1. Image Captioning: You must include in the image caption any description of behaviour pictured and/or background story and species name if known. If the subject is captive, restrained, deceased, or taxidermy, you must disclose that in the caption. Remember to add in the appropriate participant category hashtags e.g. #snpy2026youthLL, etc. 2. Image Properties and Specifications: Entries must be submitted as digital files uploaded through Klick app. Please adhere to our requirements with regards to image properties and specifications for the camera category. • DO NOT include your name in the caption or on the image itself. Images containing watermarks or any features allowing it to be identifiable to a photographer will not be considered. • Keep intact any EXIF details (e.g. camera, lens, exposure settings, location etc). • Ensure that the correct date and time are set up in your camera and phone. Improper dates may result in disqualification. For proof of authenticity: • Original digital camera RAW files (e.g. CR2, NEF, ARW, ORF, etc.) will be requested if your image is shortlisted. • DNG files are acceptable only if that is the native recording format of the camera. • Digital images captured as JPEG and HEIC (for Apple users) are allowed, providing the original un-retouched image is available for inspection. For printing in all media and for possible inclusion in an exhibition: • Should your image be shortlisted, a full resolution TIFF file will be requested (for camera). • This should be an 8-bit or higher file at 300dpi. • For mobile images, leave it in your native file type and resolution. 3. Rules for editing and use of AI: Editing has always been part and parcel of photography since the analog era. While edited images are allowed and in some instances encouraged, it must be done in a manner that preserves the photographic and journalistic integrity of the scenes being depicted, and should hence be done in a naturalistic manner. Adjustments that are allowed • Removal of sensor dust spots, backscatter in underwater images, chromatic aberration, and background noise • Adjustments to: levels, curves, color, saturation, contrast work, shadow and highlights, sharpening, dodging, burning, toning, neutral density gradients and removing of lens vignetting • Colour grading and calibration that is done in a naturalistic manner • Cropping is permissible in moderation and as long as a suitable high-res TIFF file can be supplied for printing a large exhibition display if requested • Black and white conversion • Focus-stacking is allowed for images in all categories. All images used in the stack must be made available for review if requested Adjustments that are not allowed • Composites • Removing elements from the scene • Use of the cloning, stamping, and healing brush tools (except for dust/backscatter removal) • Use of generative fill • Multiple exposures that are not a part of a focus-stacked image • HDR composites • The use of artistic digital filters and effects which do not show the scene in its original naturalistic manner Use of AI – Artificial Intelligence is a tool meant to assist and push the boundaries of your craft, not to substitute creativity or technical skill. As such it is only permissible to a limited extent in post processing adjustments • AI denoise is allowed • AI mask selection is allowed • Generative AI is NOT ALLOWED Should any dispute arise in the competition, or with the implementation/interpretation of these rules and guidelines, the Judges' decisions will be final and no appeal will be entertained.