• Image Size: Image should have a long dimension of at least 1000 pixels and no more than 3000 pixels
• Save file as (JPG) with maximum quality.
• Color Space: Adobe1998, sRGB or untagged color space.
• File Size: The file should be no more than 4 Mb
I will be sending my prints and slides by mail. How large do they have to be?
For details about how to submit prints or slides, please download the manual entry form.
Do you accept photos from photographers in foreign countries?
Yes. If sending prints or slides that you would like to have returned, please include a self-addressed envelope and an international postal coupon for return postage. Funds for payment of entry fees must be in U.S. dollars.
How can I pay for entering my photos if I am a foreign entrant and unable to obtain U.S. funds?
We accept credit card payments, checks in U.S. dollars, and international money orders in U.S. dollars. If you are unable to use any of those methods and are entering online, you may use the PayPal system that handles our online payments. If mailing prints or slides, please include credit card information on your entry form. We do not accept Western Union, debit cards, or wire transfers.
Do you accept photos shot with a digital camera, or digitally manipulated?
Yes. We accept both digital and traditional film photography. Digitally manipulated photos are also acceptable.
Do my photos need to have been shot with a Nikon camera (for the College Contest) or with a Canon camera (for the Spring Contest)?
No, you may use any camera for any of our contests.
What are your categories?
Subject matter is open, and we have no categories. You must indicate for each photo entered whether it is a black-and-white photo or color; however, the judges and publisher may move it from one color to the other for judging and, if chosen, for publication in the hardcover book Best of College Photography 2009.
What about copyright?
Rights remain with photographer. By entering this contest, you understand that we have one-time rights for publication in the book Best of College Photography. First through Fourth Place winners will also be published one time in Photographer’s Forum magazine.
Is there a limit to the number of photos I enter?
No. Entry fees are per photograph and you may enter as many as you like.
Will I get my photographs back?
If you are entering prints or slides, we will return them only if you include a STAMPED, self-addressed envelope large enough to contain them and with sufficient postage on it. Keep in mind that U.S. postal rates may change between the time you submit your photos and the time we will send them back, so you may wish to consider putting on extra postage. All photos not returned after six months of the closing of the contest will be destroyed.
I just paid for my entries online but am unable to upload my photos. What can I do?
First be sure that your files conform to the Image Specifications. If they are too large or too small, please re-size them and try again. You do not have to register again; please simply log in as an “already registered” contestant.
There may also be a delay with your entry fees. Until the funds are in our account, the system will not accept your upload. Most of the time, this is instant. However, occasionally we find that there is a short delay between your payment into the system and the funds arriving in our account. Please wait 24 hours and try to upload again. This is especially common on deadline days. To avoid this, please try and enter several days prior to a deadline.
Do I have to go through the registration process again if I have already paid and want to upload additional photos?
No. If you have already paid and registered you may bypass the registration process. Look for the line that says “ [ALREADY REGISTERED? Click here.] ” To get to the upload area, you must use your user name and password, so be sure to write them down when you first register.
Who are the judges?
To determine the Winners and Honorable Mentions, we employ a panel of three judges, changing judges with each contest. Our judges are always professional photographers who are also college-level photography instructors.
Will I or my school automatically be sent a copy of the book if my picture is in it?
(applies to College Contest)
No. Each instructor or school that would like to have the book must also place an order. About a month after notifying the finalists, we will send a notification letter and order form directly to their instructors. Therefore it is important that you fill in your instructor’s name and the complete name and address of your school on your entry form.
