Frequently Asked Questions

What is an entry?
An entry consists of one image.

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?
Digital images should have a long dimension of at least 1,000 pixels. The image should be saved at 72 dpi, however 300 dpi is also acceptable. We recommend the uncompressed file size not be larger than 4 megabytes to ensure a fast upload experience. We can accept images that up to 50 megabytes (uncompressed) if you do not have the ability to downsize the images. (Uncompressed is the size you see in Photoshop's "Image Size" display which represents the count of pixels in the image. It is not the file size on your computer's hard drive viewable on your desktop.) Images may be color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed.

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 each year.

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 by the end of May. Winners' work will be featured in the August 2013 issue of PDN magazine and in a winners' gallery on PDNonline.com. Please do not call or e-mail us about the status of your entries.

Can I mail-in my submission?
We no longer accept mail-in entries as an alternative to digital uploading. Please register on this website and upload you entries online.

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 People's Choice?
The People's Choice 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 People's Choice section alone. The winners for the other categories will be determined by the judges.

How do I vote for People's Choice?
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 contact us at info@nielsencontests.com.