Find out how to take part – it’s easy!
This year, Oia Monastery is launching a wide range of new activities, including the 1st Oia Monastery Photography Competition. The competition has been created to encourage, recognise, promote and reward creativity through photography, celebrating the unique beauty of the Royal Monastery of Oia.
We are also delighted to have acclaimed photographer Héctor Santos-Díez as the competition’s patron.
Entries will be judged on several criteria, including technical quality, originality and creativity, with particular attention given to photographs that capture and convey the unique spirit of this extraordinary place.
How to enter
Participation is free of charge and no prior registration is required.
Photographs may be taken inside the Monastery or of its exterior and surrounding landscape, provided that the Monastery remains the main subject of the image.
Each photograph must be accompanied by:
- A title.
- A short explanatory text (maximum 200 words) describing the image and explaining why it was chosen.
Entries may be submitted in colour or black and white.
Composite images (created by combining multiple independent photographs into one) will not be accepted. Basic editing, including filters and effects available within the camera or standard photo-editing software, is permitted.
Interior photographs may be taken either during guided visits on weekends or during the Monastery’s free admission period every Monday morning (10:00 am–2:00 pm).
Submission
Photographs must be submitted digitally only.
Each participant may submit one photograph in JPG/JPEG format to:
Files must not exceed 15 MB.
The email should include the photographer’s:
- Full name
- Telephone number
- Email address
A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of each entry. If no confirmation is received, participation cannot be guaranteed. The organisers accept no responsibility for entries that are not successfully received.
Data protection
Personal data provided by participants will be used solely for the purposes of administering the competition and will be processed in accordance with the applicable data protection legislation.
Submission period
Entries will be accepted from 14 April, when the Monastery reopens to the public, until 29 May (inclusive).
Jury and prizes
A panel consisting of professional photographer Héctor Santos-Díez and members of the Fundación Bretal Board of Trustees will select five finalist photographs.
These five photographs will be published on the Monastery’s social media channels (Instagram and Facebook), with full credit given to their authors.
People’s Choice Award
Awarded to the photograph receiving the highest number of likes on social media.
Prize: An Oia Monastery gift set including a mug, magnet, notebook, pencil, art print and tote bag.
Jury Prize
Awarded to the photograph selected by the judging panel.
Prize: An Oia Monastery gift set (mug, magnet, notebook, pencil, art print and tote bag), plus €50.
