Contest Regulations
PF-26 – New Year Greeting Postcard.
Chapter 1
General Provisions
1.1. About the Contest
The international “PF” (Pour Féliciter) New Year postcard competition (hereafter: “the Contest”) is an annual photographic and design project dedicated to preserving and developing the tradition of “PF” greeting postcards as a distinct genre of artistic photography. The Contest bridges the legacy of classic PF art with contemporary photographic and design practices, creating a platform for professional dialogue, creative exchange, and artistic growth.
1.2. Organizer and Partners
The Contest is organized by the Belarusian Public Association of Photographers (Union of Photographers). The project is implemented with the support of professional creative associations, photo clubs, and cultural institutions.
Partner:
Zair I. Azgur Museum, Minsk, Belarus.
1.3. Contest Objectives
1.4. Contest Tasks
1.5. Contest Calendar
1.6. Organizer Contact Information
Belarusian Association of Photographers (Union of Photographers).
Address: 10 Pritytskogo Str., 220073, Minsk, Republic of Belarus.
Website: https://photounion.by.
E-mail: phunionby@gmail.com.
Phone: +375 44 736 31 69.
The international “PF” (Pour Féliciter) New Year postcard competition (hereafter: “the Contest”) is an annual photographic and design project dedicated to preserving and developing the tradition of “PF” greeting postcards as a distinct genre of artistic photography. The Contest bridges the legacy of classic PF art with contemporary photographic and design practices, creating a platform for professional dialogue, creative exchange, and artistic growth.
1.2. Organizer and Partners
The Contest is organized by the Belarusian Public Association of Photographers (Union of Photographers). The project is implemented with the support of professional creative associations, photo clubs, and cultural institutions.
Partner:
Zair I. Azgur Museum, Minsk, Belarus.
1.3. Contest Objectives
- To support and develop the PF greeting-postcard genre as an artistic direction with both historical depth and contemporary relevance.
- To strengthen the role of photography as a form of visual art and a vehicle for cultural communication.
- To establish an international platform for exchange among photographers, photo clubs, and cultural institutions.
- To cultivate a positive cultural image of the Republic of Belarus as a hub of international photographic initiatives.
1.4. Contest Tasks
- To promote the professional advancement of authors and raise the artistic level of their works.
- To identify and support talented photographers across generations and creative schools.
- To encourage original artistic solutions and experimentation within photographic art.
- To integrate the PF-postcard tradition into the contemporary visual culture context.
- To strengthen the photo club movement and expand opportunities for collective participation and experience exchange.
- To advance international cooperation and attract foreign authors, organizations, and partners.
- To promote the best works of the contest through exhibitions, publications, and digital media.
- To ensure transparency, equality, and high professional standards in all contest procedures.
1.5. Contest Calendar
- Contest opening: 1 October 2025.
- Submission deadline: 1 November 2025.
- Jury deliberation: until 8 November 2025.
- Results published: 10 November 2025.
- Opening exhibition & awarding: December 2025.
- Prize dispatch: January 2026.
1.6. Organizer Contact Information
Belarusian Association of Photographers (Union of Photographers).
Address: 10 Pritytskogo Str., 220073, Minsk, Republic of Belarus.
Website: https://photounion.by.
E-mail: phunionby@gmail.com.
Phone: +375 44 736 31 69.
Chapter 2
Participation in the Contest
2.1. General Provisions
Participation in the Contest is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels – both individual authors and representatives of photo clubs or creative collectives. The Contest is non-commercial and free of charge for all entrants. Works that pass the final selection will be exhibited in the official exhibition and published in the Contest’s digital catalog. The Organizing Committee guarantees openness and transparency in all procedures, from submission and selection to judging and awarding.
2.2. Eligibility
Eligible to participate in PF-2026 are:
2.3. Geographic Scope
The competition is international. Authors may participate regardless of their citizenship, country of residence, age, or professional status.
2.4. Individual and Collective Participation
Submissions are accepted both from individual authors and from creative teams. In the case of collective participation, all co-authors must be listed along with their contributions, as well as a contact person to liaise with the Organizing Committee.
2.5. Restrictions
Members of the Organizing Committee, jury members, and staff of partner institutions directly involved in organizing the competition are not permitted to participate. Their submitted works may only be published in the general reporting digital catalog. Works that violate copyright laws or do not comply with ethical norms shall be disqualified.
Participation in the Contest is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels – both individual authors and representatives of photo clubs or creative collectives. The Contest is non-commercial and free of charge for all entrants. Works that pass the final selection will be exhibited in the official exhibition and published in the Contest’s digital catalog. The Organizing Committee guarantees openness and transparency in all procedures, from submission and selection to judging and awarding.
2.2. Eligibility
Eligible to participate in PF-2026 are:
- Professional photographers.
- Artists and designers working in the format of visual postcards or related media.
- Students in relevant fields (photography, fine arts, design, media communication).
- Amateur and emerging authors.
2.3. Geographic Scope
The competition is international. Authors may participate regardless of their citizenship, country of residence, age, or professional status.
2.4. Individual and Collective Participation
Submissions are accepted both from individual authors and from creative teams. In the case of collective participation, all co-authors must be listed along with their contributions, as well as a contact person to liaise with the Organizing Committee.
2.5. Restrictions
Members of the Organizing Committee, jury members, and staff of partner institutions directly involved in organizing the competition are not permitted to participate. Their submitted works may only be published in the general reporting digital catalog. Works that violate copyright laws or do not comply with ethical norms shall be disqualified.
Chapter 3
Contest Procedure
3.1. General Provisions
The Contest is held in stages to ensure fairness, professionalism, and equal conditions for all participants. All procedures are coordinated by the Organizing Committee of PF-2026, which is responsible for transparency in the reception, selection, and evaluation of works.
3.2. Submission of Works
3.2.1. Submission Formats
Works may be submitted in two formats – digital and print.
10 Pritytskogo Street,
220073, Minsk
Republic of Belarus
3.2.2. Technical Requirements
3.2.3. Series Submissions
Authors may submit up to 2 series, each comprising 2–4 postcards. Each piece in a series is judged individually, but the series is considered a unified artistic project. All works in the series must share a common title plus a sequential number (e.g. “Tree-1”, “Tree-2” etc., file names like Ivanov-Tree-01.jpg).
3.2.4. Mandatory Elements in the Image
Each submitted work must include:
The Contest is held in stages to ensure fairness, professionalism, and equal conditions for all participants. All procedures are coordinated by the Organizing Committee of PF-2026, which is responsible for transparency in the reception, selection, and evaluation of works.
3.2. Submission of Works
3.2.1. Submission Formats
Works may be submitted in two formats – digital and print.
- Digital submission: via the official Contest website Photounion.by
- Printed originals: sent to the postal address:
10 Pritytskogo Street,
220073, Minsk
Republic of Belarus
3.2.2. Technical Requirements
- Each author may submit up to 4 works.
- Physical postcard dimensions: maximum 10 × 15 cm.
- File resolution: minimum 2,000 pixels, preferably up to 4,000 pixels on the longer side.
- File format: JPEG.
- File size: up to 10 MB.
- File naming: surname in Latin + sequence number (e.g. Ivanov-01.jpg).
- Orientation: vertical or horizontal; color or monochrome is allowed.
- Optional: inclusion of greeting text or other graphic elements.
- Use of New Year symbolism is not mandatory.
- Works previously entered in earlier editions of this contest are not eligible.
3.2.3. Series Submissions
Authors may submit up to 2 series, each comprising 2–4 postcards. Each piece in a series is judged individually, but the series is considered a unified artistic project. All works in the series must share a common title plus a sequential number (e.g. “Tree-1”, “Tree-2” etc., file names like Ivanov-Tree-01.jpg).
3.2.4. Mandatory Elements in the Image
Each submitted work must include:
- The symbols “PF”.
- The digits of the upcoming year (2026).
- The author’s name, initials, monogram or logo (e.g. “PF-2026 Ivan Ivanov”, “PF26 I.I.”, “PF26 I.I.”).
Chapter 4
Judging & Evaluation
4.1. Jury Composition
The PF-2026 jury is composed of established professionals in photography, art history, curatorial practice, design, and representatives of creative institutions, respected within both the Belarusian and international artistic communities. The jury slate is approved by the Organizing Committee and published publicly on the contest website. Jury members are prohibited from entering the Contest as authors or from representing collective submissions, thereby preventing any potential conflict of interest.
4.2. Judging Principles
The evaluation of submissions is conducted anonymously, following the principles of fairness, impartiality, and professional ethics. Each juror is obligated to maintain the independence of their judgment and to adhere to standards of honesty, transparency, and respect for the creative labor of authors.
4.3. Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be assessed according to the following key criteria:
4.4. Scoring System
Each criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 10. The total score across all criteria determines the final ranking of the work. Based on overall ratings, a shortlist of works is chosen to be exhibited and considered for awards.
4.5. Transparency of Evaluation
The Organizing Committee ensures that all stages of judging are documented and open to scrutiny. Upon request by participants or team leaders, score sheets summarizing jury ratings may be provided. All jury decisions are recorded and archived by the Organizing Committee, thereby safeguarding full transparency and professional integrity of the process.
4.6. Special Provisions
In the event of equal total scores, preference is given to works distinguished by stronger originality of concept, higher artistic merit, and emotional expressiveness. The jury reserves the right to award additional special prizes for exceptional achievement – whether in the realm of innovation, conceptual depth, or contribution to the PF genre.
4.7. Awards and Recognition
Winners and laureates receive diplomas and certificates. The best works are integrated into the official PF Collection of the Union of Photographers and published in the online competition anthology at Photounion.by. Select submissions will also be included in the electronic catalog and shown in print form at the final exhibition. The awards ceremony will be held in a partner gallery; results and laureate names are published on the contest’s official platforms.
The PF-2026 jury is composed of established professionals in photography, art history, curatorial practice, design, and representatives of creative institutions, respected within both the Belarusian and international artistic communities. The jury slate is approved by the Organizing Committee and published publicly on the contest website. Jury members are prohibited from entering the Contest as authors or from representing collective submissions, thereby preventing any potential conflict of interest.
4.2. Judging Principles
The evaluation of submissions is conducted anonymously, following the principles of fairness, impartiality, and professional ethics. Each juror is obligated to maintain the independence of their judgment and to adhere to standards of honesty, transparency, and respect for the creative labor of authors.
4.3. Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be assessed according to the following key criteria:
- Relevance to Theme – the work’s capacity to convey a festive, inspiring atmosphere in keeping with the PF project’s spirit.
- Originality of Concept – strength of the idea, freshness of artistic approach, and authorial individuality.
- Artistic Execution – evaluation of composition, lighting, color, and the technical quality of the image.
- Design Integration – harmonious arrangement of textual and graphic elements (e.g. PF symbol, year, author’s signature or logo, etc.).
4.4. Scoring System
Each criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 10. The total score across all criteria determines the final ranking of the work. Based on overall ratings, a shortlist of works is chosen to be exhibited and considered for awards.
4.5. Transparency of Evaluation
The Organizing Committee ensures that all stages of judging are documented and open to scrutiny. Upon request by participants or team leaders, score sheets summarizing jury ratings may be provided. All jury decisions are recorded and archived by the Organizing Committee, thereby safeguarding full transparency and professional integrity of the process.
4.6. Special Provisions
In the event of equal total scores, preference is given to works distinguished by stronger originality of concept, higher artistic merit, and emotional expressiveness. The jury reserves the right to award additional special prizes for exceptional achievement – whether in the realm of innovation, conceptual depth, or contribution to the PF genre.
4.7. Awards and Recognition
Winners and laureates receive diplomas and certificates. The best works are integrated into the official PF Collection of the Union of Photographers and published in the online competition anthology at Photounion.by. Select submissions will also be included in the electronic catalog and shown in print form at the final exhibition. The awards ceremony will be held in a partner gallery; results and laureate names are published on the contest’s official platforms.
Chapter 5
Exhibition & Catalogue
5.1. Final Exhibition
The top-ranked works selected by the jury will be featured in the final exhibition. The exhibition will consist of physical works submitted by post to the Organising Committee. The Organising Committee is responsible for the professional installation of the exhibition, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetically appropriate presentation in the gallery venues.
5.2. Display & Touring
Photography clubs, sections, regional branches of the Union of Photographers, and partner organisations have the right to exhibit the final selection – both digitally and physically – in their cities, branches or sections, while preserving the original format and curatorial concept. Collective entries may augment the exhibition with additional works if coordinated with the Organising Committee.
5.3. Electronic Catalogue
Following the competition’s conclusion an electronic catalogue will be produced, comprising the best entries submitted (both postal and digital). The catalogue will present information on titles, authors and awarded places. It will be distributed to all participants via e-mail and will be available free of charge on the official website of the Union of Photographers.
5.4. Promotion & Dissemination
Works selected for the final exhibition and included in the catalogue may be used for presentations, publications, cultural projects and exhibition events, aimed at promoting the PF-postcard genre and photographic art more broadly. The Organising Committee ensures that whenever a work is reproduced, the author’s name is credited.
The top-ranked works selected by the jury will be featured in the final exhibition. The exhibition will consist of physical works submitted by post to the Organising Committee. The Organising Committee is responsible for the professional installation of the exhibition, ensuring a harmonious and aesthetically appropriate presentation in the gallery venues.
5.2. Display & Touring
Photography clubs, sections, regional branches of the Union of Photographers, and partner organisations have the right to exhibit the final selection – both digitally and physically – in their cities, branches or sections, while preserving the original format and curatorial concept. Collective entries may augment the exhibition with additional works if coordinated with the Organising Committee.
5.3. Electronic Catalogue
Following the competition’s conclusion an electronic catalogue will be produced, comprising the best entries submitted (both postal and digital). The catalogue will present information on titles, authors and awarded places. It will be distributed to all participants via e-mail and will be available free of charge on the official website of the Union of Photographers.
5.4. Promotion & Dissemination
Works selected for the final exhibition and included in the catalogue may be used for presentations, publications, cultural projects and exhibition events, aimed at promoting the PF-postcard genre and photographic art more broadly. The Organising Committee ensures that whenever a work is reproduced, the author’s name is credited.
Chapter 6
Copyright & Usage Rights
6.1. Participants’ Copyright
All participants retain full copyright over their submitted works in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus and applicable international intellectual property standards. By submitting a work to the competition, the author confirms that it is their original creation and does not infringe the rights of any third party. The entrant bears full responsibility for compliance with these rights and for the accuracy of the submitted materials.
6.2. Rights of the Organiser
The Organising Committee is granted non-exclusive, non-commercial rights to use submitted works solely for the purpose of promoting the contest and developing the PF-postcard genre. The Committee may:
6.3. Organiser’s Obligations
The Organising Committee undertakes:
6.4. Participants’ Rights to Use Their Work
Authors retain all rights to further exploit their works, including:
6.5. Ethical & Legal Standards
All submitted works must comply with ethical, legal and cultural norms. The use of images that:
All participants retain full copyright over their submitted works in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Belarus and applicable international intellectual property standards. By submitting a work to the competition, the author confirms that it is their original creation and does not infringe the rights of any third party. The entrant bears full responsibility for compliance with these rights and for the accuracy of the submitted materials.
6.2. Rights of the Organiser
The Organising Committee is granted non-exclusive, non-commercial rights to use submitted works solely for the purpose of promoting the contest and developing the PF-postcard genre. The Committee may:
- Reproduce and publish entries in the electronic catalogue, on the official contest website and partner platforms.
- Use selected entries in exhibitions, presentations and cultural events.
- Include images in printed or electronic editions, catalogues and promotional materials related to the contest.
- Use works in educational and outreach projects aimed at advancing visual culture.
6.3. Organiser’s Obligations
The Organising Committee undertakes:
- To credit the author each time a work is reproduced and to observe all copyright obligations.
- Not to licence any work to third parties for commercial use without the author’s written consent.
- To respond promptly to any claims concerning possible infringement of copyright or personal rights.
- The organisers carry no liability for unauthorised use of submitted works by participants or third parties.
6.4. Participants’ Rights to Use Their Work
Authors retain all rights to further exploit their works, including:
- Publication in personal portfolios, websites, social media.
- Participation in exhibitions, publications or commercial and professional projects.
- Any third-party use of submitted works without the author’s explicit consent constitutes copyright infringement.
6.5. Ethical & Legal Standards
All submitted works must comply with ethical, legal and cultural norms. The use of images that:
- Promote discrimination, insults, violence or intolerance.
- Violate personal rights, including privacy.
- Contain elements likely to damage the reputation of participants, partners or the organiser is strictly prohibited.
- The Organising Committee reserves the right to reject or disqualify works that breach these ethical or legal standards.
Chapter 7
Awards and Recognition
7.1. Awards & Certificates
Winners of the competition shall receive certificates and diplomas confirming their achievement. Each award shall bear the author’s name, the title of the work, the award classification and the contest’s emblem. Additional awards may be established by partner organisations, cultural institutions and creative associations.
7.2. Closing Ceremony & Exhibition
The official closing of the competition and the awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the final exhibition organised in partnership with the project’s affiliates. The event will be attended by members of the Organising Committee, the jury, representatives of cultural institutions and authors whose works have been included in the final exhibition. The exhibition may be held in both digital and physical formats at galleries, photography clubs and cultural centres in Belarus and abroad. At the discretion of the Organising Committee, selected works may be featured in travelling or online exhibitions to promote the authors internationally.
7.3. Publication of Results
Official competition results will be published on the website Photounion.by and distributed to participants in the form of an electronic catalogue.
The catalogue shall include:
The Organising Committee ensures the openness, documentary verification and archival storage of all final competition materials.
Winners of the competition shall receive certificates and diplomas confirming their achievement. Each award shall bear the author’s name, the title of the work, the award classification and the contest’s emblem. Additional awards may be established by partner organisations, cultural institutions and creative associations.
7.2. Closing Ceremony & Exhibition
The official closing of the competition and the awards ceremony will be held in conjunction with the final exhibition organised in partnership with the project’s affiliates. The event will be attended by members of the Organising Committee, the jury, representatives of cultural institutions and authors whose works have been included in the final exhibition. The exhibition may be held in both digital and physical formats at galleries, photography clubs and cultural centres in Belarus and abroad. At the discretion of the Organising Committee, selected works may be featured in travelling or online exhibitions to promote the authors internationally.
7.3. Publication of Results
Official competition results will be published on the website Photounion.by and distributed to participants in the form of an electronic catalogue.
The catalogue shall include:
- A list of winners and laureates.
- Details of authors, titles and series of works.
- Information on collective participants and partner initiatives.
The Organising Committee ensures the openness, documentary verification and archival storage of all final competition materials.
Chapter 8
Final Provisions
All participants, jury members and partner organisations are required to observe the terms of this Regulation and the principles of professional ethics. The Organising Committee reserves the right to make clarifications and amendments not inconsistent with the core objectives and spirit of the competition, provided that participants are duly notified. This Regulation enters into force from the moment of its publication on the official PF-2026 contest website and remains effective for the entire competition cycle.
