Hong Kong News-Expo
The 2nd "My News Diary" Photography Competition
1. Objectives
Hong Kong News-Expo (HKNE) has always been dedicated to promoting media literacy and journalism education, encouraging students to observe society through a journalistic lens and capture significant life moments through imagery. Last year, the inaugural “My News Diary” Photo Competition received an enthusiastic response and strong support from teachers and students across various institutions. HKNE is pleased to present the second edition of the competition, continuing to provide a platform for students to showcase their creativity and photographic talent, while fostering the younger generation’s interest in photojournalism.
2. Categories
- Primary School Division: Primary 1 to Primary 6
- Junior Secondary Division: Secondary 1 to Secondary 3
- Senior Secondary Division: Secondary 4 to Secondary 6
- Tertiary Division: Diploma or above
Remark: Eligibility is restricted to full-time students of a registered school in Hong Kong.
The competition category shall be determined based on the student’s grade level at the time of submission.
3. Theme
Participants are expected to utilize their journalistic sense to capture an image that reflects daily life, community dynamics, social phenomena, or current events. Each entry must be accompanied by a brief title and description (in either Chinese or English, within 150 words). The subject matter can range from traditional breaking news to school campus life, community stories, festive celebrations, and environmental changes. Any entry that embodies news elements (such as authenticity, timeliness, significance, interest, etc.) is welcome.
4. Submission Requirements
- Each participant may submit only one entry. The entry must be the participant’s original work, which has not been publicly published or entered into other competitions.
- Only basic adjustments (e.g., brightness, contrast, cropping) are permitted. Compositing, tampering, or excessive editing is strictly prohibited.
- File Format: JPEG or PNG, with a file size not exceeding 10 MB.
- File Naming Format: Category_School Name_Student Name_Title of Work (e.g., Primary School Division_Hong Kong News Primary School_Chan Siu Ming_Morning Newsstand).
5. Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Participants may use AI tools to assist in refining their work; however, this must not alter the authenticity or the core subject matter of the photograph. Entries must be based on photos taken by the participant and cannot be entirely AI-generated or fictional.
Permitted AI Assistance
- Noise reduction
- Enhancing clarity or resolution
- Adjusting brightness, contrast, and white balance
- Applying color filters or stylized color grading
- Basic blemish removal (generative AI fill is NOT allowed)
- Editing and refining captions/descriptions
Prohibited AI Generation
- Generating a completely new image directly from text prompts
- Generating text captions directly using AI
- Using AI to add objects, people, skies, backgrounds, etc., that were not originally in the photo
- Using AI to remove or replace existing people or objects in the photo
- Creating deepfakes (e.g., face-swapping, altering actions/movements)
Declaration Requirements
If you have used any AI tools (even just for color grading or noise reduction), you must complete the following when submitting your entry:
- Check the box indicating “AI assistance was used”.
- Provide a brief description of the tools used and the modifications made (e.g., Used Lightroom’s AI Denoise feature / Used built-in phone AI for color grading).
Upload the following supporting documents for verification: 1.The original, unedited photo file (RAW or unedited JPEG) 2.A screenshot of the text prompts used (if applicable)
Participants must upload the above documents upon submission for verification purposes. Failure to provide these documents, deliberate concealment of AI usage, or violation of any prohibited terms will lead to disqualification from the competition or forfeiture of any prizes upon verification.
6. Entry Submission
Please complete the online registration form and upload your entry.
7. Judging Criteria
The judging panel will consist of representatives from the Hong Kong News-Expo (HKNE), media professionals, and media educators. Entries will be assessed based on:
- News Value (40%)
- Composition and Technique (30%)
- Storytelling and Impact (30%)
8. Awards
Winning entries may be exhibited at the HKNE. Winners will be selected from each division, including:
Champion: Book voucher HK$1,500, certificate, and one HKNE game voucher
1st Runner-up: Book voucher HK$1,000, certificate, and one HKNE game voucher
2nd Runner-up: Book voucher HK$800, certificate, and one HKNE game voucher
Merit (5 winners): Book voucher HK$300, certificate, and one HKNE game voucher
9. Important Dates
- Registration and Submission: June 2, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) at 11:59 PM
- Announcement of Results: November 3, 2026 (Tuesday) – to be published on the HKNE website and social media platforms
- Award Ceremony and Exhibition: To be determined (TBD)
10. Summary of Terms and Conditions
- By submitting an entry, participants agree to authorise Hong Kong News-Expo to use, reproduce, display, and publish the work for non-commercial purposes (including but not limited to exhibitions, websites, social media, and promotional publications).
- All entries must be original works and must not infringe upon the copyrights or portrait rights of any third party. In the event of any violation, participants shall bear full legal responsibility, and the organiser reserves the right to disqualify them.
- Participants must comply with all AI usage guidelines of this competition, including disclosure obligations and the submission of supporting materials. In case of non-compliant use or concealment of AI assistance, the organiser reserves the right to disqualify the participant or rescind any awards.
- The organiser reserves the right to amend the competition rules and prize arrangements. Any changes will be announced on the official website.
- In case of any dispute, Hong Kong News-Expo reserves the right of final decision.
Unleash your journalistic instinct and capture your own news diary today!
