Judging Criteria

Each category is evaluated by dedicated jury members assigned specifically to that category.

Candidates for Ultimate Picture of the Year are selected from the top 10 highest-scoring photos in each category. These selected images form the final pool of candidates, from which the Ultimate Picture of the Year is chosen by collective evaluation of all jury members.

Scoring System

Each submission might receive from 50 to -15 (negative fifteen) points or discarded if completely irrelevant for a category.

Relevance to the specific category (irrelevant, relevant)

Irrelevant photos to the specific category will be discarded.

Creativity (0 to +10 points)

Storytelling elements. Appropriate and original interpretation and representation of the cosplay character.

Composition (0 to +10 points)

Use of compositional rules (do they make sense, do they add value to the photo), and the pose of the photographed person in terms of composition.

Lighting (0 to +10 points)

Creates the right atmosphere, is used appropriately, and is well-balanced (exposure).

Environment (0 to +10 points)

Use of colors, location choice, props used to decorate the environment and support storytelling. Use of special effects that enhance the story.

Interaction with the Model (0 to +10 points)

Pose, expressions, timing, preparation of the model (attention to detail).

Negative Impact of Photo Editing (0 to –15 points)

Deductions for poor editing, such as:

• Poor skin retouching or unnatural-looking skin.
• Poor hair retouching or unnatural blending of hair.
• Excessive color toning that diminishes the photo’s value.
• Excessive sharpening that harms image quality.
• Excessive added or existing noise that reduces the photo’s quality.
• Unnaturally shaped body parts due to overuse of liquify tools.
• Excessive special effects or overlays that remove value from the photo.
• Unbalanced contrast that reduces the image’s value.