The Smiling Oulu 26 photography competition is now open
You can participate by sending 1–4 photos (no different versions of the same image) by April 15
We are looking for genuine smiles and moments from people and everyday life
We want to highlight people whose stories are not always seen
We are all different – and that is what makes the world richer
Through images, we can see each other a little more closely
Each photo can feature a different person or be a selfie taken in different places or situations
alone or with friends. One photo can include one or several smiling people
The image can be framed very close to the face or wider, but no lower than from the waist up
The competition is free and open to everyone
Participation and technical guidelines
Send your photos by email to:
hymyilevaoulu26kilpailu@gmail.com
Email subject:
Smiling Oulu 26 – competition photo
Submission deadline:
April 15, 2026
We are looking for black and white, smiling and touching portraits that reflect humanity, diversity,
and different aspects of life – but above all, hope.
It is recommended that the photo is taken specifically for this competition and reflects a genuine encounter or moment
Send images as JPEG attachments.
Do not use WeTransfer or other file transfer services.
Include in your email:
– your name and the name you want displayed in the exhibition (first name or artist name)
– your age (optional)
– your contact details
– a short description: who is in the image and why it is meaningful to you
(this text will be used alongside the image in the exhibition)
Image format and style
Portrait of one or more people (selfies are allowed)
Maximum framing from the waist up, no full body shots
Vertical format (portrait)
Aspect ratio 4:3
Black and white
JPEG format, original size
(no cropping, compression, or resizing)
Black and white image (two options):
Use a black and white filter directly on your phone or remove saturation and convert the image to black and white.
Adjust contrast, brightness, and shadows until the image feels right.
Best quality – iPhone
Settings → Camera → Formats → select Most Compatible (JPEG)
Settings → Camera → Photo Mode → 24 MP
(or 48 MP if ProRAW & Resolution Control is enabled)
Open Camera → tap the arrow at the top → ensure aspect ratio is 4:3
Turn off Live Photo
Shoot vertically
Use good lighting (natural light or additional light)
Best quality – Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.)
Camera → Settings → Image size / Resolution →
select the highest possible resolution with 4:3 aspect ratio
Shoot vertically
Do not use square format, 16:9 ratio, or wide-angle lens
Disable beauty filters and automatic enhancements
Use black and white mode or convert afterward
Ensure good lighting so the face and eyes are clearly visible
Shooting situation
Shoot vertically (4:3)
Ensure good lighting
Avoid strong backlight and very dark environments
Join the photography competition – every image tells a story.
Participating is easy. You do not need special skills or a professional camera – you can use your phone. What matters
is not technical perfection, but emotion, connection, and the story behind the image.
The theme relates to different life situations, diversity, and also experiences of loneliness.
You can photograph yourself (selfie) if the theme feels personal, or photograph someone else, such as a neighbour or a friend.
Always ask for permission and take a moment to connect. The goal is to show real encounters and people who are not always noticed.
We are looking for black and white, smiling and touching portraits that reflect humanity, diversity, and different life experiences
– but above all, hope.
Everyone can participate.
You can be the photographer, the subject, or both.
Usage rights
By submitting your photos, you grant permission to use them in exhibitions, marketing, communication, and social media related to the Smiling Oulu 26 project
You confirm that you have permission from the person in the image
Images will not be sold or used for commercial purposes
