The First Wave Challenge
Win a Trip to Saint Lucia
In Partnership with
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.
- General Admission
Emerging Creator
$500
Cash Award
For young visual artists ages 18+, No professional experience required — just passion and creativity.
- General Admission
College Creator
$500
Cash Award
For students currently enrolled in college. Open to all majors. Showcase your creativity and compete at the collegiate level.
- General Admission
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.
- Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event
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.
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.
Double Your Chances at Glory
- BONUS MAIN EVENT ENTRY
- INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
Your work featured in the official CPC First Wave Lookbook, distributed to Caribbean tourism and media partners.
- THE “PERFECT SHOT” FLEXIBILITY
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
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.
General
$500
Cash Award
$25
- General Admission
Emerging Creator
$500
Cash Award
$25
- General Admission
College Creator
$500
Cash Award
$25
- General Admission
Master
Your Craft
$1000
Cash Award
$25
- Includes a Golden Ticket Entry to the Main Event
General
What is Capture Caribbean – First Wave?
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.
Is First Wave a contest or a platform test?
Is First Wave a raffle, lottery, or sweepstakes?
Where can I find the Official Contest Rules?
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.
Who is eligible to join the Founding Class Membership?
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
When does the First Wave Challenge start and end?
Why is the First Wave Challenge limited to 30 days?
Eligibility & Entry
Who is eligible to participate?
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.
Are there any geographic restrictions?
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.
Are Canadian residents eligible?
What divisions are available in the First Wave Challenge?
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.
How do I enter the First Wave Challenge?
To enter:
Purchase a First Wave Access Pass
-
Create your user account and profile using your legal name
-
Upload your eligible submission(s) before the April 4 deadline
Fees, Prizes & Benefits
Is there a fee to enter?
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.
Does paying a higher fee improve my chances of winning?
No. All entries are judged solely on artistic and technical merit. Entry fees do not affect scoring or judging outcomes.
What is the Founding Creator Digital Badge?
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.
What is the Golden Ticket?
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.
What prizes are available in the First Wave Challenge?
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
Does the travel prize include airfare?
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.
Who is responsible for taxes on prizes?
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
What kind of work can I submit?
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.
What file formats and sizes are accepted?
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)
Are watermarks or signatures allowed?
No. All submissions must be anonymous. Watermarks, logos, signatures, or identifying marks of any kind are prohibited.
Are AI-generated or AI-assisted images allowed?
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.
Do I keep ownership of my images?
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
What if I experience a technical issue or bug?
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.