2026 Fine Art Competition

Fine art photography is the deliberate use of the camera or smartphone as a creative medium to express the artist’s unique ideas, emotions, and messages. The initial image must be camera-captured, though it may be enhanced through a photo post processing application but without the use of generative AI digital creations or the enhancement of the image with generative features.

Unlike conventional photography, fine art transcends mere documentation or representation by employing innovative techniques and artistic vision to convey deeper meaning.

The challenge for the photographer is to create an image that challenges perspectives, evoke emotional responses, and communicate personal or universal truths in ways that are distinctly their own.

Submitted image must fall within one of the following themes:

• Abstract – imaginative abstract images that showcase creativity in using shape, colour, light and composition in new or uncommon ways. Both natural and everyday scenes presented with a fresh perspective are encouraged, rather than images primarily created with filters and actions.
• Landscape – transform urban or rural landscapes into evocative artistic expressions that go beyond basic scenic documentation. Images should reveal hidden perspectives, dramatic atmospheres, or emotional connections through creative use of light, weather, composition, and timing.
• Creative Vision – transform familiar subjects and scenes through creative manipulation of perspective, light, and context to create an otherworld narrative where reality and imagination intertwine.
• Still Life – transform inanimate objects traditional or non-traditional artistic arrangement of inanimate objects using lighting, depth of field, and perspective to find the beauty in ordinary things. “Still Life” for the purpose of this theme, is defined as “a work of art that focuses on commonplace, inanimate subjects.” That can include both manmade objects (vases, items of clothing, and consumer products), and natural objects (flowers and plants, food, rocks, and shells).

Permitted techniques include triptychs, in which case frames and borders may be used: otherwise, no frames or borders. See the CAPA page on Triptychs for more information and examples. 

You can upload your images under Events>CAPA News and Competitions