Cosplay Photography Competition
Photographers, get ready! The Cosplay Photography Competition returns to Overload after a fantastic response last year! Showcase your artistry and passion for cosplay through your lens. All skill levels are welcome to celebrate the vibrant world of cosplay!
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this competition offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dynamic world of cosplay through your photography. Capture every detail, from stunning costumes to unforgettable characters.
Award Ceremony 🏆
Winners will be announced on stage
Date: Sunday 27 September
Time: 3:15 – 3:30 PM
Location: Overload Stage, Te Wharau Gallery (NZICC)
Finalists work will be on display all weekend at AA07.
HOW CAN I ENTER?
- Read the 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 Monday 31st of August 2026.
EXHIBITION
Finalist’s photos will be printed and framed on A3 glossy paper and displayed during Overload 2026 in the NZICC venue.
PRIZES
- 1st Place
Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera + instax mini Film 10pk - 2nd Place
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13 + instax mini Film 10pk - 3rd Place
Fuji Quicksnap Waterproof + Quicksnap Flash - Judges recommendation:
Fuji Quicksnap Flash
A huge thank you to Fujifilm for generously providing this year’s competition prizes.
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 is limited to photographic adjustments and minor retouching (e.g. blemishes, colour, exposure, cropping, sharpening, dodge & burn, and removing small distractions etc). Adding elements that were not captured in-camera is not permitted. This includes generative AI content, CGI/3D elements, and digital compositing, such as combining separate images or elements to create a new scene.
- 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
Yes! Mobile photography is welcome, just as long as it meets the submission criteria detailed in the Rules.
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)
No, attending the Overload event is not required to enter. Submissions are open to anyone residing in New Zealand.