Frequently Asked Questions
What is FotoWeek DC?
FotoWeek DC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of photography's role in our world by recognizing photographic excellence, and ensuring that the celebration of this powerful medium is an accessible and inclusive experience.
Will I retain ownership of my images?
Yes, you retain the copyright to all images.
What is an entry?
An entry consists of one image or one photo series (minimum of three images, maximum of six) or one multimedia piece.
What is a photo series?
A photo series includes up to six images and a minimum of three that convey a particular theme, accompanied by a descriptive written statement not to exceed 100 words. The descriptive written statement should be entered in the caption field provided for each image after the upload.
What is a multimedia entry?
A multimedia entry is a single work that is based on still photography and may also include video, sound, and graphics.
Will my images be sold?
No. You retain copyright to your photograph and the Sponsors may not sell your photo entry for a fee. Winning entries may be used by FotoWeek DC, a non-profit organization, in connection with the Awards Competition and promotion of the Awards Competition in perpetuity.
Will I need to prove my student status to enter?
You will need to provide your student status only if you are a finalist.
Is there a limit to the number of photos I can enter?
No, you may enter as many photographs as you like in the single image categories. You may also enter as many series as you like, each one containing a minimum of three and maximum of six images. You may enter as many multimedia entries as you like.
If one of my entries was a winning or finalist entry in last year's contest, may I enter it again this year?
No, winning and finalists' entries from the 2008 competition, those that have previously won a FotoWeek DC award or prize, may not be entered in 2009. You may enter other images, however. Images that were previously submitted, but were not awarded may be submitted again.
What are the categories?
Please refer to the “categories” tab on the left side of the screen for more information about the competition categories.
What should I do if I’m not sure which category my work fits into?
Choose the category that is most appropriate for that work.
In 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 or 300 dpi with either Adobe1998, sRGB or untagged color space.
In what format should I enter my multimedia piece?
Multimedia work should be submitted as a URL link to a web location where your multimedia piece has been posted and from which it can be streamed.
How long can my multimedia piece be?
The suggested timeframe is three to five minutes for each multimedia piece.
I don’t live in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, may I enter this contest?
Yes, this contest is open to photographers worldwide. Competition is void where prohibited.
Will there be an award winner in each category?
Yes, each category will have Awards of Excellence, Distinction, Merit and Student Award.
What are my chances of winning?
That depends upon the number of submissions.
Will I be able to enter by mail?
No. Only online submissions will be accepted. Please do not send any hard materials as they cannot be returned.
Can I pay by Check?
No, all submissions must be paid for electronically, via credit card.
When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be notified by email by October 12, 2009 with finalist information. The winning entries will be exhibited during FotoWeek DC (November 7-14, 2009, and posted on the fotoweekdc.org website. Please do not call or e-mail us about the status of your entries.
When will the winners be awarded?
The winners will be awarded on November 5, 2009 at the FotoWeek DC Awards presentation at the National Geographic Society
Do you still have questions?
For additional questions contact us here.