I’m new. What is the North Shore Challenge?
The North Shore Challenge is an open-themed photographic competition of excellence featuring images from both clubs and individuals based in British Columbia and the Yukon. Challenge 2025 culminates with a Gala Event on March 1, 2025.
How long has the North Shore Challenge been around?
The North Shore Photographic Challenge was first held in 1985. Challenge 2025 is the 40th North Shore Challenge.
When is the next North Shore Photographic Challenge?
Jan 12, 2025, 11:59 PM (Pacific): Closing date for competition submissions (Individual and Club)
Mar 1, 2025, 7:00 PM (Pacific): North Shore Challenge 2025 Gala Event on Zoom
What makes the North Shore Challenge unique?
There are two main reasons that make the North Shore Challenge unique. The first one is that this is a combined competition of images from clubs and individuals. Most competitions are either one or the other. The second compelling reason is that after all the images are shown and scores announced, each of the judges will be providing comments on three images from the Challenge including all 6 medal winners.
Can I submit an image into the North Shore Challenge that has been submitted in prior North Shore Challenges?
No, an image submitted to a past North Shore Challenge cannot be submitted into the North Shore Challenge 2025.
I have won an award in CAPA or in another photographic competition with my image. Can I still submit it to the North Shore Challenge?
Yes, it can be submitted so long as it has not been submitted to the North Shore Challenge in prior years.
Can I submit an image with my signature on it?
No, each submitted image must be free of text, signature or other elements that identify
the name of the image-maker to the viewer of the image.
Can I enter a photograph that I enhanced using generative artificial intelligence (AI)?
Images entered in Challenge 2025 will be screened for AI elements. All images found to contain elements created with generative artificial intelligence will be disqualified.
I use Topaz to edit my photos. Is that considered AI?
As Topaz software does not utilize elements scraped from the Internet, Topaz is allowed as an editing program and is not considered AI.
Are the following considered AI: enlarging the canvas, using the remove tool or content aware fill in Photoshop?
These editing techniques are not considered AI and are therefore allowed for this competition.
Is Generative Fill allowed?
No it is not. This is considered AI because it utlizes elements scraped from the Internet.
What happens to my image if it is deemed to have AI in it? Will I be able to provide a different image?
An image-maker whose image is suspected of including AI will be asked to promptly provide the original RAW or JPEG images that make up the image. Should the RAW/JPEG files not be provided or if AI is deemed to have been used, the image will automatically be disqualified from the competition and no alternate image may be substituted.
When will I know which of the 2 or 3 images I submit will proceed to the final round of the competition?
Individual submissions go through two rounds of judging. In the first round all images submitted by a photographer are scored by the judges, and the highest scoring image proceeds to the final round. Where a photographer receives the same score for more than one submitted image, the judges decide which image is to proceed to the final round. There are different judges for each round. Photographers will be advised of the score of each of their first-round images in the first half of February 2025.
If I have problems submitting my images or paying the entry fee, what do I do?
If you have questions, concerns or trouble with payment or uploading your images, please email: challenge2025@nsps.ca
What happens if one of the images I submit to the Individual category is selected by my Club to be part of the Club submission?
No single image can be included in both the Club category and Individual category. If an image already submitted to the Individual category is chosen by your club for the Club category, please email: challenge2025@nsps.ca. You will be given the opportunity to submit a substitute image to the Individual category.
If I submit images, do I have to pay another fee to attend the Gala Event on Saturday March 1, 2025?
If you submit images to the Individual competition, your $20 entry fee includes admission to the Gala Event on Zoom on Saturday March 1, 2025. No other fee is required. This is a change from previous years.
If my club includes one of my images as part of the Club submission, do I have to pay a fee to attend the Gala Event on Saturday March 1, 2025?
Yes. If you do not enter the Individual competition, you must pay the Gala Event fee of $10 to receive your unique Zoom login details.
Am I eligible to enter the Individual category of North Shore Challenge 2025 even if my photography club is not entering the club competition?
Yes. Every photographer who resides in British Columbia or the Yukon is eligible to enter the Individual category of Challenge 2025.
I do not live in British Columbia or the Yukon. Can I enter the North Shore Challenge 2025?
Non-residents of BC or the Yukon are not eligible to enter Challenge 2025, unless they are a current member of a photography club based in BC or the Yukon.
I do not live in British Columbia or the Yukon. Can I attend the Challenge 2025 Gala Event on March 1?
Yes. Anyone with an Internet connection may attend on Zoom after purchasing a Gala Event ticket and receiving their unique login link and details.
My plans are very fluid and I don’t know if I can attend. How late can I buy a ticket to attend the North Shore Challenge?
Tickets will be sold until 5 pm (Pacific) on Saturday, March 1st on the North Shore Challenge website.
Will there be a significant delay in obtaining judges’ scores and results on Gala Event night March 1st?
Judging for Challenge 2025 will be completed prior to the Gala Event and kept secret until March 1st. All tie breaks will be decided ahead of time as well. Gala Event night will therefore be devoted to displaying the images, announcing the winners and hearing judges’ comments on the winning and selected images, with no delays related to judging or scoring.
Is there a Guest Speaker, door/raffle prizes or People’s Choice for Challenge 2025?
The short answer is no.
The Guest Speaker was introduced during the pandemic in 2021, the first year of the Challenge being held online. It was a wonderful addition, but did make the event a very long evening, lasting about 6 hours. In response to concerns about the length of the event it has been eliminated.
Door/raffle prizes are also removed from the Gala Event to shorten the evening. The raffle was introduced pre-pandemic and was successful in raising funds for NSPS; however, with the online event our costs have been reduced and raising extra funds for NSPS is no longer necessary.
The People’s Choice is also eliminated in response to concerns about the length of the evening. Since it focused on images created by NSPS members, the Challenge Organizing Committee felt it could be better held at an NSPS members event.
What time can I expect the North Shore Challenge to end?
The Gala Event on March 1, 2025 is expected to end at approximately 9:45 pm (Pacific).