Frequently Asked Questions

What is an entry?
An entry consists of one image or one Photo Series.

What is a Photo Series?
A Photo Series includes up to six images that convey a story around a particular theme.

Can I submit my photo from 2009?
Photos must be shot between July 1st 2009 (last year) and October 18, 2010.

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.

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

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

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 contacted in November for hi res art and captions.
Image(s) will be published in the winners' gallery in PDN magazine as well as on pdnonline.com.

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 Fans' Favorites? The Fans' Favorites 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 Fans' Favorites section alone. The winners for the other categories will be determined by the judges.

How do I vote for Fans' Favorites? 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?
For additional questions email: info@nielsencontests.com.