2025 NYC Photography Challenge:

The Art of Pareidolia

Welcome to the 2025 NYC Photography Challenge! This year, we’re inviting you to challenge your perception and explore the world of pareidolia—the phenomenon where we see familiar shapes, faces, or patterns in random objects or scenery.

The Challenge: As you explore the streets of New York City, keep an eye out for intriguing patterns, shadows, and objects that could spark a sense of recognition. Whether it’s the reflection in a puddle, a quirky cloud formation, or the way a building’s shadow casts an unusual face, capture these moments where you see something familiar in the unexpected.

How to Submit:

  • Create a photography project on FilmFreeway, fill out the submission form, and upload your best images to the challenge when it goes live.

Submissions Open: Monday, November 3rd, 2025

Deadline: Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 11:59PM EST

Winner will be announced on Thursday, November 20th.

 
 

Rules and Guidelines:

IMPORTANT: Student participants will be representing their school, community, and AAHSFF while taking photos throughout NYC. We expect all participants to conduct themselves in a mature and respectful manner.

  • You may shoot on either a smartphone, digital camera or traditional camera (or any combination of these devices).

  • You can take as many photos as you wish throughout your weekend in NYC. However, you will only submit 3 photos.

  • Submissions will be open directly following the competition via our website hsfilmfest.com under the “competitions” tab. 

  • There are no restrictions for editing submission photos, but keep in mind that often, less is more.

  • All photos must be submitted as JPEG files specifically titled in the following format:

    • FullName_Photo1.JPEG

    • FullName_Photo2.JPEG

    • FullName_Photo3.JPEG

  • Our judges will select one winning photographer (based on the collection of all 3 photos).

  • Our judges will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

    • Communication/Expression of the overall theme

    • Originality/Creativity

    • Sense of Story

    • Overall Artistic Impression

      • Composition/Design

      • Color, Lighting, Exposure, and Focus

    • Entertainment/Wow Factor!

  • The Prize:

    • The winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including:

      • Featured placement on all festival social media channels.

      • A festival swag package.

      • Bragging rights!!!