Photo Contest Common Questions

Q: How do I upload a photo, add tags and write a description?

Q: How long should my photo description be?

Q: How will photos be judged? What are the rating criteria?

Q: Can I submit a photo of me that was taken by my friend or family member?

Q: Can I submit more than one photo?

Q: Can I delete my entry and submit a new photo?

Q: Where can I see photo contest entries from other ExchangesConnect members?

Q: Is voting or support from the ExchangesConnect community taken into account in the judging process?

Q: How can I be sure that I submitted my entry correctly? Will my entry be confirmed?

Q: Do I own the copyright to my photo or does the State Department?



Q: How do I upload a photo, add tags and write a description?
A: Please refer to the Photo Contest instructions.

Q: How long should my photo description be?
A: There is no minimum or maximum length for photo descriptions, but we expect that many will be about 100 words. All photo descriptions must respond to the theme of the contest: “Empowering Women and Girls through Sports.”

Q: How will photos be judged? What are the rating criteria?
A: Photos will be judged based on four criteria:

1. Originality: You must have taken this photo. Is your photo original, fresh or inventive?
2. Creativity: How imaginative is your photo? A creative photo breaks from traditional methods of presenting ideas and messages. For example, you could take the photo from an unexpected angle or focus on a detail that is usually ignored. Avoid simple snapshots of groups of people or buildings.
3. Effectiveness: Is your photo clearly related to the theme: "Empowering Women and Girls through Sports"? An effective photo will share a representation of dance in your community or culture with the viewer.
4. Photo Quality: Is your photo aesthetically pleasing? A high-quality photo is well composed and has a clear focal point. It should not be blurry, too dark or too light. Remember, you don't need to be a professional photographer to take a high-quality photo!

Q: Can I submit a photo of me that was taken by my friend or family member?
A: No - according to our rules, photo submissions must be original photos created by you and must not contain any elements that are protected by someone else’s copyright. The ExchangesConnect member who uploaded the entry will be considered the contestant and will be the only person eligible to compete for the grand prize.

Q: Can I submit more than one photo?
A: You may submit up to two (2) photos for consideration in the contest.

Q: Can I delete my entry and submit a new photo?
A: You may submit up to two photos for consideration. After you submit your entries, they are considered final and may not be modified or edited.

Q: Where can I see photo contest submissions from other ExchangesConnect members?
A: All entries, along with the two winning photos and 18 finalists, will be posted on ExchangesConnect on October 4, 2012.

Q: Is voting or support from the ExchangesConnect community taken into account in the judging process?
A: Photos will be judged by a panel of sports and photography experts as well as employees from the U.S. Department of State. However, we encourage you to share your photos with friends and family.

Q: How can I be sure that I submitted my entry correctly? Will my entry be confirmed?
A: An ExchangesConnect team member will send you a message to let you know if your entry meets all requirements and is confirmed.

Q: Do I own the copyright to my photo or does the State Department?
A: Contestants retain ownership of their entries. However, by submitting an entry, contestants grant the contest sponsor a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform the entries in any media formats and through any media channels in connection with the contest and in connection with the business of the Contest Sponsor. Entries are subject to editing, as they may be used by the contest sponsor for promotional purposes. (See Photo Contest Rules)