1. Background. The Army Photographic Competition is arranged by DCC(A) with the aim of promoting good PR photography across the Army. Entries for the Army Photographic Competition 2003/2004 will be judged in early March 2004 with the winners announced as soon as possible thereafter. The prize giving will take place in London in April 2004 before an invited audience of judges, prize winners, guests and the media. Failure to comply with the rules may result in disqualification.

2. Eligibility. The competition is open to all regular Army and TA personnel, staff and cadets of the Combined Cadet Force (Army), Army Cadet Force, University Officer Training Corps (Army), Ministry of Defence civilians and MOD contractors who work directly for the Army and their dependents.

3. Entry Dates. All photographs entered for the competition must have been taken between 22 Jan 03 and 01 Jan 04. Photographs taken before or after this period will not be eligible for entry. Entries should reach: DCC(A), SO2 (P), Room 1/20, Metropole Building, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BP by 15 Feb 04. No entries will be accepted after this date.

4. Aim. Entrants should bear in mind that the overarching purpose of the competition is to promote the Army through photography; thus, judges will be looking for images with PR potential. Guidance on the requirements for each category is given below.

5. Categories. The competition is divided into the following categories:

 Category eligibility requirements:

a. The Army Experience Open to all photographers. Best single mono or colour photograph that depicts training, operations or sport. A maximum of 3 single prints may be entered into this category.

b. Best Army Equipment Photograph Open to all photographers. Best single mono or colour photograph that shows Army equipment. A maximum of 3 single prints may be entered into this category.

c. Best Digital Award Open to all photographers. A single digitally manipulated print with an Army theme. A maximum of 3 single prints may be entered into this category

d. Soldier Magazine Award Open to all Soldier Magazine Readers. The choice of the best single photograph short-listed from monthly competition entries sent to Soldier Magazine.

e. Professional Photographer of the Year Open to full time professional Army or Civil Service photographers working for the Army. Submit a portfolio of eight mono or colour photographs with an Army theme to show versatility, creativity, composition and visual impact. Digital images are allowed. Photographs entered in other categories may be included, although this is not compulsory.
If photographs from other categories are entered, extra prints must be produced.
Prints in this category must be A4, including borders, and mounted. A maximum of 2 portfolios can be entered

f. Amateur Photographer of the Year Open to amateur photographers and their dependents from the Army, TA, ACF, CCF(Army) or OTC(Army). Submit a portfolio of six photographs with an Army theme. Photographs entered in other categories may be included, although this is not compulsory. Digital images are allowed.
If photographs from other categories are entered, extra prints must be produced.

g. Unit Award Open to amateur photographers serving with one unit.
Submit a portfolio of 8 images showing different aspects of unit life. Photographs to be taken by a minimum of 2 amateur photographers in an Army unit. Photographs taken by professional photographers are not eligible (‘professional’ is defined as anyone who is or has, at any time, been employed by the Army as a photographer.). Each photographer must enter a minimum of 2 pictures.
Photographs entered in other categories may be included, although this is not compulsory. Digital images are allowed.
If photographs from other categories are entered, extra prints must be produced.
This category is designed to encourage Army units, who do not have a professional photographer, to develop their photographic skills.
The cash prize is to be used to enhance a unit’s photographic capability and will be paid into the winning unit’s PRI. – not to individuals.
Only one portfolio per unit can be entered into this category.

h. Best Overall Image Open to all photographers. Best single image selected from all the photographs entered into the competition.
Entries should not be submitted under this category.

6. Submission. Entrants must comply with the following requirements:

a. Each entry is to be a minimum size of 5 x 7 inches up to a maximum size of A4. Photographs need not be mounted with the exception of category five (Professional Photographer of the Year), where A4 mounted prints are required.

b. Negatives or transparencies should not be entered.

c. An Entry Certificate must be attached to the reverse of each image and should identify the entrants name, official address, E-mail address, the caption/title of the image and the category number for which it is being submitted.

d. Eligibility permitting, individuals may enter as many categories as they wish provided numbers are within the maximum entries allowed for each category.

7. Prizes and Copyright. All winning entries will go on public view. The civilian and military media may use copies of the entries. Images may also be selected for inclusion in Army presentations and publications. DCC(A) shall be deemed to have the right to arrange for the publication and display of all images entered without payment or fee. If recognisable images of people appear in your entries you must have permission from them for the photograph containing their image to be published.

8. Interpretation of the Rules. DCC(A)’s decision will be final in all matters relating to the interpretation of the rules of the competition.

9. Losses or Damage. Every care will be taken of the submitted material; however, DCC(A) will not incur liability for any loss or damage, however caused. Photographs entered into the competition cannot be returned.

10. Prize Giving. Competitors with winning entries will be invited to the prize giving. Invitations will be sent out as soon as the judging is completed.

11. Questions. Questions regarding the Army Photographic Competition should be directed to DCC(A) SO2 (P) on (Mil) 9621 78653 or (Civ) 020 780 78653.