Participation Rules Photographers and/or Videomakers
1. Photographers/videographers may submit their applications by the following deadlines: applications open on May 11, 2026, and registration deadline is July 10, 2026. How to apply: Applications must be submitted via the website www.lafortezzadelcosplay.it, following the instructions under the "Registration" menu item.
For further information:
2. Selected participating photographers/videographers will receive a confirmation email and the registration/release form on July 20, 2026. Participants are kindly requested not to share their participation publicly (on social media) until they have confirmed their participation with the organizers. Participants are also asked not to make any arrangements until the organizers have confirmed their participation (July 27).
3. Photographers must submit up to 9 presentation photos, preferably related to cosplay, in different formats, along with links to their publication channels (social media and/or website). For couples: up to 12 images in total. Image specifications: each max. 3 MB, max. resolution 1200 x 1200 px.
For videographers: please include links to your publication channels (preferably YouTube) where your own videos, preferably related to cosplay, are visible. You can upload a video to your own area of the website, which will be visible to participants if selected.
If you wish to apply to produce both videos and photographs: 9 photos + video production link.
Those wishing to apply as a videographer or photographer must select the MULTIMEDIA category in their application.
4. In addition to the submitted material, the evaluation will also take into consideration the social media profiles and any website, including their editorial content, their consistency of publication, and as evidence of previous experience in the field (likes or number of followers will not be taken into account).
5. It is possible to participate as a pair of photographers and/or videographers. In this case, the application must be submitted by only one member of the pair, indicating the other in the "COLLABORATOR" field. The subsequent registration form must include the complete information of both participants (if selected). To participate as a photographer or videographer, you must be 18 or older. Separate sets for two participants as a pair will not be permitted (except in exceptional circumstances to be agreed upon with the organizers).
6. Photographer Selection Criteria.
QUALITY: Photos submitted for selection will be judged based on the basic rules of photography: the rule of thirds, leading lines, diagonals, frames, contrast between subject and background, composition, use of both artificial and natural light, the presence of the photo's "real" subject, framing, consistent post-production, correct exposure, and, last but not least, a photo that "tells the story." Photographs that are original and emotionally impactful will be judged favorably, and that, in the spontaneity of the moment captured, provide a clear indication of the photographer's skill and become a distinctive signature of the photographer.
TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHER: All types of photographers (portraitists, landscape photographers, etc.) are welcome to participate, but priority will be given to those who submit photos that, in addition to the subject, enhance the surrounding environment and have specific experience in cosplay photography.
DIGITAL ART: Photographers whose digital art production is consistent with the chosen settings and not just the character depicted are eligible.
For videographers, the criteria already outlined for photographers will be taken into consideration, and the consistent use of music or dialogue, as well as the narrative sequence and editing aesthetics, will also be evaluated.
7. The registration fee for the event is €30.00 per participant, which must be paid by July 27th. For couples: €55.00 in total. The assistant fee is €10.00 in total. Cancellations will not be refunded.
To confirm participation, participants must send the participation fee as confirmation within the required timeframe (7 days from the results) using the details that will be sent directly via email to those selected.
8. To ensure the event's success, only a limited number of participants will be admitted, selected from applicants based on a series of technical and safety criteria. Access to the venues is permitted in accordance with the health and safety regulations in force at the time of the event. Access to the facilities involved in the cosplay event or for professional photography of cosplayers during the event will be permitted only to selected participants and will not be possible otherwise.
9. The main location, Fortezza Verrucole Archeopark, can be reached via a slightly uphill footpath of approximately 500 meters. Therefore, we recommend planning ahead and considering bringing one or more assistants. To reach the secondary locations, you must make your own transportation; the organization will not provide transportation.
10. Participants agree to provide the registration/image release form to the organizers within a reasonable timeframe from confirmation of participation. Failure to provide the completed form will result in the event being denied entry. Please note that all photoshoots organized during the event must be free of charge for both parties (no remuneration), and the photos produced must display the event logo (except in specific circumstances). Photographers agree to submit one to a maximum of three photos per set to the organizers by December 31, 2026, for use for promotional/documentation purposes.
11. Given the event's unique location, we encourage participants to learn more about
the main location by visiting the website fortezzaverrucolearcheopark.it and our Facebook/IG channels @fortezzaverrucolearcheopark to gain a clear understanding of the site, its history, logistics, and accessibility. Our staff will be available to cosplayers/photographers to remind them of and outline the opportunities the locations offer. A map of the locations will also be provided in advance.
12. Participants may use an assistant (maximum two per participant). These assistants do not need to go through the selection process and will receive an assistant pass, but will not be allowed to take photos or pose. Please note that assistants are not permitted to pose, but if an assistant is needed to support a specific project, please contact the organizers in advance and propose the project. The organizers will then decide whether or not to grant such an assistant's involvement. In any case, the assistant's presence must be primarily for support purposes, possibly partially or face-to-face, and for a single, specific set. The reduced participation fee for those participating as assistants is €10.00. Confirmation of the assistants' presence must be communicated by September 1, 2026, along with payment of the corresponding fee.
13. Please maintain appropriate behavior appropriate to the environment and avoid dangerous situations that may arise given the nature of the locations involved. In particular, positioning yourself on the Fortress walls or in other similarly risky situations is strictly prohibited. Maximum respect is required for the locations, people, or animals involved in the photography activities. The organization is not responsible for any damage to property or persons.
14. Participants are encouraged to shoot at the designated locations for safety and organizational reasons. However, if they are interested in setting up in unscheduled locations, they can contact the organizers to verify there are no impediments. The organizers disclaim any liability for the use of locations not indicated on the official map.
15. We will ask you to participate in a group photo shoot, which will be on Sunday at 12:00 pm at the Fortezza.
16. During the event, the telephone number 3792415958 will be available for any urgent needs, inquiries, or clarifications. For urgent communications, it's best to use this number rather than social chat, which may be less responsive in short timeframes.
17. Not all locations will be available on Friday the 18th. We'll provide details on the social media channels reserved for participants.
18. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You can submit your application as a photographer, multimedia photographer/videographer, or cosplayer. These applications must be completed separately by creating two accounts on the site (with different email addresses). Specify the email address of the other person registering in the "Notes" field on both applications, which will be evaluated separately.
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PRACTICAL SUMMARY FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
The application must include:
name, surname, country of origin, and date of birth;
PHOTOGRAPHER or MULTIMEDIA category (if photographer/videographer or videographer only)
stage name or social media handle for publishing lists, which will be the name you will use in your area on the website and on the badge;
COLLABORATOR stage name (for couples);
social media handle (FB/IG or website, also YouTube for videographers);
attach 9 photographs (couples 12) of your own production, preferably related to cosplay, and any portfolio (for videographers, link).
Allergies, pathologies, miscellaneous
ATTACH:
- Up to 9 photographs of your own production (or links to videos), each max. 3MB, max. resolution 1200 x 1200 px. Videographers may upload a single video.