Cosplay Photography Competition
Photographers, get ready! The Cosplay Photography Competition returns to Overload after a fantastic response last year! Showcase your artistry and passion for cosplay through your lens. All skill levels are welcome to celebrate the vibrant world of cosplay!
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this competition offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dynamic world of cosplay through your photography. Capture every detail, from stunning costumes to unforgettable characters.
UPDATE: Registration for the 2025 Overload Cosplay Photography Competition has closed.
Finalists from will be on display in The Cloud, and winners announced on the Overload stage in Shed 10, Sunday 21 April from 4:20pm!
HOW CAN I ENTER?
- Read Eligibility, Rules & Submission Criteria below.
- Complete the Online Registration form with your information. This includes submitting both your compressed pre-edited and high-res final edit jpeg photo files (not exceeding 10MB each) without watermark, formatted to A3 size.
- Submit your entry online by 11:59PM 31st of March 2025.
EXHIBITION
Finalist’s photos will be printed on A3 Acrylic panels and displayed in The Shed 10, 26-27 April.
PRIZES
- 1st Place
Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera + instax mini Film 10pk - 2nd Place
Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 + instax mini Film 10pk - 3rd Place
Fuji Jelly Camera reusable film camera - Judges recommendation Junior:
Kodak Flash Single Use Camera
Winners will be announced at on the Overload stage on Sunday 27 April* from 4:20pm. It is strongly encouraged for participants to show up to the prize giving.
*Stage schedule may change.
ELIGIBILITY, RULES & SUBMISSION CRITERIA
- Participants of this competition MUST have written consent from the cosplayer.
- Overload is an event for all-ages. Entries with the following depiction/s (explicit and implicit) will be automatically disqualified.
- Violence, gore, body horror.
- Sexualization of characters, items and scenarios.
- Hurtful and hateful depictions of cultures, races, religions, genders, sexualities, physical and mental abilities.
- Only 1 entry per photographer will be accepted.
- Only open to participants residing in New Zealand.
- Submission must be provided as A3 sized format (portrait or landscape) @ 300dpi + additional 2mm bleed (= 3555 x 5008 pixels)
- Digital manipulation on the photographs are limited to touch-ups, exposure compensation, dodge & burn. Use of AI and CG for editing is prohibited.
- Selfies, convention or event floor photos will be automatically disqualified.
- By submitting an entry for this competition, all participants (photographer and photograph subject/s) agree to allow the Overload to use their image and likeness for future promotional purposes. All images and likeness will be credited to the relevant photographers and cosplayers.
FAQ
Yes! Mobile photography is welcome, just as long as it meets the submission criteria detailed in the Rules.
Judges will consider the following criteria for each image:
- technical (exposure; depth of field; colour or tonal rendition; contrast; and lighting)
- visual and aesthetic appeal
- content (mood; emotion; relevance; subject; impact)
- general characteristics (originality; style; context; photographic vision)
No, attending the Overload event is not required to enter. Submissions are open to anyone residing in New Zealand.