A photography competition open to all invites you to capture the highlights of life in Kainuu

What makes life in Kainuu especially good? What does meaningful work look like, or the best moments of leisure? 

You are welcome to participate in an open photography competition. The competition is aimed at all photographers – amateurs, professionals, and occasional photographers alike. The competition is organised by the Kainuu in all its Diversity project, co-funded by the European Union, and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). 

In this competition, the most important thing is your personal perspective and ability to capture meaningful moments. We are looking for photos that show genuine moments and atmosphere from Kainuu. Photos can be taken by local residents or visitors to the region. 

Nature and landscapes are an essential part of life in Kainuu, but this competition is not only about scenic and nature photographs, as we are looking for people, everyday life, leisure, celebrations, and togetherness.

We especially value authenticity and atmosphere in the photos, as well as how they highlight Kainuu’s people and local characteristics. How do you see Kainuu? 

Welcome to join the competition! Please read the competition rules carefully below. 

The competition has two categories, which can be interpreted freely and creatively. Each participant may submit up to three photos per category. All submitted photos must be taken in Kainuu. 

Category 1: Work and Everyday Life in Kainuu
We welcome photos depicting working life and daily routines: work, studying, entrepreneurship, family life, and moments that make everyday life good and meaningful. 

Category 2: Leisure and Celebrations in Kainuu
We welcome photos depicting leisure activities, hobbies, togetherness, and celebrations in Kainuu. 

Until 15.8.2026 at 23:59. Late submissions will not be included in the evaluation. 

The main prize in each category is 500 € (prize is taxable income). 
Additionally, two honorary mentions will be awarded in each category with product prizes. 

Enter the competition by sending your photo and contact details to:
valokuvauskilpailu@kamk.fi 

If submitting multiple photos, send each photo in a separate email. If you submit more than three photos per category, only the first three received will be evaluated, and the rest will be excluded, so make sure to submit your best work. 

Steps to Follow: 

1. Write the category name as the subject line of your email.
2. Include the following details in the email: 

• Photo title 

• Location (municipality or name of location) 

• A short description of the photo (a few sentences) 

• Your contact details (name, email address, phone number)

     3. Attach the photo as a file to the email. 

     4. Send your competition photo(s) no later than 15.8.2026. 

The winners will be chosen by a jury consisting of photography and communications experts, as well as organisers’ representatives. 

Winners will be notified personally by  15.9.2026. The winners will also be announced on the Kainuu in all its Diversity project and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences website and communication channels.

• Photos must be in JPEG format. 
• Light digital editing (such as cropping or colour adjustment) is allowed, but heavy editing using AI tools is prohibited. We value authenticity and atmosphere in the photos. 
• Preferred aspect ratios: 3:2 (or 2:3) – traditional DSLR and print photo ratio (e.g., 10 x 15 cm prints) and 4:3 (or 3:4) – common for smartphones and compact cameras.

Photos must be taken by the participant and they must hold full rights to the images and their publication. By entering the competition, the photographer confirms that they have obtained permission from any identifiable individuals in the photo for its use in the competition, as defined in the section Organiser’s Rights to Use Photos. 

Copyrights remain with the photographer. The organiser must credit the photographer’s name when using the photo. 

All competition photos:
By participating, the photographer grants the Kainuu in all its diversity project and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences the right to publish the photos without separate compensation in exhibitions showcasing the competition results during the project period, until the end of 2026. Any other publication of the competition photos will be agreed upon separately with the photographer. 

Purchase of competition photos for Kajaani University of Applied Sciences:
By mutual agreement, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences may purchase photos for its use for a fee of €100 per photo. Such agreements are made on a case-by-case basis, and participation in the competition does not oblige the photographer to accept purchase requests. 

Winning photos:
By participating, the photographer grants the Kainuu in all its diversity project and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences a non-exclusive right to use winning photos additionally for: 

• Communication about the photography competition and its results 

• Marketing and communications for the Kainuu in all its diversity project and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences 

The intellectual property rights to the photos remain with the photographer, meaning they may use their images, for example, as work samples. 

Kajaani University of Applied Sciences and the Kainuu in all its diversitys project collect and handle personal information only for the uses determined beforehand. Personal information is used only as long as it is necessary for the use it is collected for.   

The competition organisers process the personal data of participants in accordance with EU and national data protection legislation for the purpose of carrying out the competition and delivering prizes. Personal data will not be disclosed to third parties or used for other purposes. 

By participating in the competition, the photographer agrees that their name may be published in connection with any awarded photos or photos displayed in exhibitions. 

More information about how your personal information is handled can be read from privacy statement. 

Members of the photography competition working group are not eligible to participate in the competition.