We want to see Carrollton “Through Your Eyes!”

With the website headed toward a redesign, we would like to incorporate the community by featuring your photos!  Show us why you call Carrollton home.  Submit anything from a snapshot of your family pet, your neighborhood or your favorite event, to an artistic view of a popular venue or a historical area.  Or give us a glimpse at Carrollton’s nature and wildlife.  You have the opportunity to show us Carrollton as you view it!

Contest Description

• The contest is divided into three divisions: student, amateur, professional.
• Each division will have three winners: first, second and third place.
• You may submit up to two high resolution jpeg photos per email entry, to a total of five emails or ten photos.
• Each contestant may only place once.
• Photos must be taken in Carrollton and must be representative of the city.
• A completed online entry form must accompany each photo, as well as a model waiver for any easily identifiable person featured in the photo. A parent/legal guardian must sign the waiver for any child under the age of 18.
• Read through the terms and conditions for more information.

Deadline

• Extended: All entries must be received by Friday, January 30, 2009.
• Photos should be in a digital format and sent to photos@cityofcarrollton.com or City Hall (mailed or dropped of photos must be on a CD).

Prizes

• $150 First Place

• $100 Second Place

• $75 Third Place

• Winners will receive a special reception and exhibit at City Hall, recognition by City Council, as well as top feature on the website and the City government channel.

• Each division will have three winners

Judging

• Winning photographs in each division will be selected by a judging committee.
• Photographs will be judged on: composition, color balance, contrast, focus, creativity and how well the photo captures the Carrollton experience.

• Winners will be announced by Wednesday, February 11, 2009.

Eligibility

The contest is open to photographers of all ages and skill levels. Entrants under the age of 13 must have parent/legal guardian permission.

TERMS & CONDITIONS 

All contestants certify as follows: 

1. There is no cost to enter.
2. Contestant must be 13 or older to enter the contest or have permission from a parent/ legal guardian.
3. All photos submitted must be the original work and exclusive property of the contestant.
4. Signed model waivers must be submitted for all clearly identifiable persons appearing in any photo, authorizing the contestant to submit the photo to the City of Carrollton Marketing Services. 
   • The model waiver authorizes the City to use, publish, reproduce, or alter such photo.
   • Photos requiring a waiver will be activated upon receipt of a complete entry form.
   • A parent/legal guardian must sign the waiver for any child under the age of 18.
5. No photos will be accepted without a complete photo contest entry form and a signed waiver. Marketing Services assumes no responsibility for lost photo files or those not received by the contest deadline.
6. Marketing Services may use all photo submissions for the purpose of marketing and promoting the City at no cost; be it through electronic formats such as the website or the City channel, or through print publications such as Leisure Connections, or any other marketing materials deemed appropriate.
7. The contestant hereby indemnifies the City of Carrollton Marketing Services from any and all liability, claims or damages incurred by or served by the contestant, any persons appearing in the photo and any owners of property shown in the photo.
8. All photos shall be taken in areas where photography is permitted by law.
9. The City of Carrollton Marketing Services has all rights to reject and refuse to publish or use any photos.
10. Digital retouching is allowed, though restricted to simple lighting balance, color correction and cropping.
11. Photos must be of high resolution
    • 300 dpi resolution and 5” X 7” is optimal
    • Minimum of 1200 x 1600 pixels
    • JPG, RGB
12. All photos submitted shall become the property of the City upon submission.
13. Entrants are allowed to submit up to 10 photos, with only two photos per email entry.
14. Entrants will not be contacted if their photo does not win.

Copyrights & Permissions 

1. The photographer must hold the copyright to all photos he/she submits to the contest. The use of public domain images is prohibited. Photos that violate the copyright laws  will not be considered. 
2. By submitting an image to the City of Carrollton for the Photo Contest, you hereby grant the City of Carrollton permission and rights to use the image for any purpose they see fit. 
3. Photographers must have sufficient permission of any recognizable models, persons, or other items appearing in the photograph to be able to grant the City of Carrollton the right to display their photograph.  Your signature is acceptance of these guidelines, and also indicates that you have obtained such permission as necessary.
4. Any contest submissions that receive legal challenges from either copyright or insufficient model permissions will be removed.