12 images across 12 topics in just 24 hours: Oxford Photomarathon challenges photographers to “embrace imperfection”

All Souls college of Oxford university founded in 1438, UK; Shutterstock ID 2467734203; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: - — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

While most photography competitions encourage a methodical approach to finding perfect compositions and precise editing in post-production, this photography challenge takes the opposite approach.

The Oxford Photomarathon sees participants capture 12 images across 12 different categories, with the aim of submitting a dozen edited final shots.

Behind the event is a group of passionate amateur photographers, who are calling it a “24-hour photographic adventure” challenging participants to think outside the box.

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Campion Hall, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK, photographed by Will Pryce for Country Life Magazine, 5th April 2023 — (Image credit: Will Pryce / Country Life Magazine)

Starting at 10:00, participants will receive batches of 4 categories via text message every 4 hours until 18:00, forcing them to think on their feet – not dwell on compositions – and “embrace imperfection.”

The photographers then have until 10:00 the following day to edit and submit their final images. John Whittle, one of the organizers, said, “It’s as much about encouragement as it is about artistry, offering a low-pressure space where beginners can experiment and seasoned photographers can rediscover the joy of shooting for fun.”

Whittle hopes that, at a time when he often sees “endlessly perfected images,” the Photomarathon will remind photographers that it’s not about having the best gear; rather, it’s about “perspective, storytelling, and the willingness to look again.”

Tourists in Oxford. — All levels of photographer using any kind of camera are encouraged to take part in the Oxford Photomarathon (Image credit: John Whittle (Oxford photomarathon))

Winning images from each of the 12 categories will be chosen, as well as a best image taken by a junior photographer and the best overall set of images.

While the competition is based in the city of Oxford in the United Kingdom, and there is also a prize for the best image taken within the county of Oxfordshire, the marathon is open to photographers located anywhere in the world, without the need to travel to England.

The Oxford Photomarathon takes place over July 25-26, with the winning images exhibited at an awards ceremony in September where prizes will also be presented.

The organizers also plan to exhibit the winners' work within the wider Oxfordshire art scene. Head to the event webpage for further information; entry costs £18 (approximately $24 / AU$34) or £9 ($12 / AU$17) if you were born in 2009 or later.

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I’m a writer, journalist and photographer who joined Digital Camera World in 2026. I started out in editorial in 2021 and my words have spanned sustainability, careers advice, travel and tourism, and photography – the latter two being my passions.

I first picked up a camera in my early twenties having had an interest in photography from a young age. Since then, I’ve worked on a freelance basis, mostly internationally in the travel and tourism sector. You’ll usually find me out on a hike shooting landscapes and adventure shots in my free time.