CPC Photo Contest

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.
  2. Maintain and promptly update your information.
  3. Maintain the security of your password and accept all risks of unauthorized access.
  4. 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

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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)

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%)
  2. Technical Execution (30%)
  3. Visual Storytelling (25%)
  4. 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."

By proceeding, I certify that I am the legal parent or guardian of the entrant (minor aged 13-17). I hereby grant permission for them to participate in the Capture Caribbean Alpha Campaign and agree to the following:
Authority:
I accept the Official Rules and Privacy Policy on behalf of the minor.
Data Consent:
I consent to the collection and processing of the minor's personal data for the purpose of contest administration.
Rights:
I understand that any submissions are subject to the platform's standard usage rights as outlined in the Terms.
Liability:
I assume full responsibility for the minor's participation and acceptance of any potential awards.