The Dragon's Lens
A twice yearly photographic competition for Dragon's Pen members.
2026 Autumn Photography Competition
What is it?
Dragon’s Lens is a relaxed photography event held twice a year for members. It encompasses shared creativity online, so great for members from further afield as well as our more local members.
Submit your photos, vote for your favourites (but not yourself!) and celebrate the winners together. You don’t need to be a professional or have fancy equipment — just photos you’d like to share.
When is it?
- Submissions : From October 3rd to midnight on October 15th, 2026 CET
- Online viewing & voting: October 17th to Midnight October 26th CET
- Online Prize Announcement: 30th October
Each participant can submit up to five original photos in total, across the following categories (AI generated or AI manipulated images are not accepted):
- People
- Animals
- Landscapes or City-scapes
- Free Theme: Seasonal, Still life, Macro, B+W, Manipulated Photographs (using Photoshop or similar, filters etc but not AI!), Nature etc. It's a free theme, so the world is your oyster!
PAY HERE
Pay first, then submissions (jpeg photos) should be emailed directly to Barbi, as attachments at siptea@hotmail.com Max photo file size is 3mb per photo OR zip them all into one folder ... only one email for the up to five photos - please do not send multiple emails.
This bit is very important - JPEG photos only, and each file to be titled [Category] - [title] ....for example: People - old man
Do not put your name or any other details on the file name - just those two things separated by a hyphen [-]. Your photo(s) will be rejected if they are not submitted like this.
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Voting and Prizes
- All submitted images will be displayed online on this website.
- Voting for each category will be anonymous by an online poll.
- Winners will be revealed online: 30th October
- There will be a prize for each category winner. First, second and third places will be displayed on the website in the Winners Gallery (members only page, so not viewable by the general public).
Participation
- All Dragon's Pen members, including overseas members, are welcome to submit and vote (although you cannot vote for yourself).
- Prizes will be issued as vouchers for non-locals, or given in person to local winners.
Terms & Conditions
Participation:
Dragon’s Lens is open to Dragon’s Pen members only.
Submission Guidelines: Each participant may submit up to five photographs in total, across the stated categories. All submissions must be the original work of the person submitting them. Only images submitted to the ‘manipulated’ category may be digitally enhanced or altered (but without the use of AI). By submitting images, participants confirm they have the right to share and display the photographs.
Image Use: Submitted images will be displayed online for the purpose of voting and may be shown during the event night. Images may also be used to promote Dragon’s Lens or future Dragon’s Pen events, with credit given to the photographer where possible. Copyright remains with the photographer at all times.
Voting: Voting will take place online and anonymously. Each voter may vote once for each category. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify votes if irregularities or unfair practices are suspected.
Prizes: There will be a prize for each category winner and one overall winner. Winners will be announced Online (30th October). Overseas winners will receive their prize as a voucher. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Any additional funds raised will help support Dragon’s Pen and future member events.
Conduct: Dragon’s Lens is intended to be a friendly, supportive event. The organisers reserve the right to remove submissions or exclude participants in cases of inappropriate content, plagiarism, or behaviour that goes against the spirit of the event.
Changes & Cancellation: The organisers reserve the right to amend dates, processes, or event details if necessary. In the unlikely event of cancellation, participants will be informed as soon as possible.
Data Protection: Personal information provided will be used solely for the administration of the event and will not be shared with third parties.