Your favorite photography competition returns with a new edition on October 18 at Toplocentrala.

What is a FotoMarathon?
Photography enthusiasts gather on a set day at a specific place, receive a theme for shooting, and head out into the city to hunt for the best shots.

What is the FotoMarathon by FotoFabrika?
The same as above. But here are some details about its edition in Sofia:
You can shoot with a camera or with a phone. The photos must be taken on the same day and according to the given assignment. There is a grand prize for the winner – 1,000 BGN, provided by this year’s partner of the FotoMarathon – the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation, plus a 500 BGN voucher from Ozone Pro. The foundation has also provided an additional 1,000 BGN prize fund, which will be distributed at the jury’s discretion after reviewing all the photos and deciding which authors to highlight.

RULES, REGISTRATION, PROGRAM

To participate, you must register at THIS LINK. Then the FotoMarathon team will be waiting for you on October 18 at Toplocentrala for on-site registration. This registration will take place from 10:00 to 11:00, and it’s important not to miss it, because this is when you will receive your participant number, under which the submitted photo will later be recorded.
At 11:00 the competition rules will once again be explained, and the theme will be drawn. After that, everyone heads out to capture the perfect shot.

Each competitor is allowed to submit ONE image. Submission closes at 17:00. After that, it’s time for the jury’s evaluation.

At 19:00 all participants gather again at Toplocentrala, where the jury will announce the winners and present all the submitted photos.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Can I participate with a digital camera?
Absolutely. FotoMarathon Sofia accepts both digital cameras and phones.

Can I use a film (analog) camera?
Unfortunately not. This competition is only for digital cameras and phones.

Do I need to bring my own memory card?
Yes, you will need to bring your own card. It must be empty at the beginning of the FotoMarathon, and our team will check it during registration. We accept standard SD cards. If yours is not a typical SD card, please bring a USB cable so we can transfer your photos at the end of the competition.

Can I use multiple cameras?
No, only one camera per participant is allowed. However, you are free to use different lenses, filters, etc.

Can I use built-in filters?
Yes, but the goal is to avoid post-processing of the images.

Can I participate with a friend or in a group?
Absolutely! This is a great opportunity to work together and find more inspiration. You participate with one camera (or phone) and one image.

How are the photos submitted?
At the end of the marathon, you must return to Toplocentrala, where we will download the images from your camera or phone. All photos must be taken on the day of the marathon, on the chosen theme, and without additional editing.

In what format should the photos be?
All images must be submitted only as JPEG files. RAW files will not be accepted.

Who owns the copyright?
The copyright remains with the photographer. By entering the contest, you grant Photo Factory Foundation and its partners the right to use the photos for media distribution, online publication, and promotion of the FotoMarathon. Rights cannot be transferred, sold, or sublicensed to a third party without the explicit consent of both sides. The images may also be used in exhibitions at the foundation’s discretion.

Who can participate?
Anyone over the age of 18 can take part. Children can participate together with their parents as a team. For participants aged 12–17, there will be a special photo workshop held on October 18. You can read more about it here.

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