Photo Contest Frequently Asked Questions
What quality should the photo be?
The photo should be around 3-6 megabytes or better and be 8 megapixels or better. Most phones and point and shoot cameras these days meet these requirements. Good exposure and good sharpness make for better photos when they are printed. Lowlighting or photos edited with filters, makes for a grainier photo when it is printed. If you posted the photo to Instagram or Snapchat, please submit the original. Social media posted photos will be too small.
Do I have to submit a short description with my photo?
Yes! If you don’t you will be disqualified from the contest. The judges will judge based on the photo AND the short description that explains the photo. The description is what is really going to pull the photo into the viewer and it allows you to share the story. All descriptions should be kept to 250 words or less.
Do I have to come up with a title for my photo?
Yes! The more creative the better! Please keep the title to 10 words or less.
What makes a good photo for the contest?
A good photo will have a well written description that really helps the viewer tie the photo, description and theme together. A good photo will also follow the resolution requirements and will adhere to the guidelines. However, a good photo won’t win it, we want fabulous photos! So to be considered fabulous, keep these things in mind: Creativity: show us something different! We want to see your daily study abroad life integrated into the local culture, not necessarily what the guidebooks show us. Does it tell a story? Does it make us stop and think? Even if your photo is good, think about how your short description can really bring the viewer in and see a new perspective! Think BIG!
How many photos can I submit
You can submit two photos per category, for a total of 4 photos (if you submit to both categories). You DO NOT have to submit to both categories, however you can still only submit two photos to the category you choose.
If I participated in last year's contest can I submit again?
Yes, of course, but please submit new photos!
How will I know if you received my photos?
You should receive an automatic email when you submit the e-form.
I submitted photos to the contest. Why aren't they are display?
We are only going to display the top 20-50 pictures, depending on what the judges decide, after the contest.
Why aren't you doing a Facebook fan favorite this year?
Due to a short turnaround, we have decided to do away with a Facebook fan favorite. Instead, this year, we will post the top 10 photos, from each category, to Instagram, and the photo with the most likes will win the title of Fan Favorite!
Who is judging the photos?
We have found some campus experts when it comes to identifying a great photo! We have five judges who will anonymously judge your photos by using a set criteria. Their scores will be combined to determine the top photos.
