Frequently Asked Questions

What is an entry?
An entry consists of one image or a series of images for the 'Photo Essay' category.

Is there a limit to the number of photos that I can enter?
No, you may enter as many photographs as you like.

What format should I save my digital images?
You should submit JPEG images saved with max quality compression with a long dimension of at least 1,000 pixels at 72 to 300 dpi with either Adobe1998, sRGB or untagged color space. Please do not submit images larger than 2 Megabytes.

I live in New Jersey, Arizona or Vermont. Can I enter?
We cannot accept entries from these states at this time. The contest is void in Arizona, New Jersey, and Vermont and where prohibited.

Can I enter if I live outside of the U.S.?
Except where prohibited by law, international entries can be submitted.

Will there be a prize winner in each category?
There will not necessarily be a winner in each category. For the amateur (NGT) contest, we will award a grand, first, second, third and seven merit prizes regardless of what category the images were entered in. For the professional (PDN) contest we will award one grand prize, one first place prize, one second place prize and five category prizes.

What are my chances of winning?
That depends upon the number of submissions. Typically we get thousands of entries each year.

Will my images be sold?
No. You retain copyright to your photograph and the Sponsors may not sell your photo entry for a fee. All entries may be posted online so that viewers may view all competing entries. And winning entries may be used in connection with the Contest and promotion of the Contest for a period of 24 months from the date winners are notified.

When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be selected on or about October 15, 2010 and notified by email or regular mail on or about October 31, 2010. Please do not call or e-mail us about the status of your entries.

Can I mail-in my submission?
We no longer accept mail-in entries as an alternative to digital uploading. Please register on this website and upload you entries online.

How do you define a "professional" photographer?
A professional photographer:

• Earns more than 50 percent of his or her income from photographic sales.
• Is a member of such professional photo organizations as the National Press Photographers Association.
• Publishes photographs in books, magazines, newspapers, or online regularly.

What is the People's Choice?
The People's Choice is a section apart from the rest of the contest and the votes will not influence the judges. An entrant would seek votes in order to win the People's Choice section alone. The winners for the other categories will be determined by the judges.

How do I vote for People's Choice?
In order to vote you need to provide a valid email address, and only one vote per email address is possible. If after voting the first time, you decide to vote for another image, the first image you voted for will lose that vote. You will see a message reading "Thanks for voting!" and the entry will be highlighted by a BLUE BOX after your vote has been cast.

How many times can I vote?
One vote per person. We ask that all voters be fair about placing their votes and remember that we track via email address and other information for the final vote scores after the contest deadline.

Do you still have questions?
Contact us here.