For each annual edition of the competition, information regarding the following will be published in the fall in the LATEST NEWS (= ÚLTIMAS NOTICIAS) section of this website’s homepage:
Deadlines, format and submision instructions for photographs entered in the competition
Location, date and time of the awards ceremony
The competition aims to promote and highlight the world of fungi and mushrooms in all their forms. There are two different categories for participation:
Naturalist Mycological Photography Category : This category will recognize the scientific value, the uniqueness of the species, its rarity, and the technical precision of the photograph taken in its natural habitat. Photographs must faithfully depict the macroscopic characteristics that allow for the identification of the specimen or specimens submitted, as well as the habitat where it was found and photographed. No digital retouching or subsequent alterations of any kind are permitted.
Artistic and Creative Mycological Photography Category:
Photographs must feature fungi as their central element, showcasing the photographer’s unique visual expression that goes beyond simply capturing images through a combination of creativity and technical mastery. They must convey emotions, concepts, and personal perspectives through images that make an impact on viewers who love Mycology. All types of alterations, processing, and digital manipulation are permitted without restriction to enhance the beauty of the mycological subject (including artistic blurring, extreme macro, wildlife, complex lighting, fictional backgrounds, and montages). Images must be based on the author’s original photographs and must not be generated by AI.
These will be announced in the call for entries for each edition of the competition.
Participation is open to anyone interested in photography—whether amateur or professional—without age or nationality restrictions
Transparency and Incompatibility: Members of the Jury and their immediate family members—whether by blood or affinity, up to the second degree (spouses, children, parents, siblings)—may not participate in the competition.
Regisration and exclusivity: Registration is free. Entries must be original, previously unpublished works and must not have won awards in any other competition prior to the submission deadline.
Participation limits: Each participant may compete in both categories, submitting a maximum of 4 photographs per category.
Award limitations: A single participant is eligible to win only one prize per category throughout the competition.
Naturalist Mycological Photography Category (Unretouched): This category will recognize the scientific value, the uniqueness of the species, its rarity, and the technical precision of the photograph taken in its natural habitat. Photographs must faithfully depict the macroscopic characteristics that allow for the identification of the specimen or specimens submitted, as well as the habitat where it was found and photographed. No digital retouching or subsequent alterations of any kind are permitted (except for basic overall adjustments to exposure, contrast, and white balance).
Digital Submission (Preferred Method)
Naturalist Mycological Photography Category: You must submit the files in high-resolution JPG format (minimum 300 dpi). Files should be named using the format Species_Name.ext. For example, Amanita phalloides.jpg. Valid file extensions are: jpg
Artistic and Creative Mycological Photography Category: The final, completed artwork must be submitted in high-resolution JPG format (minimum 300 dpi). Files should be named using the following format: Title_of_the_work.ext. For example, Magic_Mushrooms.jpg. Valid file extensions are: jpg
Physical Presentation (Optional):
Photographic paper with a maximum size of 20 × 30 cm, mounted or printed on stiff white cardstock with a margin and total dimensions of 24 × 34 cm.
Labeling on the lower front: Species/Category in the left corner and Title/Motto in the right corner.
Identification must be provided in a sealed envelope (sealed bid) to ensure anonymity before the jury.
All physical submissions must be accompanied by a digital copy (USB drive, CD, or DVD) attached to the paper copies.
The jury will be composed of members of the SMM Board of Directors and/or designated experts. The jury’s decision will be final and will be announced during the Mycological Exhibition.
Award-Winning Works and Files: The award-winning works, as well as their digital files (or source files), will become the property of the Mycological Society of Madrid (SMM). By entering the contest, participants authorize and permit the SMM to exhibit or publish the submitted works using any reproduction method made possible by current technology.
Non-winning entries: Entries submitted in physical format will remain available to the authors for a period not exceeding 3 months from the announcement of the contest results.
Return by Snail Mail: Entries will be returned by mail only if the authors have expressly requested it and have included, along with the photos, a properly addressed envelope with sufficient postage (stamps) for return.
Liability: The Madrid Mycological Society is not liable for any loss or damage that the entries may suffer during shipping or transport.
Contact the Competion Organizer
