Capture caribbean Logo

The First Wave Challenge

Win a Trip to Saint Lucia

In Partnership with

ENTER THE CHALLENGE
30-Day Challenge · Limited Entries
Choose your category

General

$500

Cash Award

Open to all photo enthusiasts. Whether you’re a dedicated hobbyist or a seasoned artist, this is your stage to share your unique perspective.

Starting From
$25
Enter Contest
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

Emerging Creator

$500

Cash Award

For young visual artists ages 18+, No professional experience required — just passion and creativity.

Starting From
$25
Enter Contest
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

College Creator

$500

Cash Award

For students currently enrolled in college. Open to all majors. Showcase your creativity and compete at the collegiate level.

Starting From
$25
Enter Contest
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

Master
Your Craft

$1000

Cash Award

For working photographers and artists who earn professionally or demonstrate advanced skill. Submissions are evaluated to the highest standards.

Starting From
$25
Enter Contest
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event
Forge the Founding Class
The first creators to shape the future of Capture Caribbean.

The First Wave Challenge invites global visual storytellers to launch Capture Caribbean as our inaugural Founding Creators. Whether professional or passionate, we are selecting a cohort of artists to define the creative foundation and set the standard for future Invitationals.

Capture Caribbean

Why Become a Founding Creator?

  • Priority consideration for future Invitationals, Exhibitions, and Residencies1
  • Help shape the creative foundation of the platform.
  • Early Official Contest Access.
  • Receive a digital badge of founding class membership.
  • Recognition as part of the inaugural Founding Creator Class.
Golden Ticket
The Golden Ticket : The ultimate advantage
Double Your Chances at Glory
  • BONUS MAIN EVENT ENTRY
A complimentary second shot at the grand prize: A luxury Bay Gardens vacation.
  • INDUSTRY PUBLICATION

Your work featured in the official CPC First Wave Lookbook, distributed to Caribbean tourism and media partners.

  • THE “PERFECT SHOT” FLEXIBILITY
Swap or update your photo anytime before the deadline. Never worry about ‘entry regret’ again.
Golden Ticket
Claim Your Golden Ticket

Hosted in Partnership with

Bay Gardens Resorts is a trusted hotel group located in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia, known for decades of Caribbean hospitality and a trusted presence in the region.

Hosted in Partnership with

Bay Gardens Resorts
Bay Gardens Resorts is a trusted hotel group located in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia, known for decades of Caribbean hospitality and a trusted presence in the region.
The Path Forward
Application Review

Curatorial review based on originality, storytelling strength, and perspective.

Selection

A limited number of creators are named to the inaugural Founding Class.

Access & Recognition

Receive official recognition, early platform access, and priority for future Invitationals.

The Journey Begins

From live Caribbean experiences to global exhibitions, the Founding Class moves forward together.

The First Wave Challenge prize vault

General

$500

Cash Award

Starting From

$25

Enter
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

Emerging Creator​

$500

Cash Award

Starting From

$25

Enter
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

College Creator

$500

Cash Award

Starting From

$25

Enter
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event

Master
Your Craft

$1000

Cash Award

Starting From

$25

Enter
  • Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event
Frequently Asked Questions

General

Capture Caribbean – First Wave is the inaugural live launch of the Capture Caribbean platform. It is a 30-day global, skill-based creative challenge designed to identify the platform’s Founding Creator Class while operationally launching the Capture Caribbean contest ecosystem ahead of its year-round programming.

First Wave is a bona fide, skill-based competition with real prizes awarded based solely on artistic and technical merit. As the inaugural launch, it also serves as the operational debut of the Capture Caribbean platform, during which features, workflows, and performance may be refined.
No. First Wave is a skill-based contest. Winners are selected exclusively by a panel of judges using published judging criteria. Chance plays no role in determining winners. Purchasing an Access Pass does not influence judging, scoring, or outcomes.

The Official Contest Rules are published on https://caribbeanphotocontests.com/rules and govern all aspects of the First Wave Challenge. In the event of any conflict between this FAQ and the Official Rules, the Official Rules control.

This initiative invites the world’s most compelling visual storytellers, whether you work professionally or create from passion. We are looking for talent globally—from London to Lagos, New York to Tokyo.

Dates & Timing

The Challenge Period begins on March 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) and ends on April 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. All entries must be uploaded before the submission deadline.
First Wave is intentionally designed as a concentrated launch sprint to efficiently establish the Founding Creator Class, test platform systems under real-world conditions, and prepare for expanded programming.

Eligibility & Entry

The Challenge is open to individuals who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry

  • Have validly purchased a First Wave Access Pass

  • Are not otherwise excluded under the Official Rules

  • Are not located in jurisdictions where participation is prohibited by law

Participation is void where prohibited or restricted by law, including in U.S.-sanctioned jurisdictions.

Yes. Residents of certain countries and regions are not eligible to participate due to legal restrictions. A complete list of prohibited jurisdictions is provided in the Official Contest Rules.

Yes. Canadian residents may participate; however, to be declared a winner, they must correctly answer a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question administered by the Sponsor, without assistance, as required by Canadian law.

To ensure fair evaluation, entrants must select one (1) of the following divisions at the time of entry:

  • General Division – Open to eligible entrants (18+) who are not entering as College Creators and are not entering as Master Your Craft participants.

  • College Creator Division – Open to currently enrolled students (18+). Proof of enrollment may be required.

  • Master Your Craft Division – Open to serious amateur and professional creators. Verification of advanced or professional status may be required.

The Sponsor reserves the right to re-categorize entries if division selection does not reasonably reflect the entrant’s verifiable experience level.

To enter:

  1. Visit www.caribbeanphotocontests.com

  2. Purchase a First Wave Access Pass

  3. Create your user account and profile using your legal name

  4. Upload your eligible submission(s) before the April 4 deadline

Fees, Prizes & Benefits

Yes. Entry requires the purchase of a First Wave Access Pass. The minimum entry fee is $25.00 USD. This fee supports platform access, contest administration, judging coordination, technical infrastructure, and prize fulfillment.

No. All entries are judged solely on artistic and technical merit. Entry fees do not affect scoring or judging outcomes.

The Founding Creator Digital Badge is an honorary digital distinction assigned to eligible participants in the First Wave Challenge. It identifies Founding Class participants within the Capture Caribbean platform and may include early access opportunities and recognition features.

Founding Class designation is honorary, non-monetary, and may be revoked in accordance with the Official Rules.

Every verified participant in the First Wave Challenge receives a Golden Ticket, which provides one (1) free bonus entry into the upcoming Official Capture Caribbean Contest launching after the First Wave concludes. Additional terms will apply to the subsequent contest.

Grand Prize (1 Winner)
A curated Saint Lucia travel experience for two (2), including:

  • Five (5) nights at Bay Gardens Beach Resort

  • Daily breakfast

  • One guided photography excursion

  • Round-trip airport transfers

Airfare is not included.

Second Place (1 Winner)
$1,500 USD cash prize

Third Place (1 Winner)
$500 USD cash prize

Division Honorees
Platform credits and Founding Class recognition

No. Airfare is not included. The winner is responsible for booking and paying for round-trip airfare to Saint Lucia (UVF or SLU airports), as well as any additional personal expenses.

Winners are solely responsible for all applicable taxes.

  • U.S. Winners: IRS Form 1099 will be issued for prizes valued at $600 USD or more.

  • International Winners: A 30% withholding may apply unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty (W-8BEN required).

Submissions & Content Rules

You may submit original photographic work created by you on or after January 1, 2024. Submissions must comply with all technical, ethical, and content requirements outlined in the Official Rules.

  • File Type: JPEG or PNG

  • Maximum File Size: 8 MB per image

  • Minimum Resolution: 3000 pixels on the longest side

  • Color Profile: sRGB

  • EXIF data must remain intact (GPS may be removed for privacy)

No. All submissions must be anonymous. Watermarks, logos, signatures, or identifying marks of any kind are prohibited.

No. Images created, generated, or materially altered using generative AI tools are strictly prohibited. The Sponsor may request RAW files or other source materials to verify authenticity. Standard post-processing adjustments such as color correction, cropping, and exposure balancing are permitted.

Yes. You retain full copyright ownership of your work. By entering, you grant Capture Caribbean a limited, non-exclusive license to use your images for contest administration, judging, promotion, and winners’ galleries, as described in the Official Rules. Your images will not be sold to third parties without a separate written agreement.

Technical Support & Issues

First Wave is a live launch environment. If you encounter a technical issue, please report it promptly to support@capturecaribbean.com. In the event of a verified platform failure that materially prevents submissions, deadlines may be extended or refunds issued in accordance with the Official Rules.

Final Notice

Participation in Capture Caribbean – First Wave constitutes acceptance of the Official Contest Rules published on www.caribbeanphotocontests.com. The Official Rules govern all aspects of the Challenge.

Time Remaining
Scroll to Top

Exclusive: The Golden Ticket​

  • One (1) standard entry fee waived for the Official Capture Caribbean Contest (Spring 2026) 
  • Eligible to compete for the Spring 2026 Grand Prize vacation package 
  • High-tier performance may qualify creators for invitation consideration to the Capture Saint Lucia Invitational (Invite-Only)

Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 26, 2026 Effective Date: January 26, 2026

1. AGREEMENT TO TERMS

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you, whether personally or on behalf of an entity (“you,” “user”), and Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, doing business as Capture Caribbean (“Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”), concerning your access to and use of the [www.caribbeanphotocontests.com] website, the First Wave platform, and any related applications or services (collectively, the “Services”).

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. If you do not agree, you must immediately discontinue access and use of the Services.

Supplemental terms, policies, or documents (including the Official Rules and Privacy Policy) posted on the Services are expressly incorporated herein by reference. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will alert you to material changes by updating the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

2. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

2.1 Our Content
Unless otherwise indicated, the Services—including source code, databases, functionality, software, website designs, audio, video, text, photographs, graphics, and the Capture Caribbean trademarks, service marks, and logos (the “Marks”)—are owned or controlled by us, and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws of the United States and foreign jurisdictions. You may not use our Marks or content without our express prior written permission.

2.2 Your Content & Submissions (Creator-First Principle)

    • Ownership: You retain all ownership rights to the photographs, images, text, and other materials you submit, upload, or post to the Services (“User Submissions”).

    • License to Us: By making a User Submission, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of (e.g., resizing/cropping for display), display, and perform your User Submissions solely in connection with operating, promoting, and improving the Services. This includes:
        • Displaying your entry in the First Wave Challenge gallery and results.

        • Featuring your work in our marketing, social media, and promotional materials related to Capture Caribbean.

        • Using metadata and anonymized data for analytical purposes.

        • Representations & Warranties: You represent and warrant that: (i) you own or control all rights in your User Submissions; (ii) your User Submissions are original and do not infringe any third-party rights; and (iii) you have obtained all necessary releases for any recognizable persons or private property depicted.

3. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT (DMCA NOTICE)

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe that any material available on or through the Services infringes upon any copyright you own or control, please immediately notify our Designated Copyright Agent using the contact information below (a “Notification”).

A copy of your Notification will be sent to the person who posted or stored the material addressed in the Notification. Please be advised that pursuant to federal law you may be held liable for damages if you make material misrepresentations in a Notification.

Designated Agent for DMCA Notices: Attn: Legal Department / Copyright Agent Caribbean Photo Contest LLC Email: legal@capturecaribbean.com

4. USER REGISTRATION & ACCOUNT SECURITY

To access certain features (including entering the First Wave Challenge), you must register for an account. You agree to:

    1. Provide accurate, current, and complete information.

    1. Maintain and promptly update your information.

    1. Maintain the security of your password and accept all risks of unauthorized access.

    1. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

We reserve the right to remove, reclaim, or change a username if we determine it is inappropriate, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.

5. FIRST WAVE CHALLENGE & PAID ACCESS

5.1 General
The Services include the ability to enter the Capture Caribbean First Wave Challenge (the “Challenge”). Participation is governed by these Terms and the separate First Wave Challenge Official Rules (the “Rules”), which are incorporated herein. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and the Rules regarding the administration of the contest, the Official Rules shall govern.

5.2 Paid Access
Entry into the First Wave Challenge requires the purchase of a First Wave Access Pass for a minimum fee of $25.00 USD (“Access Fee”). This fee is for access to the First Wave platform environment and the opportunity to submit entries for judging.

    • No Guarantee: Payment of the Access Fee provides the opportunity to compete. It does not guarantee winning a prize, favorable judging, or specific platform performance.

    • Refunds: All Access Fee payments are final and non-refundable, except as expressly provided in the Official Rules (e.g., in the event of sustained platform failure).

5.3 Prohibited Conduct
In connection with the Challenge and Services, you agree not to:

    • Submit entries created or materially altered using generative AI tools.

    • Manipulate votes or engage in any fraudulent activity.

    • Submit entries that are unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or infringe on others’ rights.

    • Attempt to bypass any security or access controls.

    • Engage in data mining, robots, or similar data gathering and extraction tools.

6. PAYMENT, FEES & NO CHARGEBACKS

    • Billing: You agree to pay all fees or charges for purchases in accordance with the fees, charges, and billing terms in effect at the time. We use third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). You authorize us to charge your chosen payment provider for all applicable fees.

    • No Chargebacks: You acknowledge that the Challenge is a skill-based contest and that dissatisfaction with the judging results, the platform interface, or the failure to win a prize is not a valid basis for a chargeback. You agree not to issue a chargeback with your credit card issuer for these reasons. If you issue a chargeback that is found to be meritless, we reserve the right to permanently ban you from all future Capture Caribbean events and pursue recovery of the disputed funds and associated fees.

 7. TERM AND TERMINATION

These Terms remain in effect while you use the Services. We may suspend or terminate your account or access to the Services at any time for any reason, including if we believe you have violated these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Services will cease immediately. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive.

8. MODIFICATIONS AND INTERRUPTIONS

We reserve the right to change, modify, or remove the contents of the Services at any time. We cannot guarantee the Services will be available at all times. We may experience hardware, software, or other problems or need to perform maintenance. We may suspend, withdraw, or discontinue any part of the Services at any time without notice.

9. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

9.1 Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

9.2 Informal Negotiations
The parties agree to first attempt to resolve any dispute informally for at least thirty (30) days before initiating arbitration.

9.3 Binding Arbitration
ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY, OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE CHALLENGE SHALL BE FINALLY SETTLED BY BINDING, INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (AAA). THE ARBITRATION SHALL TAKE PLACE IN MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

    • NO CLASS ACTIONS: YOU WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.

    • OPT-OUT: You have the right to opt-out of this arbitration provision within 30 days of first accepting these Terms by notifying us in writing at [legal@capturecaribbean.com].

10. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.1 Disclaimer: THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS-IS” AND “AS-AVAILABLE” BASIS. YOU AGREE THAT YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

10.2 Limitation of Liability: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL WE, OUR DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OR AGENTS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFIT, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES, EVEN IF WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THE SERVICES IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO US IN THE SIX (6) MONTHS PRIOR TO THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY, OR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

10.3 First Wave Environment: You expressly acknowledge and agree that the First Wave platform is a live “stress test” environment. We disclaim all liability for errors, bugs, minor data loss, or system unavailability inherent in such a testing environment.

11. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold us harmless, including our subsidiaries, affiliates, and all of our respective officers, agents, partners, and employees, from and against any loss, damage, liability, claim, or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, made by any third party due to or arising out of: (1) your User Submissions; (2) your breach of these Terms; (3) your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property or privacy rights; or (4) your participation in the Challenge.

12. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Visiting the Services, sending us emails, and completing online forms constitute electronic communications. You consent to receive electronic communications, and you agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communication be in writing.

13. MISCELLANEOUS

These Terms and any policies posted by us constitute the entire agreement between you and us. Our failure to exercise any right shall not be deemed a waiver. If any provision is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions remain in force. We may assign our rights and obligations. There is no joint venture, partnership, or agency relationship created.

14. CONTACT US

In order to resolve a complaint regarding the Services or to receive further information regarding use of the Services, please contact us at:

Capture Caribbean / Caribbean Photo Contest LLC #1021, 440 US Highway 130 South STE 11 E. Windsor, NJ 08520 USA

Legal Inquiries: legal@capturecaribbean.com
General Support: support@capturecaribbean.com

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 26, 2026 Effective Date: January 26, 2026

Caribbean Photo Contest LLC, doing business as Capture Caribbean (“we,” “us,” “our,” “Sponsor”), respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website [www.caribbeanphotocontests.com], participate in the First Wave Challenge, purchase an Access Pass, or interact with our services (collectively, the “Services”).

Please read this policy carefully. BY USING OUR SERVICES, YOU CONSENT TO THE PRACTICES DESCRIBED HEREIN. If you do not agree, you must not access or use our Services.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could be linked to you (“Personal Data”).

A. Information You Provide Directly:

    • Account & Registration Data: Name, email address, username, password, date of birth, and country of residence.

    • Profile Data: Biography, social media links, and profile picture.

    • Challenge Submission Data: Photographs, images, titles, descriptions, and technical metadata (EXIF data) associated with your entry.

    • Purchase & Payment Data: Billing address and payment card information. Note: We do not store full credit card numbers. All transactions are processed securely by our third-party payment processor (e.g., Stripe/PayPal).

    • Winner Verification & Tax Data: If you are selected as a winner, we may collect your Social Security Number (for IRS Form 1099 reporting), government-issued ID (e.g., Passport) for travel booking, and bank details for wire transfers.

    • Parental Consent Data: For Next Gen Division entrants (ages 13-17), we collect the parent or legal guardian’s name, email address, and signed consent verification.

    • Communications: Content of messages, support tickets, or emails you send to us.

B. Information Collected Automatically:

    • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device identifiers, operating system, pages viewed, links clicked, time spent on pages, and other diagnostic data.

    • Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to maintain session security and analyze site performance. See Section 6 for details.

C. Information from Third Parties:

We may receive confirmation of payment from our payment processors or data from social media platforms if you choose to link your account (e.g., “Log in with Facebook”).

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your Personal Data for the following lawful bases:

    1. To Perform Our Contract with You:
        • Process your Access Pass purchase and activate your account.

        • Facilitate your entry into the First Wave Challenge.

        • Judge your submissions according to the Official Rules.

        • Notify you of results and facilitate prize fulfillment (including travel booking).

    1. For Our Legitimate Business Interests:
        • Operate, secure, and debug the “First Wave” test environment.

        • Detect, prevent, and address fraud, copyright infringement, or security breaches.

        • Analyze usage trends to improve the platform UI/UX.

    1. With Your Consent:
        • Send you marketing newsletters (you may opt-out at any time).

        • Display your Challenge submission publicly on our website and social media channels (“Winners’ Gallery”).

        • Process data for the Next Gen Division (minors).

    1. To Comply with Legal Obligations:
        • Comply with IRS tax reporting requirements.

        • Respond to lawful subpoenas or court orders.

3. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

We do not sell your Personal Data. We may share it in the following limited circumstances:

    • Service Providers: We share data with trusted vendors who perform services on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements, including:
        • Payment processors (processing entry fees).

        • Cloud hosting providers (storing your images).

        • Email delivery services.

    • Prize & Travel Partners: If you win a travel prize, we must share your name, contact info, and passport data with third-party hospitality partners, hotels, and travel agencies to book your itinerary.

    • Legal Requirements: We may disclose data if required by law, or if we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, your safety, or the safety of others.

    • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of assets, financing, or acquisition of all or a portion of our business.

    • Public Display: As per the Challenge Official Rules, your username, submitted photograph, title, and description will be publicly displayed on our platform and may be featured on our social media channels.

4. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

We are based in the United States. Your information, including Personal Data, will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the U.S.

For Users in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland: By participating in the Challenge, you acknowledge that the U.S. may have data protection laws different from your country. We rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and necessity for the performance of a contract (the Challenge Rules) to legitimize the transfer of your data.

5. DATA RETENTION

We retain your Personal Data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Policy.

    • Account Data: Retained while your account is active.

    • Challenge Submission Data: Retained indefinitely for the historical archive and promotional purposes of the Challenge, as per the license granted in the Official Rules.

    • Tax & Financial Records: Retained for seven (7) years to comply with IRS audit requirements.

    • Marketing Data: Retained until you unsubscribe.

6. COOKIES & TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

We use cookies (small data files) for essential site functionality (e.g., keeping you logged in) and analytics. You can control cookie settings through your browser. However, disabling cookies may prevent you from logging into the First Wave platform or uploading submissions.

7. DATA SECURITY

We implement administrative, technical, and physical security measures designed to protect your Personal Data. However, please be aware that no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS

Depending on your location (including the EEA, UK, and Canada), you may have the following rights:

    • Access: Request a copy of the Personal Data we hold about you.

    • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data.

    • Deletion: Request deletion of your Personal Data (subject to our legal need to retain tax/legal records).

    • Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of marketing communications.

To Exercise These Rights: Submit a request to Privacy@capturecaribbean.com. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

9. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY (COPPA)

Our Services are generally not directed to children under 13. However, the Challenge includes a Next Gen Division for ages 13-17.

    • Parental Verification: We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from anyone under 18 without verified parental consent. For the Next Gen Division, the Parent/Guardian must be the account holder and purchaser.

    • Consent Form: A signed Parental Consent & Release Form is required to validate any entry from a minor.

    • Parents may review their child’s data, request deletion, or revoke consent by contacting us at the email below.

10. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS (CCPA/CPRA)

This section applies to California residents.

    • No Sale of Data: We do not “sell” or “share” your Personal Data for cross-context behavioral advertising.

    • Sensitive Personal Information: We collect Sensitive Personal Information (SSN, Passport) only for prize fulfillment and tax compliance. We do not use it for any other purpose.

    • Your Rights: You have the right to Know, Delete, Correct, and Limit the Use of your data. To exercise these rights, email Privacy@capturecaribbean.com.

11. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Policy periodically. The “Last Updated” date will be revised at the top of this page. Material changes will be notified via email or a prominent notice on our Services.

12. CONTACT US

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Caribbean Photo Contest LLC (dba Capture Caribbean) #1021, 440 US Highway 130 South STE 11 E. Windsor, NJ 08520 USA

Email: Privacy@capturecaribbean.com

Rules

CAPTURE CARIBBEAN FIRST WAVE CHALLENGE – OFFICIAL RULES

 IMPORTANT NOTICE: THIS IS A SKILL-BASED CONTEST. THIS IS NOT A GAME OF CHANCE, LOTTERY, OR SWEEPSTAKES. WINNERS ARE DETERMINED SOLELY BY THE JUDGING CRITERIA.ENTRY INTO THIS CHALLENGE 

REQUIRES THE PURCHASE OF A FIRST WAVE ACCESS PASS FOR A MINIMUM OF $25.00 USD. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. 

1. SPONSOR & ADMINISTRATOR

The Capture Caribbean First Wave Challenge (the “Challenge”) is owned, sponsored, and administered by Capture Caribbean, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey (the “Sponsor”). Travel experiences included in the prize packages are facilitated by third-party hospitality partners. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

2. CHALLENGE PERIOD

The Challenge begins at 12:00:01 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on February 4, 2026, and ends at 11:59:59 PM EST on March 5, 2026 (the “Challenge Period”). The Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Challenge.

3. FIRST WAVE ENVIRONMENT & ENTRY FEE

3.A. Nature of the Platform: By entering, the Entrant acknowledges that “First Wave” is a live stress-test environment. Features, user interface, and upload speeds may be refined or altered during the Challenge Period.

3.B. Purchase Requirement: Entry requires the purchase of a “First Wave Access Pass.” The minimum entry fee is Twenty-Five US Dollars ($25.00). This fee grants the Entrant one (1) user account and the ability to submit entries subject to the limits defined in Section 6.

3.C. Consideration: The entry fee constitutes consideration for access to the platform and administration of the Challenge. A portion of the proceeds covers the cost of judging and prize distribution.

4. ELIGIBILITY

The Challenge is open only to individuals who meet the following criteria:

    • Have validly purchased a First Wave Access Pass;

    • Age: Are at least 18 years of age (or the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence) at the time of entry; OR are 13–17 years of age and enter the Next Gen Division with verified parental or legal guardian consent. The purchasing account for a Next Gen entrant must be registered in the name of the parent or legal guardian to satisfy COPPA compliance.

    • Exclusions: Employees, officers, directors, agents, and representatives of the Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and legal advisors, as well as the immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of such individuals, are not eligible to enter or win.

    • Geographic & Sanctions Restrictions: The Challenge is void in Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Russia, Belarus, and any other jurisdiction subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions or where the purchase of an entry to a skill contest is prohibited by local law. Entrants are solely responsible for determining if participation is legal in their jurisdiction.

5. DIVISIONS

Entrants must self-select one of the following divisions at the time of entry:

    • Vanguard Division: Professional & advanced creators (18+).

    • Open Division: Enthusiast & emerging creators (18+).

    • Collegiate Division: Currently enrolled students (18+). Valid student ID or .edu email verification required upon finalist selection.

    • Next Gen Division: Youth creators (13–17). Requires a completed Parental Consent Form prior to prize fulfillment.

Sponsor reserves the right to re-categorize entries if an Entrant is deemed to have self-selected a division that does not reflect their verifiable experience level.

6. ENTRY, SUBMISSION & PURCHASE TERMS

6.A. How to Enter: Visit the Challenge landing page at www.caribbeanphotocontests.com, purchase a First Wave Access Pass ($25.00 USD minimum), create an account, and follow the on-screen instructions to upload your submission(s).

6.B. Submission Requirements: Each entry must:

    • Be the original work of the Entrant.

    • Be created after the Challenge start date (February 4, 2026). EXIF data may be checked for verification.

    • Strict No-AI Policy: Entries must not be created, generated, or materially altered using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Basic editing (e.g., color correction, cropping, exposure adjustment) is permitted. Sponsor reserves the right to request RAW files or original source files to verify authenticity. Failure to provide source files upon request will result in immediate disqualification.

    • Comply with technical specifications (e.g., JPEG/PNG format, maximum 8MB file size).

    • Include a unique title and description.

    • Anonymity: Not contain watermarks, logos, signatures, or identifying marks on the image itself (to ensure blind judging).

6.C. Entry Limits: The specific number of submissions permitted per Access Pass is defined on the platform purchase page at the time of entry.

6.D. Refund Policy: All Access Pass sales are final. Refunds will only be issued at the Sponsor’s sole discretion in the event of a catastrophic platform failure that prevents entry submission for more than 72 consecutive hours during the final week of the Challenge Period.

7. JUDGING & WINNER SELECTION

7.A. Review Panel: Eligible entries will be judged by the “Capture Caribbean Review Panel,” consisting of qualified judges selected by the Sponsor.

7.B. Criteria: Entries will be evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:

    1. Creativity & Originality (35%)

    1. Technical Execution (30%)

    1. Visual Storytelling (25%)

    1. Adherence to Theme/Artistic Merit (10%)

7.C. Winner Determination: The entries with the highest cumulative scores will be deemed the potential winners.

7.D. Tie-Breaker: In the event of a tie for any prize level, the entry with the higher score in the “Creativity & Originality” category will be declared the winner. If a tie persists, a completely new judge selected by the Sponsor will re-judge the tied entries to break the tie.

7.E. Decisions Final: Decisions of the judges and Sponsor are final and binding in all matters relating to this Challenge. This is a skill contest; chance plays no part in the determination of winners.

8. PRIZES & APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (ARV)

Grand Prize (1): A curated travel experience to Saint Lucia for the winner and one (1) guest.

    • Includes: Five (5) nights hotel accommodation (double occupancy), select meals as specified in the itinerary, and one (1) guided photo excursion.

    • Excludes: Round-trip airfare, ground transportation to/from the winner’s home airport, beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, visas, and incidentals.

    • ARV: $4,500 USD.

Second Place Prize (1): $1,500 USD cash (payable via check or wire transfer).

Third Place Prize (1): $500 USD cash (payable via check or wire transfer). Division Honorees (4): One per division. Includes recognition and a $250 USD platform credit for future contests.

Total ARV of all prizes: $6,700 USD.

PRIZE CONDITIONS & RESTRICTIONS:

    • Travel Validity: Travel is subject to availability and blackout dates (including holidays). Travel must be booked and completed within one (1) year of the winner notification date.

    • Winner Responsibility: The winner is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents (e.g., valid Passport) and travel insurance.

    • Taxes: All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winners of prizes valued at $600 or more will be issued an IRS Form 1099 (or equivalent) and must provide a valid Social Security Number or Tax ID.

    • Substitution: Prizes are non-transferable. No cash alternative is offered for the travel prize. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if the designated prize becomes unavailable for any reason.

9. FOUNDING CLASS RECOGNITION

Select entrants may be designated as “Founding Class Members.” This is an honorary non-monetary designation. It does not constitute a prize but may include non-transferable perks such as badges on the platform or early access to future features.

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & LICENSE

10.A. Entrant Ownership: Entrants retain full copyright ownership of their submitted work. 10.B. License to Sponsor: By entering, each Entrant grants Sponsor, its affiliates, and related entities a perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, display, and distribute the submitted work solely for the purposes of: i. Administering, judging, and promoting this Challenge; ii. Advertising and promoting the Sponsor’s brand and platform (including “Winners’ Gallery” showcases); iii. Featuring the work on Sponsor’s website and social media channels. 10.C. Third-Party Rights: Entrant warrants that their submission is their original work and does not infringe on the intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights of any third party. Entrant is responsible for obtaining valid Model Releases for any recognizable persons and Property Releases for private property depicted.

11. GENERAL CONDITIONS, RELEASE, & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

By participating, Entrant agrees to these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Entrant violating these rules, tampering with the entry process, or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct. RELEASE: BY PARTICIPATING, ENTRANTS AGREE TO RELEASE, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS SPONSOR, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND PRIZE PARTNERS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR INJURIES, LOSSES, DAMAGES, CLAIMS, OR ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ARISING FROM PARTICIPATION IN THE CHALLENGE OR ACCEPTANCE, USE, MISUSE, OR POSSESSION OF ANY PRIZE (INCLUDING TRAVEL-RELATED INJURIES).

12. PRIVACY & DATA

Information collected from Entrants is subject to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. By entering, Entrants consent to the collection, use, and processing of their personal data in the United States. Entrants agree that their name and likeness may be used for promotional purposes without further compensation, except where prohibited by law. For privacy-related inquiries, contact: Privacy@capturecaribbean.com

13. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

These Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey, USA, without regard to conflicts of law principles. BINDING ARBITRATION: ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM, OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS CHALLENGE SHALL BE RESOLVED BY BINDING, INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION ADMINISTERED BY THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (AAA) IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY. ENTRANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL OR TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.

14. SOCIAL MEDIA DISCLAIMER

This Challenge is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, or any other social media platform. You understand that you are providing your information to the Sponsor and not to these platforms.

15. WINNER’S LIST

To obtain a list of winners (available after April 15, 2026), please send an email request to: winners@capturecaribbean.com Requests must be received by May 15, 2026. The subject line of the email should read “Winner List Request – First Wave Challenge.”