Categories
Explore our competition categories designed to showcase different aspects of cosplay photography excellence. Each category highlights unique skills and creative approaches.
Ultimate Picture of the Year
The pinnacle of cosplay photography excellence. This category celebrates the most outstanding image that combines exceptional technical skill, creative vision, and stunning execution. Your best work that showcases mastery across all aspects of cosplay photography. Winner of this category receives a custom-made physical trophy.
Jury
All members of Jury
Sponsored by
That Should be Printed
Fine art cosplay photographs created as finished art pieces, not just images for screens. This category honors photos with a timeless look, works that could be displayed in a gallery or bought by a collector. Entries should be well made, visually strong, and able to stand on their own when printed and displayed, inviting people to look at them for a long time.
Sponsored by
Landscape
Cosplay photography set against striking natural or cityscape environments. This category highlights how character and location work together to create unforgettable imagery. If your photo balances both cosplay and scenery – and you’re unsure which aspect stands out more – this is the right category.
Sponsored by
Atmospheric Arts
Master the art of atmospheric effects. This category focuses on creative use of smoke, fog, and vapor to enhance mood and drama in cosplay photography. Showcase your ability to work with challenging elements and capture fleeting moments.
Sponsored by
Compositing
Where photography meets digital artistry. This category is for images that seamlessly blend multiple photographic elements, 3D renders, or VFX to create fantastical scenes. All photographic elements must be captured or made by you, with real people as subjects.
Jury
Sponsored by
TBD
Narrative Sequence
Photography that tells a story through emotion, action, or progression. The focus is on narrative over aesthetics, drawing the viewer into a moment that suggests what’s happening and what comes next. If you’re not sure whether your image is a photo or a screenshot from a movie, this is the right category.
Sponsored by
TBD
Sunbound
Photography shaped entirely by the sun (no other light source is accepted). This category honors images that rely solely on natural illumination to define mood, texture, and character. Show how ambient light alone can create depth, atmosphere, and striking visual storytelling.
Sponsored by
Color Unleashed
This category is all about masterful use of color in cosplay photography. It honors images where color is the star. Whether through vibrant palettes, striking contrasts, or harmonious tones that enhance the character and mood. Showcase your command of color theory and grading.
Sponsored by
TBD
Sculpted Light
This category focuses on bold, intentional light shaping and dramatic lighting setups that define mood, form, and emotion. From high-contrast scenes to sculpted highlights and shadows, the image should demonstrate mastery of light as a storytelling and visual tool. If lighting is the first thing you notice and the reason the image works – this is the right category.
Sponsored by
TBD
Chili Jam
A category represents refined, mature, and alluring boudoir cosplay photography. It celebrates character-driven work that emphasizes style, atmosphere, and body aesthetics through tasteful sensuality without crossing into explicit content. This category honors photographers whose work is an important part of the cosplay scene but is often overlooked.
Sponsored by
List of categories is not final. Additional details may be announced later.