Photography is changing faster than anyone expected.
In just a few years, artificial intelligence has transformed how images can be created, edited, and distributed. What once required skill, patience, and time can now be simulated instantly. For many, this has raised real questions about the future of photography.
But something else has happened at the same time.
The passion for real photography — for being there, for witnessing a moment, for pressing the shutter with intent — has never been stronger. More people are photographing the natural world than ever before. Skill levels are rising. Access to knowledge is expanding. The desire to create something real has not disappeared. It has intensified.
We believe that matters and we've gone a step further to insure integrity.
The RAW Photography Awards were founded on a simple principle: great nature photography should not depend on travel, privilege, or access to exotic locations.
RAW removes geographic advantage with the 100 km rule.
Every photograph entered into the competition must be taken within 100 km of the photographer’s home — an area covering almost 32,000 km² of territory.
But location is only one part of fairness.
Large competitions receive thousands of images. Human judges can become fatigued. Subtle biases can emerge. Professional backgrounds and personal experiences can influence how work is perceived — often unintentionally.
This is where AI can help.
AI is a powerful tool — and like any powerful tool, it is a double-edged sword. It can be used to generate images that have no basis in reality. But it can also be used to support fairness, consistency, and integrity in the judging process.
At RAW, AI will be utilized to help during the initial screening stage.
It assists in flagging inconsistencies, and verifying authenticity through metadata and file analysis. It helps ensure that entries meet a standard before they reach the judging panel.
Of course, AI does not determine winners.
All final selections — including category winners and the RAW Photographer of the Year — are made by a human judging panel.
AI-generated images are not permitted in Real And Wild Photography Awards.
We set that boundary clearly.
Because while tools evolve, the foundation of photography remains the same, at least for now: a real moment, observed and captured by a real person, in a real place.
Different tools. Different roles.
Both in service of the photographer.
That distinction matters — and we are happy to defend it. It reflects the philosophy of RAW: Real And Wild.