JUDGING INFORMATION

Upon submission, all applications undergo an initial screening to ensure that they are complete and include all required information and relevant documentation. Applications missing any necessary information will not proceed to the Jury for further consideration.

The Jury, carefully selected by the Visual Storytellers Fund (VSF) Trustees and advisors, plays a critical role in the selection process. The Jury convened in three sessions:

Details of the Initial Session

Comprehensive Review: The Jury convenes to conduct an in-depth review of all submitted materials. This includes applications, detailed proposals, and any accompanying photographic works. Each element is scrutinized to ensure a thorough understanding of the content and intentions behind each project.
Focus on Merit: The primary objective during this session is to assess the substantive and intellectual merits of each project. The Jury evaluates the creativity, relevance, and potential impact of the proposals in relation to the thematic areas of interest outlined by the Fund.
Rigorous Assessment: Our Jury, composed of Directors of photography,Picture editors of major publications around the world , curators and other industry leaders. They employ a rigorous evaluation methodology. This ensures that every project is judged fairly, based on its merits and alignment with our Fund’s objectives.
Selection of Finalists: Based on this detailed assessment, the Jury identifies a select group of finalists. These are the participants whose projects not only meet but potentially exceed our expectations in terms of innovation, feasibility, and alignment with the goals of our Fund.
Notification: Finalists selected from this session will be notified individually and provided with further instructions regarding the next steps in the competition process.

JUDGING INFORMATION

Overview of the Refinement Period

Interactive Jury Interviews: You will have the unique opportunity to discuss your proposal directly with the Jury members. These interviews aim to provide you with valuable insights and personalized feedback on your submission.
Feedback and Questions: The Jury will share their observations and may pose questions about your proposal. This interaction is intended to help you gain a deeper understanding of the Jury’s expectations and the criteria for assessment.
Refinement Opportunity: Post-interview, you will be allotted a brief period to refine your proposals. This is the time to incorporate the feedback received, address any questions raised during your discussions, and fine-tune your submissions.
Clarification and Strengthening: Utilize this period to clarify your vision and strengthen your proposal, ensuring that it aligns closely with the competition’s goals and the Jury’s feedback.

Selection of the final winners

Review of Refined Proposals: The Jury meticulously reviewed all updated materials, taking note of the refinements and enhancements made to each finalist's proposal. This review focused on the clarity, depth, and practicality of the updates in alignment with the Fund’s objectives.
Final Comprehensive Evaluation: Building upon the insights from previous sessions, the Jury conducted a final comprehensive evaluation to gauge the overall impact, innovation, and execution potential of each refined proposal.
Selection of Winners: At the conclusion of this thorough review, the Jury selected the overall winner along with two emerging photographers who have demonstrated remarkable potential and alignment with the Fund's vision. These individuals will receive the Fund’s prestigious awards, recognizing their exceptional talent and promising contributions to the field.
Honorable Mentions: The Jury also reserved the right to recognize projects of outstanding merit that did not secure the top awards. This year, up to 10 Honorable Mentions will be awarded. This distinction is meant to acknowledge the exceptional quality, creativity, and effort exhibited in these projects, highlighting their significance and the promise they hold.