Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the PHOTO SEASON website and your participation in the PHOTO SEASON international fine art photography competition, organized by the PHOTO SEASON collective in Latvia, in cooperation with the Latvian Creative Photographers Association (LCPA).

By accessing the Platform, creating an account, or submitting an entry to the competition, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use the Platform or participate in the competition.

2. Eligibility The competition is open to photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or country of residence, unless otherwise specified for a particular category or edition.

– Participants must be 18 years of age or older, or have the consent of a parent or legal guardian if below the applicable age of majority. – By entering, participants confirm that they have the legal right and capacity to submit entries and to agree to these Terms.

3. Entry Submissions – Entrants must submit only original work that they personally created and own all rights to. – Each entry must comply with the technical specifications, category descriptions, and submission deadlines published on the Platform for the relevant edition of the competition. – Participants are responsible for ensuring that submitted images do not infringe on the copyright, privacy, or other rights of any third party. – Images depicting identifiable individuals must be submitted with the appropriate consent of the subject(s) where required by applicable law. – We reserve the right to reject or disqualify any entry that does not comply with these Terms, the competition rules, or that we deem inappropriate, offensive, or unlawful, at our sole discretion.

4. Entry Fees – Certain categories or editions of the competition may require payment of an entry fee, as specified on the Platform at the time of submission. – All entry fees are processed through authorized third-party payment service providers. – Except where required by applicable law, entry fees are non-refundable, including in cases of disqualification, withdrawal, or non-selection.

5. Intellectual Property Rights – Participants retain full copyright ownership of their submitted works. – By submitting an entry, the participant grants PHOTO SEASON and LCPA a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to reproduce, display, publish, and exhibit the submitted work (with attribution to the photographer) for purposes related to the competition, including but not limited to judging, promotion, exhibitions, publications, and the Platform's website and social media channels. – This license remains valid for as long as reasonably necessary for archival, promotional, and recognition purposes related to the competition's history, unless otherwise agreed in writing. – Participants represent and warrant that they hold all necessary rights to grant this license.

6. Judging and Results – Entries are evaluated by an international jury appointed by the PHOTO SEASON collective, in accordance with the criteria published for the relevant category and edition. – Judging decisions, awards, and special distinctions are made at the sole discretion of the jury and are final and binding. – We reserve the right to modify judging criteria, categories, awards, or the competition schedule at any time, with reasonable notice provided on the Platform where practicable.

7. Publication and Promotion – Winning and selected entries may be published, exhibited, or featured by PHOTO SEASON, LCPA, and their promotional or media partners, together with the photographer's name and relevant biographical details, as described in our Privacy Policy. – Participants consent to such use as a condition of entering the competition.

8. User Accounts – Users may be required to create an account to submit entries or access certain features of the Platform. – Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and for all activity occurring under their account. – We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or applicable law.

9. Prohibited Conduct Users agree not to:

– Submit entries that are not their own original work, or that infringe upon any third party's intellectual property or other rights. – Submit content that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, discriminatory, or otherwise objectionable. – Attempt to manipulate the judging process, voting, or results through fraudulent means. – Use the Platform in any manner that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair its functioning. – Misrepresent their identity or eligibility.

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability – The Platform and competition are provided "as is" and "as available", without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. – We do not guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. – To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, PHOTO SEASON, LCPA, and their respective organizers, employees, and representatives shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform or participation in the competition.

11. Indemnification You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PHOTO SEASON, the PHOTO SEASON collective, and LCPA, along with their respective representatives and partners, from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, your submitted entries, or your violation of any third-party rights.

12. Modifications to the Competition and Terms We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the competition or the Platform, and to update these Terms, at any time and without prior notice. Continued use of the Platform or participation in the competition following any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

13. Governing Law These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Latvia, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, unless otherwise required by applicable mandatory consumer protection laws of the participant's country of residence.

14. Contact Information For questions regarding these Terms, please contact us at info@photoseasons.com.