CLICK HERE TO ENTER USING GOOGLE FORMS
Scroll down for competition rules and categories
I know I’m not the only one capturing magic out there. Every carnival season I see incredible images from photographers and phone shooters alike — people who love this culture as much as I do. The LEHWEGO Jamaica Carnival Photo Competition exists to celebrate those photographers and put a spotlight on their work. I want the world to see Jamaica Carnival through as many eyes as possible, and I want the talented people behind those images to get the recognition they deserve.
Rules
- Entrants must be the original photographer
- Photos must be from Jamaica Carnival 2026 events (road march, fetes, jouvert and related season events)
- One submission per person per category.
- Best Mobile Shot category: phone shots only, basic mobile editing tools permitted, no desktop composites.
- Best Professional/Styled Shot category: camera shots only (no phone submissions)
- All other categories: any device accepted
- By submitting, entrants grant LEHWEGO permission to feature their image with full credit on lehwego.com and social media.
Categories
1. Spirit of Carnival (Best Road shot)
The shot that best captures the pure joy, energy, and emotion of the carnival experience. This category prioritises feeling over technical perfection. A blurry shot bursting with life can win over a technically perfect but emotionless image. Judges and voters should ask: does this photo make you feel like you were there?
2. Art of the pose (Best pro/styled shot)
The most polished, magazine-worthy image. Lighting, composition, styling, and post-processing all working together to create a stunning photograph. This is the category for photographers who brought their A-game technically. Camera shots only (no phone submissions in this category).
3. Caught in the moment (Best candid)
An unposed, spontaneous moment that tells a story. The real, raw, unscripted carnival. The subject should not be visibly posing for the camera. This category celebrates the photographer’s ability to anticipate and capture fleeting moments.
4. Jouvert morning (Best j’Ouvert shot)
The shot that most powerfully captures the unique atmosphere of the J’Ouvert celebration, whether through the use of color, mud, oil, or striking emotional contrast. This category highlights the raw energy and gritty, early-morning spirit of the event. Submissions should evoke the unique feeling of the pre-dawn street party.
5. Through the phone lens (Best Mobile Shot)
Taken on a phone only. No DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Basic phone editing tools are permitted (native camera app filters, Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, etc.) but desktop Photoshop composites are not. This category exists to open the competition to the widest possible audience — masqueraders, spectators, and anyone who captured a great moment on their phone.
How to submit
1️⃣ Fill out the entry form at the link below (opens April 13th)
2️⃣ Post your shot on IG with #LEHWEGOphotocompJA2026. Encourage your followers to vote on LEHWEGO.com
Entries close April 25th, 2026
Voting will take place between April 27th and May1st on a special voting page to be posted on LEHWEGO.com with winners announced May 3rd.
Follow @Lehwego on IG for more info and updates.
AND A BIG SHOUTOUT/THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
