' HAPPINESS '
Sometimes, happiness is loud and celebratory. At other times, it is subtle — almost invisible — hidden in light falling on a face, in a fleeting gesture, in a moment that passes before it is fully understood.
This theme invites you to go beyond the surface. To question — what does happiness look like, when no one is watching?
To feel — what does it mean, beyond what we have been taught to see?
Let your photographs not just capture, but interpret. Let them hold contradictions, nuances, and truths. Let them be honest.
In a world often drawn to spectacle, choose sensitivity. Choose stillness. Choose depth.
Through your lens, let happiness become more than an emotion — let it become a language.
Theme of the year - 'HAPPINESS'
About Theme of the year 2026
Happiness is not confined to smiles alone. It drifts through the poetry of streets, in unguarded human moments. It breathes within portraits — in eyes that speak, in silences that hold stories. It unfolds in documentary frames where truth meets tenderness. It transforms through fine art, where imagination reshapes emotion. It lingers in nature’s stillness, and runs wild in the untamed spirit of the natural world.
It is fleeting, layered, sometimes hidden — yet profoundly universal.
Through this theme, we ask you to discover happiness in its purest, most personal form. To find it in light and shadow, in chaos and calm, in the seen and the unseen.
Guidelines & Submission Process
Photographers are welcome to submit works across all genres: portraiture, wildlife, street photography, abstract, fine art, landscape, and beyond. Our expert panel of judges will look for originality, emotional impact, creativity, and technical excellence in your visual storytelling.
Submissions via the google form only.
You can upload total 10 images in any category.
One can upload in multiple catagories, but total 20 images only.
For queries, contact: visualpoetries.cfp@gmail.com
Check guidelines and FAQs before contacting.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Photograph Requirements:
Format: Digital, JPEG, RGB.
Size: Minimum 1920 px (longer side), under 10 MB.
DPI: Minimum 72 is must, maximum up to 150.
No Borders/Watermarks: Disqualified if present.
File Renaming & Captions: (compulsory)
File Name: photographername_category_originalfilename
Example: saurabhdesai_wildlifeandnature_dsc5589
Editing:
Cropping: Allowed up to 30%
Cloning and removing any elements from the frame is not allowed except sensor dust.
Multiple exposure or HDR allowed only if taken at same place, same time with same focal length.
We promote true to the scene images.
Panorama stitching is allowed.
Retouching: Basic adjustments allowed without changing the originality of the image.
Significant editing from original RAW/JPEG should be avoided.
RAW Files:
Provide original RAW or unprocessed JPEG if shortlisted.
Judging Criteria:
Judging is based on Creativity, Originality, Composition, Technical, Ethical, Artistic Considerations
Judges decision will stand final and no queries on judging will be entertained.
Jury may move entries between categories if they feel so.
Jury may declare ties.
Usage of Submitted Photos:
Organisers may use photos for promotional purposes with due credit to the photographer.
Disqualification & Conduct:
Influencing Jury: Disqualification for attempts to influence.
Confidentiality: Shortlisted participants must keep info confidential.
Results: Final results announced at the award ceremony.
In case of copyright conflicts on submitted images, the photographer is solely responsible for any legal issues by the claiming party.
If the submitted images are not properly renamed, resized or with borders and watermarks will be considered disqualified.
FAQ's
- Trouble with Submission: Contact visualpoetries.cfp@gmail.com after checking FAQs.
- Do we need to send you raw files? Only when shortlisted, photographers will be asked to submit original raw files and edited TIFF files for exhibition prints and media; if not produced the entry will be excluded.
- Can submit in multiple genre? Yes
- Can I submit all 10 images in one genre? Yes
- Please try to write description WHO-WHAT-WHY-WHERE-WHEN of the photographs.
- Deadline Extension: Not possible.
- Black and White Images: Accepted in all genre.
- Shortlisting Notification: You’ll be notified if shortlisted.
- Non-Shortlisted Images: You won’t be notified.