1. Introduction to The Black List Contest Terms and Conditions

Welcome to The Black List Contest, an initiative by Andromak aimed at bringing to light the compelling yet often overlooked stories captured by photojournalists and photographers around the globe. This contest is designed to celebrate and support the creativity, hard work, and dedication of those who strive to share powerful narratives through their lenses, particularly focusing on works that have not found a platform in traditional media outlets.

Contest Overview:

The Black List Contest runs on a monthly basis, starting from June 2024 and concluding in June 2025. On a bi-monthly schedule, participants are invited to submit their photographic work, adhering to a specified theme that seeks to explore diverse perspectives and untold stories. This initiative not only aims to provide a stage for these narratives but also to encourage photographers to pursue their passion for storytelling.

Objective:

Our primary goal is to discover, showcase, and reward outstanding photographic talents whose work transcends conventional storytelling and provides insights into unexplored narratives. Through The Black List Contest, Andromak seeks to create a community of artists who are passionate about bringing change, sparking conversations, and highlighting the unseen aspects of our world.

By participating in The Black List Contest, you agree to the Terms and Conditions outlined in this document, which govern the submission process, eligibility criteria, judging and selection process, prizes, intellectual property rights, data protection, liability, and general contest operations. These rules are established to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for all participants and their work.

We invite all eligible photojournalists and photographers to join us in this journey of discovery and recognition. Let The Black List Contest be your platform to illuminate the stories that matter the most to you.

  1. Eligibility

The Black List Contest Contest is open to photographers worldwide, offering a platform for both amateurs and professionals to demonstrate their skills and artistic visions. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and dynamic environment where all forms of photography can flourish. To ensure fairness and clarity, the following eligibility criteria are established:

  • Age Requirement: Entrants must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission. This age requirement facilitates a mature and competitive environment, ensuring all participants are legally capable of entering into the agreement outlined by these terms and conditions.
  • Residency: There are no restrictions based on the country of residence. Photographers from any corner of the globe are encouraged to participate, reflecting Andromak's commitment to celebrating the universal language of photography.
  • Professional Status: Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome to enter the contest. This inclusivity ensures a rich variety of submissions, from those just embarking on their photographic journey to seasoned veterans with years of experience.
  • Exclusions: Employees of Andromak, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the "Employees"), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Contest. This ensures impartiality and prevents any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Compliance with Local Laws: Entrants are responsible for ensuring their participation complies with local laws and regulations in their country of residence and agree to abide by the laws governing copyright, privacy, and intellectual property rights.

Participation in The Black List Contest constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to these Terms and Conditions. The decision to enter the contest is an acknowledgment of understanding and compliance with these criteria. Andromak reserves the right to verify the eligibility of participants and may require additional information to confirm eligibility. By adhering to these eligibility criteria, we aspire to host a fair, transparent, and exciting contest that honors the art of photography and the diverse community of photographers who share their world through their lenses.

  1. Submission Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and efficient submission process for The Black List Contest, participants are required to follow the guidelines outlined below. These instructions are designed to maintain a high standard of competition and facilitate the judging process.

  • How to Submit: Entries must be submitted through the official Andromak Photo Contest submission form, accessible on the Andromak website. Participants will need to fill out all required fields in the form, including personal information, photo titles, and any relevant descriptions or stories behind the photographs.
  • Photograph Formats: We accept submissions in PDF format to ensure compatibility and ease of review. Each photograph must not exceed a file size of 10MB to facilitate efficient uploading and handling.
  • Number of Submissions: Each participant is allowed to submit up to three (3) photographs per period submission period. This limitation encourages photographers to select their best work for submission and ensures a level playing field for all contestants.
  • Theme and Subject Matter: While we encourage creativity and freedom in the content of submissions, each entry must adhere to the theme announced at the beginning of each contest period. Themes will be broad enough to allow for creative interpretation while providing a cohesive framework for the contest.
  • Original Work: All submissions must be the original work of the submitting photographer. Entries must not contain any material that violates or infringes upon another's rights, including but not limited to privacy, publicity, and intellectual property rights.
  • Model Releases: If the photograph contains any person(s) as the subject, the participant must have obtained a model release from the subjects or, in the case of minors, the subject's parent or guardian. A model release form permits the photograph's use under these terms and conditions.
  • No Watermarks or Identifying Marks: To ensure the fairness and anonymity of the judging process, submitted photos must not contain watermarks, signatures, or any other identifying marks.
  • Compliance with Laws: Participants are responsible for ensuring their entries comply with the legal requirements of their respective countries and do not depict illegal, offensive, or explicit activities.

Failure to adhere to these submission guidelines may result in disqualification from the contest. Andromak reserves the right to reject any entry that does not comply with these guidelines or that is deemed inappropriate for any reason. By submitting an entry to The Black List Contest, participants accept these guidelines and agree to be bound by the decisions of Andromak and the judging panel, which are final and binding in all respects.

  1. Judging and Selection Process

The Black List Contest is committed to a fair, transparent, and professional judging process. Our aim is to honor exceptional photography that aligns with our themes, showcases creativity, and demonstrates technical skill. The following outlines our judging and selection process:

  • Judging Panel: The contest will be judged by a panel comprising professional photographers, visual artists, and members of the Andromak team. Judges will be selected based on their expertise, experience, and contribution to the field of photography.
  • Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Please note that the decision of the judging panel is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the judging process or outcomes. Participation in the contest constitutes acceptance of this judging and selection process.

By establishing a structured and transparent judging process, The Black List Contest endeavors to celebrate photographic talent and inspire photographers to continue exploring their creative boundaries.

  1. Prizes and Awards

The Black List Contest is proud to acknowledge the exceptional talent of photojournalists and photographers through our rewards system. We are committed to supporting the continued success and artistic endeavors of our participants. The following prizes will be awarded to contest winners:

  • 1st Prize: A grant of €1,500 will be awarded to support the winner's next project. This prize is intended to fund the pursuit of further storytelling, enabling the recipient to delve deeper into their craft and bring more untold stories to light.
  • 2nd Prize: The recipient will receive a one-year free subscription to Andromak's premium services. This includes access to exclusive content, educational resources, and networking opportunities within the Andromak community, designed to enhance the winner's photographic journey and professional development.
  • 3rd Prize: An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) print of one of the photographer's submissions to the contest. This digital asset not only serves as a modern method of artwork representation but also as a means for the photographer to engage with new markets and audiences in the digital art space.
    • Creativity and Originality: How the photograph demonstrates a unique vision or perspective.
    • Technical Excellence: The quality of the image, including composition, lighting, focus, and use of color or grayscale.
    • Adherence to Theme: How well the photograph captures the essence of the contest's theme for the period.
    • Emotional Impact: The ability of the photograph to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.
  • Selection Process:
    • Initial Screening: All submissions will undergo an initial screening to ensure they comply with the submission guidelines and contest rules.
    • Judging: The judging panel will review the screened submissions and score them based on the above criteria.
    • Shortlisting: Based on the judges' scores, a shortlist of finalists will be compiled for further consideration.
    • Winner Selection: From the shortlisted finalists, the judges will select the monthly winners and, ultimately, the overall contest winner at the conclusion of the contest period.
  • Announcement of Winners: Winners for each monthly contest period will be announced on the Andromak website with a social media feature. As well as contacted via email within two weeks of the submission deadline. The grand prize winner of the entire contest will be announced in April 2025.
  • Feedback: While individual feedback to all participants is not feasible, we aim to provide general insights and observations from the judging process to help participants learn and improve.

Awarding Process:

  • Winners will be notified via email within 14 days following the end of each contest period. It is the responsibility of the participants to provide accurate and functioning contact information to ensure they can be reached if selected.

Conditions:

  • All prizes are non-transferable, and no cash alternatives will be offered. Prizes are subject to the terms and conditions set forth by Andromak and any prize sponsors.
  • Winners may be responsible for any taxes or fees associated with prize receipt and/or use. Participants are advised to consult with a tax professional to understand any tax implications.
  • Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission for Andromak to use the winner's name, likeness, and winning entry for promotional purposes without further compensation, except where prohibited by law.

The Black List Contest is dedicated to elevating the work of photographers and photojournalists who strive to tell compelling stories through their lenses. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and supporting your future projects through these prizes and awards.

  1. Intellectual Property Rights

The Black List Contest is dedicated to promoting the work of photojournalists and photographers while respecting their intellectual property rights. To balance the need for publicity and the rights of creators, the following terms apply:

  • Retention of Rights: Participants retain copyright and all other rights to their submitted works. The contest's aim is to showcase these works, not to claim ownership over them.
  • Grant of License: By submitting an entry to The Black List Contest, participants grant Andromak and its affiliated entities a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, promote, and publish the photographs in connection with the contest. This includes the right to use the photographs on Andromak’s website, social media platforms, press releases, and in digital and print materials that promote the contest and its results.
  • Credit: Andromak is committed to ensuring that photographers are credited whenever their work is used. Whenever a photograph is published or displayed by Andromak, the photographer's name will be prominently featured alongside the work.
  • Use of Works: The license mentioned above is limited to uses related to the promotion of The Black List Contest and showcasing the works of the participants. It does not include the right to sell or use the photographs for commercial purposes outside the scope of the contest promotion.
  • Duration of License: The grant of rights for promotional use is considered to commence at the time of submission and will continue until such time as the photograph is no longer being used for the purposes described herein, or until a participant requests in writing that their work be removed from future promotional materials.
  • Moral Rights: Andromak acknowledges that, where applicable, moral rights are retained by the participants. No alterations that could be prejudicial to the original integrity of the work will be made without explicit consent from the creator.

This section of the terms and conditions ensures that participants' works are protected and used appropriately while allowing Andromak to effectively promote The Black List Contest and its talented contributors. Participants are encouraged to read this section carefully and reach out with any questions or clarifications needed.

  • Upon notification, winners are required to respond within a specified timeframe to accept their prize and provide any necessary information for the transfer of awards.
  • Prizes will be processed and delivered to the winners in accordance with the terms outlined at the time of acceptance. For monetary prizes, winners must provide valid bank details for the transfer of funds.
  1. Data Protection and Privacy
  • The Black List Contest is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all participants. In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and relevant local data protection laws, the following terms outline our approach to data handling:
  • Collection of Personal Information: Participation in The Black List Contest requires the submission of personal information, such as name, email address, and potentially other contact details. This information is collected solely for the purpose of administering the contest, including entry management, winner notification, and prize distribution.
  • Use of Personal Data: Personal data provided by participants will be used only in connection with The Black List Contest and will not be disclosed to third parties without the participant's explicit consent, except as required by law or as necessary for the purpose of the contest administration.
  • Data Retention: Personal data collected will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Following the conclusion of the contest and the distribution of prizes, personal data will be securely deleted or anonymized.
  • Participants' Rights: Participants have the right to access their personal data, request correction of any incorrect data, or request deletion of their data under certain conditions. Participants also have the right to withdraw consent for data processing at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
  • Data Security: We employ appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: The Andromak website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyze website usage. Participants will be informed about the use of such technologies and will have the option to consent or refuse.
  • Changes to Privacy Policy: Any changes to our privacy and data protection practices will be communicated to participants through updates to these terms and conditions or through other appropriate channels.

By participating in The Black List Contest, participants acknowledge and agree to the processing of their personal data in accordance with these terms. We encourage all participants to review this section carefully and to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding their personal data.

  1. Liability and Indemnity

The organizers of The Black List Contest, including Andromak and its partners, strive to conduct the contest with the highest standards of fairness, integrity, and respect for all participants. However, it is important for participants to understand the terms regarding liability and indemnity as follows:

  • Limitation of Liability: Andromak, its affiliates, sponsors, and advertising agencies will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of access to, participation in, the contest, including but not limited to entry submission, prize acceptance, and use or misuse of the prizes. This limitation of liability is comprehensive and applies to all damages of any kind.
  • Technical Failures: The organizers are not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, or misdirected registrations, which will be disqualified. Furthermore, the organizers are not responsible for any technical malfunction or other problems of any telephone network or service, computer systems, servers, providers, computer equipment, software, email, or media player on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, including injury or damage to participant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating or downloading materials in this contest.
  • Force Majeure: In the case of events beyond the reasonable control of the organizers (force majeure), including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, acts of terrorism, civil disturbances, strike or any other labor dispute, or any law, order, or requirement of any governmental or legal authority, the organizers reserve the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the contest.

Participants' entry into The Black List Contest constitutes their agreement to these terms and their understanding of the extent of the contest organizers' liability. This section is designed to ensure that all parties engage in the contest with a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities, fostering an environment of mutual respect and fairness.

  1. General Conditions

The Black List Contest is governed by several overarching principles and rules designed to ensure fairness, creativity, and respect among all participants and organizers. The following general conditions apply:

  • Contest Modifications: Andromak reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, suspend, or terminate the contest at any time for any reason, including but not limited to cases where fraud, technical failures, or any other factor beyond Andromak's reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the contest. Participants will be notified of any significant changes to contest rules or operations.
  • Rules Interpretation: All decisions by Andromak regarding the interpretation of these terms and conditions, the running of the contest, and the selection of winners are final and binding in all respects. Andromak reserves the right to disqualify any participant or winner who, in Andromak's reasonable suspicion, tampers with the entry process, violates these terms and conditions, or acts in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.
  • Publicity: By participating in the contest, participants consent to the use of their names, likenesses, photographs, voices, opinions, and/or hometown and state for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration, except where prohibited by law.
  • Ethical Standards: Participants are expected to maintain high ethical standards in their submissions and interactions related to the contest. Works that contain defamatory, obscene, offensive, or any other unsuitable content will be disqualified. Andromak promotes diversity, inclusivity, and respect; any submissions or actions contrary to these values may result in disqualification.
  • Entry Agreement: By entering the contest, participants agree to abide by the contest's terms and conditions and the decisions of Andromak, which are final and binding in all matters related to the contest. Participating in the contest constitutes agreement to these terms and conditions.
  • Contact Information: For any queries or further information required regarding the contest, participants should refer to the contact details provided on the Andromak website. Andromak commits to responding to inquiries in a timely and helpful manner.

These general conditions are designed to ensure a smooth and equitable contest process for all involved. Participation in The Black List Contest signifies acceptance of these terms and an agreement to be bound by the rules and decisions of the contest organizers.

  • Indemnification by Participants: By entering the contest, participants agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the organizers and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) that such parties may incur as a result of or arising from the participant's violation of these terms and conditions.
  • Compliance with Law: The conduct of The Black List Contest is subject to all applicable laws and regulations, and participants agree to comply with all such laws and regulations including copyright laws and rights to privacy.
  1. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

The Black List Contest is organized by Andromak, which is headquartered in France. Therefore, the contest and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of France, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

  • Compliance: All participants agree to comply with and be bound by the laws of France regarding their participation in the contest. This includes, but is not limited to, laws relating to copyright, data protection, and non-discrimination.
  • Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute arising from or related to The Black List Contest, participants agree first to attempt to resolve the dispute through amicable negotiations directly with Andromak. If the dispute cannot be resolved amicably, participants agree that the dispute will be resolved through binding arbitration in France, in accordance with French law.
  • Jurisdiction: Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of, or related to, these Terms and Conditions or The Black List Contest shall be instituted exclusively in the courts of France. By entering the contest, participants waive any and all objections to the exercise of jurisdiction over them by such courts and to venue in such courts.
  • Language: These Terms and Conditions are written in English. In the event of any inconsistency between the English text and any translation, the English text shall prevail.

This section is intended to ensure that all parties involved in The Black List Contest are aware of the legal framework within which the contest operates. Participation in the contest constitutes acceptance of these legal terms and an agreement to be subject to the jurisdiction of French courts for any matters arising out of or in connection with the contest.

  1. Acceptance of Terms

Participation in The Black List Contest constitutes each entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. By entering the contest, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these rules, including but not limited to the contest's procedures, guidelines, and criteria as outlined in the preceding sections.

Key Points of Acknowledgement Include:

  • Compliance: Entrants confirm that their submissions comply with all the requirements set forth in the contest rules, including eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and intellectual property rights.
  • Decision Acceptance: Participants agree to accept the decisions of The Black List Contest organizers and judges as final and binding in all matters related to the contest. This includes decisions regarding the selection of winners and any disputes related to contest outcomes.
  • Responsibility: Entrants acknowledge their responsibility for the content of their submissions, ensuring that they have the right to enter the contest and that their entries do not infringe on the rights of any third parties or violate any laws.
  • Data Privacy: By entering the contest, participants consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information as described in the Data Protection and Privacy section and for the purposes of administering the contest.
  • Changes to Terms: Andromak reserves the right to change these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Participants are responsible for staying informed about any changes, which will be communicated through the contest's official channels.

Action Required for Non-Acceptance:

Participants who do not wish to accept these Terms and Conditions should not enter The Black List Contest. Entrants may withdraw their participation at any stage; however, this withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the contest organizers. Please note that withdrawal from the contest may result in the disqualification of the entrant's submission(s).

By providing a clear acknowledgment of the contest terms, The Black List Contest ensures transparency and mutual understanding between the organizers and participants, fostering a fair, respectful, and creative competition environment.

  1. Contact Information

For any inquiries, assistance, or further information regarding The Black List Contest, participants and interested parties are encouraged to reach out through the following official contact channels:

  • Website Contact Form: For general inquiries or feedback, please use the contact form available on our official website www.adromak.com. Ensure to select the relevant topic related to The Black List Contest to direct your query appropriately.
  • Social Media: Follow us on our official social media platforms for updates, announcements, and direct messaging capabilities. Our team monitors these channels regularly and is keen to engage with the contest community.
    • Facebook: @Andromak
    • Twitter: @AndromakPhoto
    • Instagram: @AndromakPhoto

Our goal is to ensure that your experience with The Black List Contest is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you have questions about the submission process, need clarification on the contest rules, or wish to provide feedback, our team is here to assist you.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish all participants the best of luck with their submissions.