Photo Contest Frequently Asked Questions by Casey Roon

by Casey Roon, Exhibits Curator

As our third annual Amateur Photography Contest is fast approaching and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum is still accepting photo entries until September 14, I thought I would use this week’s column to answer some of the frequently asked questions that we receive through phone calls, emails, and our Facebook page.

1.       How do you define an amateur versus professional photographer?

The Amateur Photography contest is just that, an amateur show. Many people ask what we consider to be a ‘professional photographer’. The answer that I have given the public since we began this contest three years ago remains the same as ever: if you make a living as a photographer, we consider you a professional. If your photos are run in the paper from time to time, or you take photos as a hobby, have won other contests, or you moonlight as a photographer part-time to supplement your income, you are not considered a professional for this contest and are welcome to enter. We understand that other amateur contests may have different criteria, but this is the criteria that we have used to define a professional since the inception of our show in 2009.

2.       Do I have to be a resident of Walker County to enter the contest? Do the photos have to be from Huntsville/Walker County/Texas?

No, no, and no! The photo contest is open to photographers from anywhere in the world. We have already received entries this year from as far away as Australia! And no, unless you are entering the ‘Huntsville’ category, your photos can be taken from anywhere in the world.

3.       Can I submit images that are photoshopped? Black and white?

Yes! There is no restriction on the use of post-processing. You may edit them in any way you choose as long as you adhere to Contest Rules. As it states in the Rules, photos are to be submitted with no border, no frames, no watermark, no signature, and no title on the front of the image. There is also no restriction in any category that would limit your choice of color or black/white photography. 

4.       My photo is not quite big enough to fill  the 8x10 requirement. Will you still accept it?

Yes, we will still accept your photo, but keep in mind that the requirement for the contest is 8x10. If your image does not fill up the 8x10 requirement, it will be automatically disqualified from the judging. Your image will still be exhibited during the photo show from October 15- December 14, but because it does not follow the size requirement, it cannot be considered to win any award.

5.       I’m 14 and I want to enter all of the categories, including Youth. Is this okay?

Absolutely. The addition of the Youth category this year was to have one category where youth photographers were judged against other youth photographers, without the pressure of the adult entries. Youth photographers are welcome to enter any and all other categories they choose.

6.       The Museum category is open to ANY Museum photo, or just the Sam Houston Memorial Museum?

This is a wonderful question, one that no one asked until this year! The Museum category is open to photos taken at ANY museum, not just the Sam Houston Memorial Museum!

7.       Who judges the contest?

Each year, the Museum chooses new judges for the contest. This is done to keep the contest fresh and different as each judge in the past has brought a completely different perspective to the photos than the others. We keep the identity of the judges a secret so that they can judge freely and anonymously without any pressure.  Another tidbit of information about anonymity: the judges for the show never see the names of the photographers. The images themselves are the only thing the judges see, they never see the artist’s name or the backs of the photos.

8.       Can I enter every category?

Yes, you may enter up to 2 photos per category, and may enter the Youth category if you are age 16 and under.

9.       Do I have to be present at the Artist’s Reception/ Awards Ceremony to win something?

You do not have to be present to win. All of the artists that enter photographs are encouraged to attend the Artist’s Reception and Awards on October 15 at 5:30pm in the Exhibit Gallery of the Walker Education Center. We like to honor each and every artist at this reception, not just the winning photographers. The photos are installed in the gallery with great care, and all of the photos will be exhibited for two months from October 15- December 14.  This is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit your work, to participate in a Museum exhibit, and to receive recognition for your participation. We hope that all artists attend the Artist’s Reception on Oct. 15, but we understand if you cannot be present. Arrangements will be made for winning photographers that cannot attend the Reception.

1.   What do you do with the photos after the Contest?

If you write on your application that you want to pick up your photo(s) after the exhibit ends, we will happily hold onto them for you until you can pick them up. If you do not pick them up within six months of the exhibit ending, we will dispose of the photos. Winning photographers may be asked to submit digital files of their photo(s) to the Museum for promotional material. This is done on a case by case basis.

The Sam Houston Memorial  Museum will continue to accept your photo entries until the Museum closes on Friday, September 14. Each photo must be accompanied by your $5 entry fee per photo and an application form for each photo. Forms are available at any of the Museum entrances, from our website (www.samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com/news) , or from the link on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/samhouston.memorial.museum.  For additional information, please contact the Exhibits Department directly at: (936) 294-3292.