The 2025 OnePlus Photography Awards Are Open! Capture, Share, and Win Big!

Hey Community Friends,

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 OnePlus Photography Awards are officially open for submissions! Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who loves capturing life’s unforgettable moments, this is your chance to shine.

Grab your smartphone, unleash your creativity, and show the world what you’ve got!

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Details About the Competition

Who Can Join?

EVERYONE! Whether you’re a OnePlus user or not, you’re welcome to participate.

• OnePlus Group: Entries must be shot on a OnePlus smartphone (any model).
• Public Group: Any smartphone brand or model is accepted.

Competition Categories

We’ve got three exciting categories for you to explore. Which one speaks to your creative soul?

Movement: Breathe Each Moment

Capture eternity suspended in time. Share your visual stories of speed, adventure, and travel. From the fleeting emotion of daily life, the adrenaline rush within a single second, to the beauty that flows across every motion, use your lens to capture your world.

Night and Low Light: Light Up Your World

Unveil the breathtaking magic of the night world and the sparkling atmosphere of low-light environments. Showcase your mastery of light and shadow with vibrant cityscapes, skies painted with stars, glittering firework displays—and everything in between.

Faces: Portray Each Moment

Capture the compelling texture of human emotion. From the joy behind every smile to the stories etched in every wrinkle, share mesmerizing portraits of your family, friends, and pets. Each image is a sentence in your life story, evoking feelings that speak to the viewer, across cultures, and across time.

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Timeline

• Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025, 11:59 PM (UTC+8)
• Winner Announcement: August 19, 2025, World Photography Day

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Awards and Prizes

Main Prize

• $10,000 cash prize!
• Exposure Opportunity – Winning works will be showcased on official OnePlus Channels and 500px Channels.
• OnePlus Image Partner – Winners will receive the prestigious titles “OnePlus Photography Expert” and “OnePlus Photography Ambassador”.
• OnePlus Flagship Phone – All winners will receive our latest OnePlus 13 device.

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Rules to Remember

• Entries must be shot after February 7, 2023.
• Only basic edits (brightness, contrast, etc.) are allowed—no AIGC or heavy editing.
• Each participant can submit up to 15 entries per category.
• Photos must include complete EXIF information.

For more details, click here.

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Meet Our Judges

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Share Your Entries on Social Media

Got a killer shot? Tag us and let the world see your masterpiece! Share your entries on Instagram with the hashtags #OnePlusPhotoAwards and #ShotonOnePlus. If your photo catches our eye and gets featured on the official OnePlus account, you’ll automatically be considered a finalist!

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At OnePlus, we believe the OnePlus Photography Awards isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the art of photography. Whether you’re chasing the grand prize or just want to share your unique perspective, your photos could inspire millions.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your phone, start shooting, and let your creativity shine. We can’t wait to see the world through your lens!

Submit Now

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Creating depth and drama with moody photography

Moody photography is a trend that continues to captivate audiences, using rich shadows, dramatic lighting, and subdued tones to evoke emotion and tell powerful stories. This style isn’t just about creating dark images—it’s about harnessing light, color, and composition to bring depth and atmosphere to your work. Here’s how to elevate your moody photography to stand out in 2025.

Understanding the essence of moody photography

At its core, moody photography is about creating emotion. Whether it’s solitude, intrigue, or nostalgia, the mood of your image should resonate with viewers and make them feel connected to the story you’re telling. It’s not limited to low-light conditions—what matters is how you control the tonal range and contrast to highlight your subject and the overall feeling of the scene.

Mastering lighting techniques

Lighting is the cornerstone of moody photography. By strategically manipulating light, you can create tension, drama, or softness in your shots.

Directional lighting for contrast

Use directional lighting, such as a side light or a spotlight, to create stark contrasts between light and shadow. This technique emphasizes shapes and textures, adding depth and intrigue to your images.

Backlighting for subtlety

Backlighting can be used to create silhouettes or add a soft glow to your subject. For instance, a figure framed by a dimly lit window or foggy backlight can convey mystery and isolation.

Low-key lighting for intensity

Low-key photography is synonymous with moody shots. Using minimal light, focus on illuminating specific areas of the frame while allowing the shadows to dominate. This approach works well for portraits, still life, and atmospheric landscapes.

Composing for mood and emotion

Moody photography thrives on thoughtful composition. Your framing, use of space, and focus on details play a huge role in shaping the story.

Use negative space

Negative space can amplify the feeling of isolation or introspection. A single subject placed against an expansive dark background creates a sense of vulnerability or peace, depending on your intention.

Focus on textures

Include rich textures like wood grain, flowing fabric, or water ripples to add tactile depth. Textures become even more impactful in moody photography, as they interact with light and shadows to draw the viewer in.

Play with perspective

Experiment with high and low angles to change how the viewer connects with your subject. For example, shooting from below can make a subject feel imposing, while an overhead shot might evoke vulnerability.

Balancing colors and tones

While moody photography often relies on darker tones, color balance is crucial to maintaining depth and interest.

Muted color palettes

Opt for desaturated tones to maintain the somber mood without overpowering the scene. Subtle colors like deep blues, grays, and earth tones complement the style and let shadows take center stage.

Warm accents in cool scenes

A single warm element, like a glowing lantern or a person in a red scarf, can draw the eye and create contrast within a predominantly cool-toned image. This balance between warm and cool tones enhances the drama and impact.

Advanced techniques for moody photography

Moody photography offers endless creative opportunities. Experiment with these techniques to refine your style.

Incorporate fog or smoke

Natural fog or artificial smoke can diffuse light and add layers of atmosphere. This technique is particularly effective in landscapes and environmental portraits, creating a dreamlike quality.

Focus on small details

Moody photography excels at telling stories through subtle details. A single tear on a cheek, raindrops on a window, or a hand clutching a scarf can evoke emotion and intimacy, drawing viewers into the moment.

Experiment with long exposures

Long exposures can blur motion, creating ghostly trails of light or misty water that add a sense of mystery and movement to the scene.

Moody photography is more than just a trend—it’s a versatile style that lets photographers explore depth, emotion, and storytelling. You can transform ordinary scenes into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience by mastering lighting, composition, and tonal balance. Experiment with these techniques, and watch as your images take on a powerful, evocative life of their own.

Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.

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Transforming ordinary scenes with vibrant colors

Bold and bright color photography is a trend that continues to captivate audiences with its ability to transform ordinary scenes into vibrant works of art. Mastering this style requires a mix of thoughtful composition, lighting control, and a keen eye for detail. Here’s how you can elevate your photography with bold, striking colors.

The power of saturation

Bold photography often hinges on saturation—the intensity of colors in your image. Striking the right balance is key. Over-saturation can feel overwhelming, while undersaturation can fail to deliver the desired impact. Look for naturally vibrant scenes, such as a bustling market, a neon-lit street, or a dramatic sunset, to start experimenting.

Contrasting colors

Using complementary colors creates dynamic energy in your images. For example, pair a bright orange subject with a deep blue sky, or combine vivid pink flowers with lush green leaves. When working with contrasts, focus on maintaining balance—too much can overpower the image, but just enough creates a harmonious and engaging photo.

Lighting for color impact

Good lighting is critical for bold photography. Bright, direct sunlight can enhance vibrant colors but may also create harsh shadows. For more balanced results, shoot during the golden hour or use diffused lighting to soften tones while maintaining vividness. In studio settings, colored gels can create artificial boldness, adding a unique creative touch to your work.

Highlighting a focal point

Bold colors work best when they emphasize a clear focal point. Whether it’s a brightly dressed subject, a vibrant fruit stand, or a single dramatic flower in a muted field, ensure your main subject commands attention. Use shallow depth of field to isolate the subject, letting the bold colors pop against a subdued background.

Textures and patterns

Colors are enhanced when paired with interesting textures and patterns. Look for peeling paint on a colorful wall, the woven detail of a bright tapestry, or even the shimmer of a colorful wet pavement. These details add depth and interest, making the colors even more impactful.

Advanced tips for bold photography

• Plan Your Wardrobe or Props: When shooting portraits, encourage your subject to wear bold, monochromatic outfits or accessories that align with your vision.
• Experiment with Reflections: Use puddles, windows, or metallic surfaces to capture and enhance bold colors in unexpected ways.
• Seek Inspiration in Everyday Scenes: Bold colors often hide in plain sight—graffiti, urban murals, or even the produce section of a grocery store can be perfect settings.

Embrace the vibrancy

Bold and bright photography is about making a statement and capturing the essence of a moment in its most vivid form. You can turn ordinary settings into extraordinary scenes by understanding how to work with color, light, and composition. Step outside your comfort zone, embrace the vibrancy, and let your creativity shine.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

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Reviving nostalgia through retro photography

Retro and vintage photography is making a major comeback as photographers embrace the charm of timeless aesthetics. This style combines nostalgic elements with modern techniques, offering endless creative opportunities to evoke emotion and storytelling in your images. Whether you’re drawn to film photography or want to replicate vintage vibes digitally, here’s how to master this enduring trend in 2025.

Understanding retro and vintage aesthetics

Retro and vintage photography is all about capturing the look and feel of a bygone era. This can include the use of muted tones, grainy textures, and classic compositions to create a sense of nostalgia.

Choosing the right subject

Select subjects that naturally evoke a vintage feel, such as old architecture, vintage cars, or timeless fashion. Pairing these subjects with era-appropriate props, like rotary phones or analog cameras, adds an authentic touch to your composition.

Leveraging natural light

Natural light plays a crucial role in achieving a vintage aesthetic. Soft, diffused lighting, such as the kind found during golden hour or on overcast days, can help mimic the feel of classic film photography.

Techniques for achieving a retro look

Bringing retro vibes to your photography doesn’t require a full switch to analog gear—though shooting with film is a fantastic way to achieve an authentic vintage look. Digital photographers can also replicate this style with a few key techniques.

Film photography

If you’re venturing into film photography, choose a camera that matches the era you want to emulate. Experiment with expired film for unpredictable, nostalgic results, or opt for color-negative film for a softer, muted look.

Digital replication

Digital cameras allow you to replicate vintage styles with more control. Adjust your settings to prioritize softer contrasts and lower saturation. Use in-camera filters or presets designed to mimic classic film stocks like Kodak Portra or Fujifilm Superia. This allows you to experiment with a retro aesthetic while maintaining the flexibility of digital editing.

Composition tips for retro photography

The composition is key to reinforcing a vintage feel. Pay attention to the framing, subject placement, and overall scene balance.

Symmetry and simplicity

Retro photography often leans on symmetry and clean lines, which reflect the classic, minimalist styles of earlier decades. Frame your subject using leading lines or natural shapes to guide the viewer’s eye.

Layering for depth

Add layers to your photos by including foreground elements like curtains, plants, or reflections. These details create depth and lend a cinematic feel to your images.

Adding texture and grain

A hallmark of vintage photography is the texture and grain inherent to film. To mimic this digitally, consider these approaches.

Shooting at high ISO

Use a higher ISO setting to introduce natural-looking grain, especially in low-light conditions. Modern cameras allow for precise control over noise levels, so experiment with how much grain suits your composition.

Post-processing

Apply film grain effects during editing to replicate the look of analog film. Subtle texture adjustments, like adding scratches or vignettes, can further enhance the vintage vibe. Avoid over-editing, as this can detract from the authenticity of the style.

Capturing timeless emotions

Retro photography thrives on storytelling. Convey timeless emotions by focusing on candid moments, intimate portraits, or nostalgic themes. The goal is to transport viewers back in time through both the subject and the mood of your images.

Additional tips for retro and vintage photography

• Explore black-and-white: Monochrome images are inherently timeless and can enhance the nostalgic quality of your photos.
• Use vintage lenses: Pair your digital camera with vintage lenses for unique characteristics, such as soft focus or natural lens flares.
• Keep an eye on wardrobe: If photographing people, suggest era-appropriate outfits to reinforce the vintage narrative.

Retro and vintage photography taps into universal feelings of nostalgia and familiarity, making it an evergreen trend. Whether you’re shooting film or working digitally, the key to success lies in your attention to detail, composition, and ability to evoke emotion. Use these techniques to give your photos a timeless quality that resonates in 2025 and beyond.

Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.

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Introducing the PULSEpx AI Moderation: Ensuring Fair Competitions for Real Photographers

At 500px, we’ve always believed in the power of photography—real, raw, human creativity. Over the years, photography has evolved, but one thing remains constant: the passion of photographers to capture moments, tell stories, and push creative boundaries.

However, with the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), it’s become increasingly challenging for genuine photographers to gain recognition. That’s where PULSEpx steps in—with a bold new solution to keep the focus on real talent.

Introducing the PULSEpx AI Moderation

Competitions are at the heart of PULSEpx, and we are committed to keeping them fair, meaningful, and focused on real photography. That’s why we’ve introduced PULSEpx AI Moderation—a practical tool designed to ensure authenticity and uphold the integrity of our contests. Here’s how it works:

AI-Generated Image Detection

As generative AI tools become more common, distinguishing between authentic photography and AI-generated content is increasingly important. Our moderation system identifies and filters out AI-generated images, ensuring that all submissions come from genuine human creativity. This keeps the playing field level and fair for all participants.

NSFW Content Filtering

To maintain a professional and welcoming space, PULSEpx AI Moderation also screens for inappropriate or offensive content. By automatically filtering out NSFW images, we ensure that our competitions remain respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

By prioritizing fairness and authenticity, PULSEpx continues to be a platform where real photographers can confidently showcase their talent.

Photo by: lucasphotostream

Join the Technology Quest

To celebrate the launch of the PULSEpx AI Moderation feature, we’re introducing a special contest—the Technology Quest. This challenge invites photographers to capture the intersection of humanity and technology, showcasing how real creativity can thrive in a tech-driven world. Whether it’s futuristic scenes, high-tech gadgets, or urban landscapes, this is your chance to prove that real photographers are irreplaceable.

Winners will receive:

• Increased exposure to PULSEpx and beyond
• Exclusive rewards and prizes
• Recognition as leaders of authentic photography

Join this Quest

Why Join PULSEpx?

If you’re searching for a platform that values real photography and gives everyone a fair shot, PULSEpx is where you belong. With no gimmicks, no pay-to-win tactics, and a fair voting system, your skill and creativity are what truly matters here.

At PULSEpx, you can join Quests—photo contests designed to keep your creativity sharp. With over 200 Quests every month, there’s always something new to inspire you. Plus, you’ll compete with photographers at your skill level, making every contest both fair and fun. Whether you want to improve your craft, stay motivated, or get recognized, PULSEpx offers the perfect place to grow.

And now, it’s even better—thanks to our new AI detection feature, only authentic, human-created photos compete, so your genuine creativity always stands out.

Ready to show the world what real photography looks like?

Join PULSEpx Now

The post Introducing the PULSEpx AI Moderation: Ensuring Fair Competitions for Real Photographers appeared first on 500px.

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Using color contrast to elevate winter photography

Winter is a season dominated by muted tones and white landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for experimenting with color contrast. By highlighting bold colors against the winter backdrop, you can create striking images that convey both the chill of the season and the warmth of vibrant hues. Here’s how to make the most of color contrast in winter to bring your photographs to life.

Understanding winter color dynamics

Winter landscapes often appear monochromatic, with whites, greys, and shades of blue dominating the scene. This natural palette offers a unique opportunity to make colors pop, whether it’s the warmth of a sunset or a subject wearing a bright jacket.

Look for natural contrasts
Look for natural color contrasts such as the deep green of evergreens against the snow or the orange glow of a winter sunrise over a frosty landscape. These natural hues can add a powerful, atmospheric quality to your images, creating a dynamic interplay between warm and cool tones.

Add a pop of color through wardrobe or props
If your subject is a person or pet, encourage them to wear colors that contrast with their surroundings, like a red scarf or bright yellow hat. Small details like this draw the viewer’s eye and add an inviting warmth to the image without overwhelming the winter atmosphere.

Timing and lighting for optimal color contrast

Winter light changes throughout the day and can affect how colors appear in your images. Use these lighting tips to enhance color contrasts naturally.

Capture colors during golden and blue hours
The golden hour, with its warm tones, provides a beautiful contrast to the cool winter environment, highlighting textures in snow and ice. The blue hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, emphasizes cooler shades and creates a serene, almost magical quality. Experiment with both times of day to see how the colors in your scene transform.

Adjust exposure to balance colors
Winter’s bright snow can sometimes wash out colors, so it’s crucial to manage your exposure carefully. Underexposing slightly can help deepen colors, especially in the sky, and bring out the rich contrast between snowy landscapes and other tones. A polarizing filter can also help by enhancing the sky’s blue tones, creating a more vivid background.

Creative composition with color contrast

Incorporate color contrast into your composition to make your images more engaging and visually balanced.

Frame with foreground elements
Use naturally colorful foreground elements, such as pine trees, fallen leaves, or rocks, to introduce color contrast and guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. This layering technique helps add depth, making the image feel immersive and balanced.

Place subjects against blank spaces
Isolate your subject by placing it against snow-covered areas. A person, animal, or brightly colored object against a white or grey backdrop stands out beautifully, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject and color contrast without distractions.

Additional tips for enhancing color contrast in winter

Color contrast in winter isn’t only about composition and timing; it’s also about using techniques that bring out the richness and depth of each hue.

Use reflections for double impact
If you’re near water, take advantage of reflections to double the impact of the color contrast. The reflection of a colorful sunset or trees in a partially frozen lake can enhance the colors in your composition and add visual interest.

Try monochromatic scenes with a color accent
For a minimalist yet impactful look, capture mostly monochromatic winter scenes with one colorful accent, like a red berry bush in a snow-covered field. This approach emphasizes the starkness of winter while drawing attention to the single vibrant element.

By mastering color contrast in winter photography, you can create images that are visually arresting and emotionally resonant. Experiment with timing, composition, and thoughtful use of color accents to add richness to your winter portfolio. With these techniques, your photos will reflect both the tranquility and the vibrancy that winter landscapes have to offer.

Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.

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November’s Licensing Rush winners are here!

This past November, Licensing Rush continued to grow, with more than 25,000 photos submitted from participating photographers around the world. All month long they competed to have the most new and exclusive photos accepted to Licensing, earning bonus points for each photo with an attached model release.

The results have been counted and it’s time to reveal the winners with the most points!

Taking first place is ghanwa111—Altaf Shah—$300 US prize.

Altaf is a UK-based aerial and drone photographer, who claimed first place in this Licensing Rush with an impressive 6,423 points. Altaf took the gold without the need for any bonus points. Aerial photography is great for Licensing because it highlights the beauty of nature through different landscapes and shifting perspectives.

Coming in second place is necmettinsobutay—Necmettin Sobutay—$150 US prize.

Necmettin Sobutay takes second place with a score of 2,360 points. Using the bonus points to his advantage, Necmettin had 1,862 new and exclusive photos accepted and earned 498 bonus points for attached model releases. While focusing on landscapes, nature, and the great outdoors Necmettin’s work connects with travel, adventure, and seasonal change.

Last but not least, in third place is ElmarWeiss—Elmar Weiss—$50 US prize.

Elmar Weiss is a seasoned photographer, based in Germany, whose passion behind the lens has taken him on adventures around the globe. Elmar secured third place by earning 2,040 points. Licensing pillars of wildlife and nature photography, which often connect with concepts of sustainability, ecology, and adventure, can be seen throughout Elmar’s Portfolio.

November saw the fiercest Licensing Rush yet, with more than 25,000 photos submitted. The next Licensing Rush winner could be anyone, as 500px photographers continue to embrace the challenge and compete to earn the top spots.

Be the first to know about the next 500px Licensing Rush by opting in for 500px Licensing News!

Check out our Licensing Quests for more opportunities to win prizes. Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

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