Is there a theme?

The Young Crop Photography Award is open theme, which extends creative freedom to young photographers to respond based on their individual artistic preference.

How many times can I enter?

It’s one entry per entrant.

What will the photographs be judged on?

The judges will select the finalists, winners and commendations based on the originality and creative expression of the submissions in each category.

Can a smartphone be used to take photos?

Yes, a smartphone can be used to take a photo to submit.

How do I make sure my images are high quality or high resolution?

HOTA will present and print the works of finalists and to do this we need high quality or high resolution images. A high quality image printed at 20cm x 30cm will typically be 3MB – 6MB.

If you are using a digital camera, make sure the quality setting is on high. If using a film camera, you will need to scan the image at high resolution. If using an iPhone, when uploading your image, make sure you transfer the photo at the highest quality.

I don’t live on the Gold Coast, can I apply?

Yes! The award is open to all Australian citizens and residents between the ages of 5 – 17 years.

I am under 18 years old, do I need to have permission from a parent or guardian to enter the award?

Yes, if you are under 18 years old, you will need to obtain your parent’s or legal guardian’s consent to participate. 

The image includes a person as the subject, can we submit this photograph?

Yes, you will need to obtain permission from the person in the photograph before you submit the entry and agree that you have this permission as part of the conditions of entry.

As a school, we would like to submit entries to the Award, is this possible?

Entries are welcomed from schools, though due to numbers, we strongly encourage schools to run an internal competition first and submit the top works in the nominated age group (up to 10) to the Young Crop Photography Award.

Does the young photographer retain copyright in my work? 

Yes, all entrants retain copyright in their work, but finalists grant a licence for their entry to be used as set out in clause 10 of the conditions of entry.

How will HOTA credit the photographers in the exhibition?

The Young Crop Finalists will be credited using their first name, age, state, title of the photograph and age category.

What dates will the exhibition be open to the public?

The Young Crop Photography Award exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday 17 September to Sunday 8 January between 10am – 5pm (though closed Christmas Day).

What happens if the Exhibition is unable to go ahead due to the COVID pandemic?

HOTA will use its best efforts to ensure the exhibition goes ahead, but if there are difficulties in doing so as a result of Covid or any other matter reasonably beyond HOTA’s control, HOTA will look to alternative ways to present the exhibition, including online.

I am having trouble applying online, who can help me?

If you find you are having difficulty accessing or using the online submission portal we can assist. We ask that you avoid leaving it to the last minute! We encourage you to contact HOTA well before 5pm on Monday 18 July to troubleshoot any difficulties. Please get in touch at youngcrop@hota.com.au.

What are the key dates for the Young Crop Photography Award?

Entries Open: Wednesday 22 June 2022
Entries Close: 5pm Monday 25 July 2022
Finalists Advised: on or around Friday 29 July 2022
Exhibition Dates: 17 September 2022 – 8 January 2023