The UPR is plain and simple a photo marathon. We didn't invent the wheel, though some days it feels like it. The shape of it: you walk the city along a set of checkpoints, the themes are revealed on the day, and you shoot a short series for each one inside the time you're given. Three photos per theme, four themes, twelve frames in total. At the end you hand in your selection.

A series isn't three loose shots.
It's three frames that build one idea.


That's the whole game.

 

Tickets and registration

  • Open to anyone aged 18 and over.

  • One ticket per person, per event.

  • Tickets are sold on Eventbrite and stay on sale until the first checkpoint closes.

  • Changed your mind? Refunds are available up to one month before race day, minus the Eventbrite service fee.

  • Can't make it? Pass your ticket to someone else, or ask us to move it to another race. Either is fine.

Start & checkpoints

  • We announce the first and checkpoint well ahead, so you can plan it in advance.

  • You check in, in person, at every checkpoint, including the finish. No check-in, no result.

  • At each checkpoint you pick up the location of the next one and a new theme or two. They land as you go, not all at once.

  • Each checkpoint is open for a set window. Miss it and you're out, so keep an eye on the clock.

  • Shoot the themes in any order, at any point you like, as long as it's between start and finish on race day.

Finish and submission

  • Charge your batteries the night before and bring one or two spares. A charger or power bank doesn't hurt.

  • Pack what you'll need: lenses, tripod, flash, cards, batteries.

  • Your phone is part of the kit now. Checkpoints, themes and uploads all run through it, so keep it charged.

  • Check your camera settings and shoot at a good resolution.

  • Format your cards (back them up first) and bring a spare in case one fails. And do check the card is actually in the camera before the start. It happens.

Prep your gear

  • Charge your batteries just before the race. Bring 1 or 2 spares. think about bringing a charger or a powerbank too. 

  • Pack all the gear you think you’ll need: tripod, flash, lenses, batteries, cards, etc.

  • Check your camera settings and make sure you’re shooting in the right resolution.

  • Format your memory card (back them up first!). Make sure you bring a spare card in case one might fail. Also, please be sure they’re actually in your camera before the start of the race.

Prep yourself

  • It's a long day on your feet. The route is around 5 km start to finish, but most people clock closer to 15 km over the day.

  • Check the forecast and dress for it.

  • Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes.

  • Have a look at the area on Google Maps beforehand, especially if it's new to you. A local transport map helps too if you'd rather take a tram or bus between checkpoints.

Prep your mind

  • Remember, creativity is key. Whatever that means for you and how you get it going.

  • We can briefly explain the themes in case you have any questions, but we will refrain ourselves from diving into suggestions or deep explanations.

  • You can photograph your themes in any order and at any time you want. So just start shooting, it might be useful later on.

  • Be original, don’t just copy someone else’s ideas. Try to interpret the theme and the subject on your own way.
    The Jury will appreciate that!

  • Read up on other other types of photography or techniques, these might come in hand to tackle an idea for a theme.

Now go have fun