Commonwealth Correspondents Photography Competition

Commonwealth Day 2025 (Monday, March 10) is being celebrated under the theme “Together We Thrive”. The theme celebrates the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth Family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. Rooted in the principles of family, unity and peace, the theme highlights the importance of fostering strong and connected communities that support and empower their members, enabling meaningful progress.

In celebration of this theme, the Commonwealth Correspondents Network (YourCommonwealth) will host a photography competition for its members. Photographers are encouraged to capture moments of connection, teamwork, and solidarity, whether in nature, society, or personal relationships.

⁠1. Categories for Submissions:

Photographs may be submitted under five categories:

1. Community and Collaboration: Showcase how groups or communities come together to create something impactful or meaningful.

1. Nature and Environment: Highlight the symbiotic relationships in nature, where different species or elements thrive together.

1. Diversity and Inclusion: Depict diverse groups of people working, supporting, or growing together in harmony.

1. Personal Connections: Capture intimate, personal moments that reflect human connection, whether familial, romantic, or platonic.

• Abstract or Conceptual: Creative interpretations of the theme through innovative or abstract photography.

2. Guidelines for Submission:

1. Composition: The photograph should creatively express the theme through its subject matter, composition, and visual storytelling. Look for ways to symbolize the idea of “thriving together,” whether through shared resources, mutual support, or intertwined lives.

1. Emotion and Impact: Strong emotional resonance is encouraged. Whether it’s joy, love, struggle, or hope, the photograph should evoke the feelings of unity and growth.

1. Technological Elements: Post-processing is allowed, but the essence of the theme should remain clear. Creative editing that enhances the storytelling is encouraged, but avoid distorting the original message.

1. Visual Metaphors: Use visual symbols like hands joining, plants growing together, intertwined paths, or shared meals to represent togetherness and mutual flourishing.

⁠3. Judging Criteria

1. Relevance to Theme: How well does the image convey the message of “together we thrive”? Is the connection between subjects evident? – 40%

1. Originality: Is the approach fresh and unique? Does the photograph bring a new perspective or interpretation of unity and growth? – 20%

1. Composition and Technical Excellence: Strong use of lighting, framing, focus, and color. Technical skill in capturing a high-quality image. – 20%

1. Emotional Impact: Does the image evoke a strong emotional response? Is there a palpable sense of connection, harmony, or mutual success? – 20%

4. Submission Rules

1. Photographs must be original works and should not have been previously submitted to other competitions.

1. Photographer must be a Commonwealth Correspondent

1. Image specifications:
   1. File format:       jpeg / jpg
   1. File size:              500 kb (min), 3 Mb (max)
   1. Resolution:       300 dpi

1. Maximum two entries per photographer.

• The deadline for submissions is midnight GMT on April 30, 2025

• Entries should be emailed to editor.youthblog@gmail.com

• Submissions should include a brief (50-100 words) description of the image and how it ties to the theme “Together We Thrive.”

• Participants must agree to allow their image to be used for promotional purposes if selected (with credits, of course!).

1. Participants may be asked to submit raw image files upon request, particularly if there are any questions about the integrity of the submission.

• Naming Convention for File Submission: Category_LastName_FirstName_Title.jpeg

5. Prizes

1. First Prize  –                A £100.00 voucher & a potential feature on a

Commonwealth platform

1. Second Prize            A £50.00 voucher & honorable mention on a

Commonwealth platform.