showcasing photographs that focus on kindness, beauty, and naturalism, it celebrates traditional values and aesthetics. It also provides photographers with an excellent global platform to showcase their talent, share their photographs with a broader audience, and contribute to preserving a cultural heritage.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all photographers from around the world at any stage of their careers.
Theme of the Entries
There are no restrictions on the overall themes or subjects of the entries. However, each piece must convey the concepts of kindness, beauty, luminosity, and naturalism. Each entry must have its own unique title; untitled works will have points deducted from their thematic score during the judging process.
Categories
This competition is divided into two categories. Each participant may submit up to 4 photographs per category, with a total submission limit of 8 photographs. All entries must be original works that have not won awards in other public competitions.
Category A – Social Relations and Humanity
This category includes human life and portraits in natural settings, folk culture, humor, human interactions with animals and humans in their environment. Adjustments to brightness, color balance, and sharpness are allowed, provided the final result appears natural. Elements in content must not be added, removed, or modified.
Category B – Nature and Landscape
This category includes scenes and objects in their natural state, architecture, and landscapes. Adjustments to brightness, color balance, and sharpness are allowed, but the final result must maintain a natural appearance. Photographs with altered characteristics, additions, removals, or modified content through post-processing will not be accepted.
Submission Guidelines
Photo Submission Requirements
1. Format: JPG format submitted online. If online submission is not possible, entries may be submitted via email. Each file must be between 1 MB and 4 MB. Entries that do not meet this size requirement will not be accepted.
2. AI-generated photos are not accepted.
3. Description: Each submitted work must have a title.
4. Registration Fee: $25 (maximum of 4 entries per category, up to 8 entries in total).
Awards and Recognition
Gold Award: 1 winner per category (2 total), each receiving US$5,000 or equivalent value in photography equipment/products, and a certificate.
Silver Award: 2 winners per category (4 total), each receiving US$2,500 or equivalent value in photography equipment/products, and a certificate.
Bronze Award: 3 winners per category (6 total), each receiving US$1,000 or equivalent value in photography equipment/products, and a certificate.
Excellence Award: 10 winners per category (20 total), each receiving US$300 or equivalent value in photography equipment/products, and a certificate.
Exclusive Interview: Gold Award winners will be granted an exclusive interview on NTD Television’s media platform. Other winners will be featured in news reports, social media, and other platforms.
Registration and Procedures
1. Application Submission
1）Deadline: All registration materials and fees must be received by the Organizing Committee by July 31, 2025
2）Application Materials：
– Application Form: Download and complete the registration form.
– Entry Information: Each entry must have a clear and unique title.
– Visa Support (if applicable): Applicants requiring a U.S. visa to attend the awards ceremony should indicate this on the application form. Finalists will receive an official invitation letter and visa-support documents.
Download the registration form
Pen Name: Contestants may use a pen name in addition to their legal name. During and after the competition, the pen name will be used for publicity purposes, such as publications and media coverage.
– Payment Instructions: Checks should be made payable to New Tang Dynasty with the note “The 5th NTD International Photography Competition”.
3）Submission Methods:
– Online Registration:
– Email Registration: Applicants unable to register online can download the form, complete it, and email it to [email protected] with the subject line “The 5th NTD International Photography Competition Application”
4）Retention of Materials: Applicants are advised to keep copies of all registration materials, as they will not be returned. The Organizing Committee is not responsible for undelivered registration materials.
2. Finalists
1）Notification of Finalists: Finalists will be notified via email no later than August 30, 2025.
2）Submission of Original Photographs: Finalists must submit their original photographs by registered mail by September 30, 2025. Specific instructions will be provided in the notification. Finalists are required to provide the original digital file/negative.
3）Liability for Damage: Finalists bear full responsibility for any damage or loss of their original photographs during shipping. The Organizing Committee will have up to 10 days to inspect the photographs after receipt.
4）Submission Methods:
– With Frame
– Without Frame (finalists will be required to pay for framing, estimated at $50).
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected].
3. Award Ceremony, Exhibition, and Other Arrangements
1）Online Exhibition: Finalist works will be displayed on the NTD website, the competition website, and other associated platforms.
2）Exhibition: Finalist works will be exhibited at New York City in January 2026. (Exact venue and dates to be announced later).
3）Award Ceremony: The awards ceremony will take place at New York City (Exact venue and dates to be announced later).
4）Schedule: A detailed schedule of exhibition-related events will be announced in advance.
4. Handling of Original Photographs After the Exhibition
Non-Return Policy: After the exhibition, original photographs will not be returned to the contestants.
5. Accommodation and Transportation
1）Finalists are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation.
2）The Organizing Committee will recommend hotels near the venue, where the awards ceremony and related events will take place.
6. Copyright
1）Ownership of Copyrights: Contestants retain the copyright and related rights of their submitted works. Their registration in the 5th NTD International Photography Competition serves as the legal basis for this copyright. The Organizing Committee assumes no legal responsibility for issues caused by a contestant’s negligence, whether intentional or unintentional.
2）Reproduction Rights: The Organizing Committee reserves the right to reproduce the finalists’ photographs. If photographs are reproduced according to the relevant contracts, contestants may be entitled to royalties.