The city of Pontoise in Val-d'Oise, France, is hosting its second annual photography contest titled 'Au fil de l'œil' (Through the Eye), inviting photography enthusiasts of all skill levels to capture the essence of the city's heritage. The contest is open for submissions until August 31 and welcomes participants from age 6 and up, regardless of whether they are residents of Pontoise.
This year's theme focuses on Pontoise's heritage in all its forms, encouraging photographers to explore the city's architecture, capture human interactions, document natural elements, and photograph both rural landscapes and urban environments that define the city's identity. The contest is designed to showcase everything that makes up the unique character of Pontoise through the lens of amateur and professional photographers alike.
The competition features two main categories: black and white photography and color photography. Each category is further divided into two age groups - participants aged 6 to 15 years old and those 16 years and older. This structure ensures fair competition among different age groups while celebrating diverse photographic approaches.
Participants can submit between one and three photographs maximum, with specific technical requirements for submissions. All images must be in JPEG or PNG format, with each file not exceeding 10 MB in size. Basic photo editing is permitted, including adjustments to brightness, contrast, saturation, and cropping, as long as these modifications do not distort the original image. However, the use of artificial intelligence in photo editing is strictly prohibited.
Minor participants must obtain written authorization from a parent or legal guardian before submitting their work. This requirement ensures proper consent and supervision for younger photographers participating in the contest.
Selected works will be featured in a prominent outdoor exhibition displayed on the railings of the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and will also be published on Pontoise's official Facebook and Instagram pages starting November 1. This public showcase coincides with Photography Month in November, providing winners with significant exposure for their artistic work.
Interested photographers should submit their entries via email to actionsculturelle@ville-pontoise.fr by the August 31 deadline. Additional information about the contest rules, submission guidelines, and registration details can be found at the official contest website. The initiative represents Pontoise's commitment to promoting local culture and engaging the community in celebrating the city's rich heritage through the art of photography.
