YJI Photography - News Photo
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism contest category by YJI for young photographers aged 19 and under, recognizing single images that capture newsworthy events. Entry fee $7 USD.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Annual contest cycle
Time needed
Submission of previously published photograph
Eligibility
Open to non-professional journalists aged 19 and under worldwide. The contest covers work published or broadcast in English during the previous calendar year. Entries must be accessible online with a public link.
- Age range
- Up to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Published news photograph accessible online
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Award Certificate
Custom-made award certificate for winners from first place to honorable mention
Recognition
International Photography Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 13 Feb 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published photograph
- 2Pay entry fee of $7 USD (fee waivers available for financial hardship)
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be non-professional journalists aged 19 or under
- All entries must be accessible online with a public link
- Photographs must have been published during the previous calendar year
- Entries accepted from school publications, blogs, online papers, and other venues
- Previous first-place winners cannot re-enter the same category
- Judges may reassign entries to a more appropriate category
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual entry fee is $7 USD. Fee waivers are available for individuals facing financial hardship: write to contest@youthjournalism.org. Waiver requests are limited to two entries.
Financial support
Fee waivers available for individuals experiencing financial hardship. Contact contest@youthjournalism.org. All financial information is kept confidential.
About this opportunity
The YJI Photography News Photo category is part of the annual Youth Journalism International Excellence in Journalism Contest, recognizing exceptional photojournalism by young photographers. This category focuses on single images that capture newsworthy events, documenting significant moments as they unfold.
Non-professional journalists aged 19 and under from any country may submit previously published news photographs. Entries must be accessible online with a public link and should demonstrate the ability to convey the essential elements of a news story through a single powerful image.
Winners receive custom-made award certificates, with recognition from first place to honorable mention. All entries are evaluated by a global panel of more than two dozen judges, including professional journalists, teachers, and media experts from around the world.
The category provides an international platform for young photojournalists to gain recognition for their news photography skills and develop competencies in visual storytelling, timing, and journalistic observation.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published news photographs by a global panel of judges
How entries are judged
Entries evaluated for news value, impact, composition, and ability to capture the essence of a newsworthy event in a single image
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the YJI Photography - News Photo contest?
Students can prepare by regularly practicing news photography, focusing on capturing impactful moments, and understanding journalistic ethics. Reviewing past winning entries and studying current events to anticipate newsworthy situations can also be beneficial.
What are the key elements judges look for in a winning news photograph submission?
Judges prioritize news value, the photograph's impact, strong composition, and its ability to convey the essential elements of a news story through a single image. Originality and technical quality are also important considerations.
How does participation in this international competition benefit a student's journalistic development?
Participating offers international recognition, evaluation by professional journalists, and the opportunity to develop critical visual storytelling and news photography skills. It enhances a student's portfolio and provides a global platform for their work.
Are there specific types of news events that are more likely to be recognized in this contest?
The contest seeks images that capture significant, newsworthy events. While no specific type is favored, photographs that document impactful local, national, or international events with strong visual narrative tend to stand out. Focus on the story the image tells.
What should students do if their published photograph is behind a paywall or not easily accessible online?
If a photograph is behind a paywall or not directly accessible, students should create a PDF of the printed work or a screenshot, upload it to a public Google Drive folder, and provide that public link in their entry form to ensure judges can access it.
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