First-and foremost, SALT is the country’s premier surf photography awards. However, they are also much more than that. SALT is a celebration of lives lived in dedication to the ocean. Whether it’s those whose never-ending obsession is attempting to capture its ceaseless energy, motion and beauty in a single frame, or the surfers who live to ride it.
SALT aims to showcase and award the imagery that best conveys this sentiment while utilising both creativity and technical excellence.
The major prize-winner – Surf Photographer of the Year – will claim AUD $5000.00 While the four category winners will each receive AUD $1000.00
BEN BUGDEN
DEPUTY & PHOTO EDITOR – TRACKS MAGAZINE
An accomplished and qualified photographer himself, Ben has been responsible for working with the world’s best surf photographers and curating the images that grace the pages of Tracks for over a decade now.
JEFF DIVINE
MASTER OF SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jeff is one of the greatest surf photographers of all-time. He has been responsible for capturing many of surfing's defining moments, and has also worked as photo-editor for both Surfer and The Surfer's Journal.
TOM CARROLL
WORLD CHAMPION SURFER & PHOTOGRAPHIC ENTHUSIAST
Not only is Tom a two-time world champion surfer, he is also an avid photographic enthusiast with his own portfolio of beautiful imagery. This duel experience will bring a critical eye capable of looking at both the surfing and photographic aspects of entries.
Can I enter more than one photo in each category?
Yes you can. You can enter each category as many times as you like. Apart from Surf Photographer of the Year, this should only be entered once.
How do I enter Surf Photographer Of The Year?
To be in the running for Surf Photographer of the Year, you must enter this category separately. Any images you have previously entered in other categories will not count toward this. Go to the Surf Photographer of the Year page and upload your four selected images there.
Can I enter the same photos in Surf Photographer Of The Year as I did in each other Category?
Yes you can. However, you must re-upload them when you enter the Surf Photographer of the Year category.
How does the judging for Surf Photographer Of The Year work?
Our panel of nominated judges will review all entries and select the winner & finalists of the Surf Photographer of the Year category. The winner will be deemed as the photographer who has shown the highest degree of technical and creative ability across the four different categories.
How does the public voting for the other categories work?
Tracks Magazine staff will review all entries and select 10 finalists for each category. The 10 finalists for each category will then be displayed on our website and the public will then vote between dates 4th August and 21st August. The winning image will be chosen off who receives
the most votes.
How will I be notified if I am a finalist?
You will be notified via email if you are a finalist for any category.
How will I be notified if I win?
You will be notified via email if you are the winner of any category.
Do the photos have to be from this year?
No, not technically, but age of images will be taken into consideration and judged accordingly. Preference will be given to images shot over the last 12 - 24 months.
In what format do I need to supply my photos?
For best results, upload highest-quality JPEGs, sized a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side but up to 1500 pixels is even better. Maximum size is 2Mb.
What level of post-production is acceptable?
Basic image editing and color corrections are allowed, i.e. brightness, contrast, sharpening, mood and temperature balance. Black and White is also acceptable
Can I submit RAW files?
No you can’t.
What size does my image need to be?
For best results, upload highest-quality JPEGs, sized a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side but up to 1500 pixels is even better. Maximum size is 2Mb. Note that finalists and winners will be called upon to submit high-res & raw versions of shots if required.
If I submit images to the wrong category will I be disqualified?
No, you won’t be disqualified, but your image will be judged according to the entered categories guidelines.
