This page has collected the answers to many of the most common questions over the years. A summary of the questions is shown at the top. Scroll down for the answers.
- General questions
- How does a photo marathon work?
- Are there any prizes?
- Are the submissions judged anonymously?
- Who holds the rights to the photos I take during the Photo Marathon?
- Are there any other photo marathons?
- Registration
- How do I register for the event?
- How much does it cost?
- How do I choose my start time?
- When is the registration deadline?
- Can I buy a ticket for another person?
- Conditions for participation
- Participant number?
- May I edit my photos?
- My camera has built-in effects. May I use these?
- Do I need any particular kind of camera to participate?
- Can I participate with an analog camera?
- Do you provide participants with film?
- What format should I take my photos in?
- Do you provide participants with memory cards?
- Will I need to leave my memory card with you?
- Is there an age limit?
- At the Photo Marathon
- What do I need to bring to participate?
- How long is a photo marathon?
- What are checkpoints?
- May I bring assistants and helpers?
- After the Photo Marathon
- How does the jury work?
- Exhibition(s)
- Awards ceremony
If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please feel free to get in touch.
General questions
How does a photo marathon work?
A photo marathon is a photo contest that involves interpreting several different themes.
At the Stockholm Photo Marathon, you are provided with a series of different themes, your task being to interpret and take a picture relating to each theme, with one picture per theme, over a certain number of hours.
Read more about what a photo marathon is and how it works here.
Are there any prizes?
Of course! Prizes are awarded for the Best Picture for each theme and the Top 3 Best Photo Series. Read more about this year’s prizes here.
Are the submissions judged anonymously?
Yes. For the assessment to be as fair and open-minded as possible, the jury will have no idea who took the photos they are judging.
Who holds the rights to the photos I take during the Photo Marathon?
The photographer owns the rights to photos taken during the Stockholm Photo Marathon.
When you register for the competition, you give the Stockholm Photo Marathon a license to use your submitted photos in any media in connection with the marketing and promotion of the Stockholm Photo Marathon. You also agree that your photos may be included in an album with pictures from the event, which the Stockholm Photo Marathon might sell.
Are there any other photo marathons?
There are several photo marathons taking place around the world. For an up-to-date list of photo marathons this year, please visit www.photomarathon.com.
Registration
How do I register for the event?
By clicking “Sign up” here on the website. You need to fill out some details to register.
How much does it cost?
The participation fee is SEK 370 during the regular registration period until the 18th of July. Then there will be a slightly higher price for the tickets until the 12th of Aug. There might be tickets left for last-minute minute-purchasing.
When is the registration deadline?
The last day to register for the regular price is the 30th of July, but there is a chance to find tickets until the event starts if tickets are not sold out.
What happens if I sign up but can’t make it?
Unfortunately, the registration is binding, meaning we cannot refund the participation fee. You can, however, transfer your registration to a friend. This is done by giving away your ticket on Billetto.
Read more about transfers here.
Can I buy a ticket for another person?
Yes. Starting this year, you may buy a ticket and transfer it to someone else. Read more about transfers here.
Conditions for participation
Participant number?
Each participant receives a starting number and a number bib upon check-in. The number bib must be worn visibly throughout the competition.
May I edit my photos?
No! Post-processing of photographs is not allowed. Submitting photographs that have been photoshopped or otherwise modified will result in disqualification.
My camera has built-in effects. May I use these?
Many new digital cameras and mobile phones have built-in effects such as sepia, black-and-white, etc. These effects are applied before the image is taken and are, therefore, allowed. However, you may not use any applications or filters that adjust the image after the image has been taken. Any post-processing and editing is prohibited and will result in disqualification. If unsure, refrain from using such effects rather than risking it.
For more information, see point 8 in the rules.
Do I need any particular kind of camera to participate?
No, you may use any digital camera or mobile phone. This can be anything from a smartphone to a simpler compact or professional systems camera. The important thing is how you interpret and capture the various themes.
Can I participate with an analog camera?
No. The analog class is not available in 2023.
In what format should I take my photos?
All photographs must be taken in the highest-quality JPEG format. The aspect ratio should not be wider than 3:2.
Do you provide participants with memory cards?
No. You must bring an empty and functioning memory card to the competition. We recommend formatting the memory card in the camera before starting.
Will I need to leave my memory card with you?
No. We will only need to borrow your memory card for a moment at the finish line to upload the images to our computers. You get your memory card back right away.
Is there an age limit?
There is no minimum age limit to participate in the Stockholm Photo Marathon. However, participants under the age of 18 need the consent of their parents or guardian.
At the Photo Marathon
What do I need to bring to participate?
In addition to the equipment you will use during the day, you must also identify yourself at check-in with your ticket (via the bar code). And at best, bring a smile and a good mood!
What are checkpoints?
During the Photo Marathon, all participants must pass one or several checkpoints in addition to the start and finish lines. They are usually located within the Stockholm inner city. Remember to save our emergency number: +46-(0)765761630
May I bring assistants and helpers?
Of course!
You may bring photo assistants, drivers, models, and anything you need. Just make sure your wallet can take it!
After the Photo Marathon
How does the jury process work?
– Photo series
After you have all gone home from the finish line and are heading to bed, our work will have only begun. On the day after the Marathon, your submitted photos are compiled and submitted to the printers. Our jury meets in mid-September to select the three best photo series from this year’s Stockholm Photo Marathon.
– Themes
Various jury groups consisting of Photo Marathon partners and experts also judge all themes separately. They decide on the top 10 submissions for each theme and a winner or top 3 submissions per theme.
Will there be any exhibition(s)?
After the Photo Marathon, we will be arranging some exhibitions. There may be, e.g., exhibitions with different partners where we exhibit the top 10 on one or two themes or a more extensive exhibition of every submitted picture.
Will there be an awards ceremony?
The last thing on the Stockholm Photo Marathon calendar is the awards ceremony.
The three winners of the Best Photo Series and the winners of the individual themes will be announced at the event. This is usually a lovely event with lots of photos and fun.