YJI Photography - Photo Illustration
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
Award Certificate
International journalism contest category by YJI for young photographers aged 19 and under, recognizing creative visual interpretations of topics and ideas. Entry fee $7 USD.
Mode
Online
Fee
$7 for one student, $15 for a team of up to 3, $25 for a team of 4 or more
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 2 or more
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 photo illustration 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
- Results
- 2 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Submit entry via YJI online form with public link to published photo illustration
- 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
- Photo illustrations 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. Team entries cost $15 for three people or fewer and $25 for four or more. 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 Photo Illustration category is part of the annual Youth Journalism International Excellence in Journalism Contest, recognizing creative and conceptual visual interpretations of topics and ideas. Unlike news or feature photography, photo illustrations are intentionally designed images that communicate abstract concepts or illustrate specific stories.
Non-professional journalists aged 19 and under from any country may submit previously published photo illustrations accessible online. Entries should demonstrate creative vision and the ability to visually represent ideas, themes, or narratives through staged, composed, or digitally enhanced imagery.
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.
This category provides an international stage for young visual artists to showcase their conceptual photography skills and develop competencies in creative direction, visual communication, and editorial illustration.
Rounds and format
Single round evaluation of previously published photo illustrations by a global panel of judges
How entries are judged
Creative vision, ability to visually represent ideas, themes, or narratives through staged, composed, or digitally enhanced imagery, and conceptual interpretation of topics.
Selection process
Entries are evaluated by a global panel of judges based on creative vision and visual representation of ideas. Winners are selected from first place to honorable mention.
How to prepare
- Photography guides
- Tutorials on photo illustration techniques
- Examples of award-winning photo illustrations
- Resources on visual storytelling
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
What kind of feedback or evaluation can participants expect from the global judging panel?
The global panel of professional journalists and media experts evaluates entries based on creative vision and the ability to visually represent ideas. While individual feedback is not typically provided, the selection of winners reflects high standards of conceptual and artistic merit.
Are there specific themes or styles that judges typically favor in photo illustration entries?
Judges look for originality and effective visual communication of ideas, rather than specific themes. Entries that demonstrate a unique perspective, strong narrative, or innovative use of imagery to convey abstract concepts are often highly regarded.
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