CPC Photo Contest

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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. 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

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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.