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Submission Rules

Submission Process & Limits

  • Photos must be submitted through the online application form before the deadline (All deadlines are in CET/CEST if timezone is not specified).
  • You may choose a maximum of two categories and submit one unique photograph per category in a single application. Submission of the same photo to multiple categories is not allowed.

Photography & Content Rules

  • Both digital and film photography are accepted. The base image must be captured by a camera. Fully AI-generated images (e.g., text-to-image prompts) are strictly prohibited.
  • There are no restrictions on when the photo was taken. Photos that have won other contests are eligible, provided you have not signed away exclusive usage rights.
  • The photo must feature at least one human in cosplay and clearly show the costume is worn. Original characters (OC) are allowed. Pet-only cosplay is not eligible.
  • The physical costume must exist in reality. Digital generation or addition of costume pieces, props, or makeup is prohibited.
  • Submissions must not contain violent, pornographic, explicitly sexual, or hate-speech content. All photography must comply with standard public community safety guidelines (equivalent to public social media standards; e.g., no explicit acts or explicit nudity).
    • Category Exemption ("Chili Jam"): Tasteful, character-driven boudoir photography is permitted exclusively within the "Chili Jam" category. Submissions in this category may explore mature themes, but must remain strictly non-explicit and abide by the general safety guidelines outlined above.
  • Photographs must not contain added photographer or model watermarks, logos, signatures, borders, frames, or other graphic elements which make identification possible. In-universe costume logos or incidental background signage are permitted.

Originality, Editing & AI Guidelines

  • Post-processing and retouching may only be performed by the photographer or a person appearing in the photograph. Outsourcing to third-party digital artists is strictly prohibited. If a model retouched the photos, it must be disclosed on submission.
  • Combining multiple distinct photographs into a visible layout, grid, or collage is prohibited. Photographic compositing techniques (e.g., HDR, focus stacking) are permitted. Exception is the "Narrative Sequence" category, where it's the requirement.
  • Minor AI generative adjustments for retouching (e.g., blending wig hairlines, removing flyaway hairs, adding minor atmospheric elements) are permitted. AI must not be used to generate the parts of the primary costume, generate the background, or change the core creative intent.
  • All elements modified with AI must be disclosed. If AI retouching tools were used (to retouch skin for example) they must be disclosed.
  • If third-party stock assets are used, you must hold the proper commercial license, and this must be disclosed upon submission.

Categories

Each category might have their own submission rules

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • All visual elements must be practical, physically captured at the time of exposure.
  • The use of 3D-rendered, AI-generated, or digitally constructed elements is not permitted.
  • Minor compositing of photographed elements is allowed.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • The setting must be an outdoor landscape or cityscape.
  • Indoor environments are not permitted. Exception: large industrial spaces that create a landscape-like sense of scale and environment.
  • The environment must be equally or more visually prominent than the cosplayer.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • The photo must feature visible smoke, fog, or other atmospheric effects as a key element.
  • Atmospheric effects may be practical, digitally composited, or created in post-processing.
  • Naturally occurring atmospheric effects (mist, fog, haze) are permitted.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • 2D and 3D compositing techniques are permitted.
  • The submitted image must combine two or more elements which are photographed in-camera or rendered in 3D.
  • Subjects used as background elements may be created in 3D or composited.
  • If third-party stock assets are used, you must hold the proper commercial license, and this must be disclosed upon submission.
  • Backgrounds generated with AI tools are not permitted.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • Submissions must consist of 3-5 photographs arranged in a single vertical sequence that tells a cohesive story.
  • Single-image submissions are not accepted as well as more than 5 photographs stacks.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • Only images created with sunlight or naturally occurring ambient light is allowed. Artificial lights, candles, sparks, flares, flashes are prohibited.
  • Reflected or shaded sunlight using reflectors, bounces, shades is allowed. Moon light as a reflected light of sun is allowed.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • Color must be a deliberate, central creative decision — not merely a result of the costume, props, or set.
  • Selective color techniques (black-and-white with isolated color accents) are not permitted.

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.

Category Submission Rules

  • Artificial lighting must be the primary or sole light source — images dominated by natural or ambient light are not permitted.

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.

Category Submission Rules

This is a very special category, and we have to draw a not that straight line. So the list is huge.

Limitations

Please note that all rules which limit “nipple freedom” apply to every subject regardless of gender.

  • No explicit sexual acts No simulated or real sexual behavior.

  • No full explicit exposure No genital, explicit frontal nudity, or graphic anatomical focus.

  • No exposed nipples, no transparent or semi-transparent nipple covers Anything that reveals detail or mimics full exposure.

  • No designs intended to simulate nudity Example: Chest prosthetics with exposed nipples or extremely minimal tape or shapes placed to imply uncovered areas.

  • No violent themes No bondage, choking, or non-consensual themes.

  • No imagery implying restraint, captivity, or bondage, involving physical control, restriction of movement, or domination/submission dynamics, restraining Shibari, or rope patterns that clearly reference bondage practices. Whether aesthetic, stylized, or non-functional

  • No characters depicted as minors No childlike versions, school uniforms implying underage characters.

  • No props used to simulate sexual activity or fetish Whips, gags, restraints, explicit fetish props.

  • No Latex masks or head coverings Anything that fully covers the face or resembles a fetish mask.

  • No adult-platform promotion No watermarks, names or objects in the frame linking to OnlyFans/Fansly/etc.

Conditionally Allowed

  • Implied and partial nudity and tasteful body focus Example: covered silhouettes, sheets, strategic posing, bare backs, cleavage, legs, shoulders, waistlines, silhouettes, booty.

  • Latex outfits which are not considered fetish suites Full-body or partial latex; form-fitting or shiny latex matching the character’s design is fine as long as it does not simulate nudity or fetish oriented. Might be semi transparent if nipples and genitals are covered.

  • Creative body taping that ensures full nipple coverage Geometric or artistic taping that functions like lingerie or swimsuit coverage. Tape patterns as long as the coverage is unmistakable and non-transparent.

  • Rope used purely as decorative costume elements Example: rope accents on an outfit, stylized wraps that function like accessories as long as it is not binding, restraining, or suggestive of restraint.

  • Sheer or mesh fabrics, translucency and wet-look Example: sheer fabrics or wet clothing that reveal the silhouette or nipple shape without exposing skin/areola details. Excluding extreme zooms, devoid of wider artistic context.

  • Skin-colored lingerie or clothing Allowed, as long as it provides full coverage and does not used to simulate nudity.