Bored Panda reached out to the organizers, who kindly explained more about the judging process:
“This is something we use when we judge, a process that always fills us with excitement:
Gold: This is best reserved for images that leap from the page. ‘WOW’ should ideally fill your head when you see the picture. Typically, these are conceptually powerful, visually stunning, and immaculately finished pieces that give you goosebumps.
Silver: Near masterpieces that explore the subject with fresh eyes. Stirring imagery, captivating composition, and a lovely play of light are some traits worth considering.
Bronze: Images that pique your imagination and capture the moments beautifully with a level of finesse that’s hard to ignore.
Finalist: Technically, a great shot. Aesthetically, good. And emotionally satisfying.”
“We are very pleased with the way we judge the work. All images are given a number, and no information is given about the photographer or the country he/she is from. This has helped keep the judging very transparent.”
Organizers also touched on the subject of AI: “At One Eyeland, we have started accepting AI images on our website. This is a separate curated gallery with just AI work, not mixed with the curated photo gallery. As photographers, we need to know where the future is heading and adapt quickly."
Organizers continued by sharing what the photographers have won: “Last year, we awarded US$2500 to the top photographer, but this year, we are offering three cash prizes: US$1250, US$1000, and US$750 for the top three photographers in each of our Top 10 contests. We are also very strict about not allowing AI-created work in any of the entries in our photo contests.
We plan to include a few more genres in the Top 10 contests this year, but we have not decided yet. The total cash prize for 2024 is currently US$41,000.”
They also added: “We are getting 4.5 million page views a month as traffic.”
#10 "Fire's Fury: The Historic Eruption" By Enrique Barquet
#11 "Double Arches" By Wai Nok Cheng
