Photography Competition Guidelines

SLATE: A Different View

Dinorwig Quarry

ENTERING THE COMPETITION

Find out everything you need to know about entering photos into the Slate: A Different View here.

Be sure to also read the rules before submitting your photos.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

Slate: A Different View Competition has been created for an exhibition at the National Slate Museum between May and December 2023 and to raise awareness of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site. Some of the breathtaking views of our slate landscape and its people have become very familiar - this competition seeks to find different, unique or unusual perspectives.

CATEGORIES AND THEMES

There are 2 age categories in the competition:

  • Young Photographer: 18 years and under (18 or under on 31.08.23)
  • Adult Category: open to photographers aged 18 years and over.

There are 3 themes:

  • Monumental
    Images which reflect the awe-inspiring and extraordinary nature of the slate landscape
  • Innovative
    Images which reflect the trail-blazing / pioneering nature of the industry
  • Community
    Images which reflect the people and places which make the slate communities special

SUBMITTING PHOTOS

  • You may submit up to 10 photos in total.
  • You may submit the same image into more than one category.
  • You may submit a series of 4-6 photos which tell a story on any of the themes.
  • There is no time limit on when a photo had to be taken to enter it, and photos can have been previously published. We’re looking for contemporary photos taken anytime from 2021 onwards (the year that the World Heritage designation was awarded).
  • Colour and black and white images can be entered into all of the categories.
  • Label your images with title and your name. (Competition entries will be judged anonymously)
  • Include a short description of the image with location taken, background, date etc. (No more than 100 words)
  • Please keep original files of your photos.
  • Send your photographs to llechi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

FILE REQUIREMENTS

Entries should be submitted as JPEGs or PDF files saved at a medium resolution. However, please ensure that the original resolution is as high as possible to be reproduced for the exhibition, especially if taking photos with your phone. If your image is selected for the exhibition you will need to provide a Hi resolution JPEG file or TIFF file.

DIGITAL ADJUSTMENTS

A limited number of digital adjustments to photos are permitted providing they comply with the competition's principles of authenticity and so do not misrepresent the reality of the image. These include:

  • tone adjustments / contrast adjustments / cropping / sharpening
  • noise reduction / minor cleaning work / HDR / stitched panoramas/ focus stacking

SAFETY

Please be careful when visiting the World Heritage Sites:  you are responsible for ensuring full compliance with any applicable national or international legislation (including in relation to drones) and for securing any relevant permits. Please respect the unique area and prepare for any visit safely.

The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales is undoubtedly fascinating, but by its very nature can be remote, dangerous and challenging. A significant proportion of the landscape is within private ownership and some of this on land where no public access is permitted.

Before you set off to explore the slate landscape, ask yourself, am I allowed to access this site? Do I have the right gear? Do I know what the weather will be like? Do I have the knowledge and skills for the day? Go to AdventureSmart.uk to find out how to enjoy your visit safely.

PUBLICITY AND COPYRIGHT

Some winning entries included in the exhibition may be used for publicity purposes. By submitting your photos, you are giving us permission to use them for the exhibition and marketing purposes. All photos will be credited. Please ensure you hold the copyright for your submission.

HOW IS THE COMPETITION JUDGED?

  • A panel of judges will evaluate all entries.
  • Each submission will be reviewed anonymously.
  • The panel will be looking for originality, perspective and narrative.
  • Please do not submit photos which have already been awarded in other competitions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Where is the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site?
    A map showing the areas that are part of the Site can be seen here: Slate Areas | LLECHI CYMRU
     
  • Does it matter if my photo is not within the boundaries of the World Heritage Site?
    No. If your picture shows a quarry landscape, community or object in or from northwest Wales that is acceptable.
     
  • Can I submit photos taken on my phone?
    Yes - but please take them in as high a resolution as possible in case they are chosen for the exhibition.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If we haven't answered your question here, we’re happy to answer any queries you have about entering the competition. Please email llechi@gwynedd.llyw.cymru with your query.

Good luck! We'll be in touch in April 2023 if your submission is successful.