Overload NZ

Cosplay Photography Competition

Attention all photographers, it’s time to focus your lenses and capture the enchantment of cosplay like never before! Join us for this Overload first – a cosplay photography competition! Where creativity knows no bounds and every click of the shutter unveils a new world of fantasy and wonder.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro with years of experience or a budding enthusiast eager to explore the art of cosplay photography, this event is for you. From intricate costumes to larger-than-life characters, this competition is your chance to showcase your skills and capture the essence of cosplay in all its glory.

UPDATE: Registration for the 2024 Overload Cosplay Photography Competition has closed.

Finalists from will be on display in The Cloud, and winners announced on the Overload stage in Shed 10, Sunday 21 April from 4:20pm!

HOW CAN I ENTER?

  • Read Eligibility, Rules & Submission Criteria below.
  • Complete the Online Registration form with your information. This includes submitting both your compressed pre-edited and high-res final edit jpeg photo files (not exceeding 10MB each) without watermark, formatted to A3 size.
  • Submit your entry online by 11:59PM 7th April 2024.


EXHIBITION

Finalist’s photos will be on display in The Cloud, 20-21 April. Their work will be printed on A3 Acrylic panels at Overload 2024, thanks to Solid State Prints .


PRIZES

  • 1st Place
    Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera + Instax Mini Film – 20 Pack
  • 2nd Place
    Instax Mini 40 Camera + Instax Mini Film – 20 Pack
  • 3rd Place
    Instax Mini 12 Camera + Instax Mini Film – 20 Pack
  • Judges recommendation Junior:
    Instax Mini 12 Camera

Winners will be announced at 4:20PM, on the Overload stage on Sunday 21 April*. It is strongly encouraged for participants to show up to the prize giving. 

*Stage schedule may change.

ELIGIBILITY, RULES & SUBMISSION CRITERIA

  • Participants of this competition MUST have written consent from the cosplayer. 
  • Overload is an event for all-ages. Entries with the following depiction/s (explicit and implicit) will be automatically disqualified.
    • Violence, gore, body horror.
    • Sexualization of characters, items and scenarios.
    • Hurtful and hateful depictions of cultures, races, religions, genders, sexualities, physical and mental abilities.
  • Only 1 entry per photographer will be accepted.
  • Only open to participants residing in New Zealand.  
  • Submission must be provided as A3 sized format (portrait or landscape) @ 300dpi + additional 2mm bleed (= 3555 x 5008 pixels)
  • Digital manipulation on the photographs are limited to touch-ups, exposure compensation, dodge & burn. Use of AI and CG for editing is prohibited.
  • Selfies, convention or event floor photos will be automatically disqualified.
  • By submitting an entry for this competition, all participants (photographer and photograph subject/s) agree to allow the Overload to use their image and likeness for future promotional purposes. All images and likeness will be credited to the relevant photographers and cosplayers.

FAQ

Is mobile photography acceptable?

Yes! Mobile photography is welcome, just as long as it meets the submission criteria detailed in the Rules.

How are entries judged?

Judges will consider the following criteria for each image:

  • technical (exposure; depth of field; colour or tonal rendition; contrast; and lighting)
  • visual and aesthetic appeal
  • content (mood; emotion; relevance; subject; impact)
  • general characteristics (originality; style; context; photographic vision)
Do I have to attend the event to enter?

No, attending the Overload event is not required to enter. Submissions are open to anyone residing in New Zealand. 

Competition closes 11:59PM Sunday April 7th 2024