15th Edition of DJ memorial Photography Contest

15th Edition – DJ Memorial Photography Contest 2026 (DJMPC)


Official Rules & Regulations


1. Acceptance of Rules
By submitting an entry to the DJ Memorial Photography Contest 2026 (“Contest”), each entrant (“Entrant”) agrees to be bound by these Rules & Regulations and warrants that all information provided is true and accurate.


2. Eligibility

  • The Contest is open to individuals worldwide unless otherwise restricted by applicable law.
  • Entrants must have completed 18 years of age and they may be irrespective of gender.

3. Contest Themes
Entries must be submitted under the following categories:

  1. Wild Portraits – Images depicting wild animals in their natural habitat, emphasizing character or expression. Images depicting Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Arachnids, and Insects are also allowed.
  2. Naturescapes – Landscapes, natural environments with no human presence. Animals in the habitat are permitted in the category.
  3. Aerial View – Images captured from an elevated perspective, including Drone, Helicopter, Aeroplane/Aircraft.

4. Entry Submission

  • There is no entrance fee to participate in DJMPC
  • Entries must be submitted only via the official website: www.djmpc.in
  • Each contestant may submit up to 15 images for the contest.
  • All entries must include a title. Entries labelled “Untitled” will be disqualified.
  • Entrants must provide accurate contact details. Organizer shall not be responsible for undelivered communications.

5. Technical Requirements

  • File format: JPEG only
  • Maximum file size: 5 MB
  • Resolution: 1920 pixels on the longest side
  • Colour space: sRGB or Adobe RGB
  • No borders, watermarks, or identifying marks
  • EXIF data must be intact and unaltered
  • Black and White images are allowed

6. Permissible Editing
The following adjustments are permitted provided they do not misrepresent reality:

  • Exposure, contrast, colour correction
  • Cropping, sharpening, noise reduction
  • Minor dust spot removal

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to generate or alter content
  • Adding, removing, cloning, or manipulating subjects or elements
  • Any alteration that misleads or deceives the viewer

7. Content Restrictions
The following submissions are not permitted:

  • Images featuring captive, domestic, or farm animals, pets, or caged birds
  • Images involving human interference, baiting, or artificial setups
  • Trap camera images
  • Images that have previously received awards in any edition of DJMPC

Exception:
Nesting bird images are permitted only in the Aerial View category if captured without disturbance via drone.


8. Legal Compliance (Drone & Wildlife)
Entrants are solely responsible for ensuring that all images are captured in compliance with applicable laws, including but not limited to drone regulations and wildlife protection laws. Organizer shall not be liable for any violations.


9. Copyright & License

  • The Entrant retains full copyright ownership of all submitted images.
  • By entering the Contest, the Entrant grants the organizer a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use the images for:
    • Promotional materials
    • Exhibitions
    • Publications, including calendars and brochures
  • Proper credit will be given wherever reasonably possible.
  • Images will not be sold to third parties without the Entrant’s explicit consent.

10. Representations & Warranties

  • They are the sole creator and copyright owner of the submitted images
  • The submission does not infringe any third-party rights
  • Necessary permissions (model/property releases, if applicable) have been obtained

11. Judging & Awards

  • Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, technical excellence, and adherence to theme.
  • The decision of the jury shall be final and binding.
  • Organizer reserve the right to withhold awards if entries do not meet the required standards.

12. Shortlisting & Verification
Shortlisted Entrants must provide:

  • Original RAW files
  • High-resolution TIFF files

Failure to provide required files within the stipulated time will result in disqualification. Organizer reserve the right to verify authenticity using any means deemed appropriate.


13. Disqualification
Entries may be disqualified at any stage if:

  • Rules are violated
  • False or misleading information is provided
  • Image manipulation breaches guidelines
  • Required verification materials are not submitted in time

14. Liability & Indemnity

  • Organizer shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or claims arising from participation.
  • Entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organizer from any third-party claims related to submitted images.

15. Data Protection
Personal information collected will be used solely for Contest administration and communication. Organizer will not share personal data with third parties without consent, except as required by law.


16. Force Majeure
Organizer shall not be responsible for failure to perform obligations due to events beyond their reasonable control, including natural disasters, government restrictions, or technical failures.


17. Right to Amend
Organizer reserve the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Contest or amend these Rules at any time without prior notice.


18. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Rules shall be governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.


19. Communication
All official communication will be conducted via email (info@djmpc.in). Entrants are responsible for checking their email, including spam folders.


20. Prize Money Details
There will be First Prize of INR 2 Lakhs in each category, second prize carries INR 1 Lakh in each category and Ten Certificate of Merit Winners carrying cash prize INR 10,000 in all the categories. Total Prize Money is INR 12 Lakhs.


21. Post-Processing guidelines:

  • Image can be cropped as long as it does not alter the key elements of the image
  • Basic image adjustments such as minor exposure, brightness/contrast and tone adjustment are permitted.
  • Dodging, burning, adding/removal of objects in the image are not permitted.
  • Minor dust spots removal is permitted.

© DJ Memorial Photography Contest