2013 Picture a Park Photo Contest Guidelines

Take your best shot in the Fourth Annual Picture a Park Photo Contest, highlighting the beauty, events and fun activities within the Minneapolis Park System.

Contest Categories

Beauty in the Parks

Capture the every day beauty within the Minneapolis Park System, including wildlife, historic sites and breathtaking views.

Events in the Parks

Photograph a whimsical event or community celebration in Minneapolis Parks.Minneapolis Park System.

Fun in the Parks

Document a fun park activity, such as a concert, movie, bike ride or picnic.

Document a fun activity in the Minneapolis Park System.

Photos by Youth

Budding photographers age 17 and younger can submit photos of their favorite Minneapolis Parks in any of the three subject areas – beauty, fun, events.

Contest Rules:

1. Amateurs of all ages are eligible to enter the contest. Limit three photo entries per person. No entry fee required. Youth participants (age 17 and under) must provide a parent or guardian signature and consent with each photo submission.
2. All entries must be submitted online between May 6, 2013, and Monday, Sept. 2, 2013 for contest eligibility.
3. Photos must be unpublished, color, high resolution, at least 5 x 7 inches at 300 dpi and submitted online through National Camera Exchange.
4. Photos must be taken within the Minneapolis Park System, which includes parks, facilities, parkways and lakes.
5. All entries require the Minneapolis Park System location name or area in which the photo was taken. Entries not listing the photo location will be disqualified. Photos featuring inappropriate content will not be considered.
6. A completed online entry form must accompany each photo submission at www.natcam.com.
7. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), People for Parks (PFP) and National Camera Exchange are not responsible for any lost or misdirected entries.
8. Employees and their family members of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, People for Parks, National Camera Exchange and 2013 contest judges are not eligible to enter.

Judging

Photos will be judged by a panel of three judges. All photos will be judged on impact, image quality, composition and story telling effect for how well they capture and represent the beauty, events and/or fun within the Minneapolis Park System. First, second and third place winners will be determined in each contest category (Beauty in the Parks, Events in the Parks, Fun in the Parks, Photos by Youth). Merit award recipients will be recognized in each category. The MPRB will select one photo for its Annual Patron Parking Permit, which features a highlight or destination along the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. A People’s Choice Award will be decided by public vote on the National Camera Exchange Facebook page following the announcement of first, second and third place and merit award winners.

Prizes

Minneapolis Park System

Award winning photos will be posted at www.minneapolisparks.org and featured on a poster throughout the Park System.

First Place:

2014 calendar from PFP including winning photograph and MPRB Annual Parking Permit (adult division) or four passes to Jim Lupient Water Park or Wirth Winter Tubing Area (youth division)

Second Place:

MPRB Annual Parking Permit (adult division) or four passes to Jim Lupient Water Park or Wirth Winter Tubing Area (youth division) and certificate of recognition

Third Place:

MPRB Annual Parking Permit (adult division) or four passes to Jim Lupient Water Park or Wirth Winter Tubing Area (youth division) and certificate of recognition

Merit:

Certificate of recognition

People's Choice Award:

MPRB Annual Parking Permit

In addition, of the four first place winners, Gold, Silver and Bronze Best of Show recognition will be determined, with the winners receiving:

Gold:

$100 National Camera Exchange gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of winning entry

Silver:

$50 National Camera Exchange gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of winning entry

Bronze:

$25 National Camera Exchange gift card and up to a 16x20 enlargement of winning entry

Terms and Conditions

Additional terms on submission.

By submitting, you agree that you have taken the photo submitted and have received consent for submission and publication from all subjects shown in each photo. Submitted photos may be used at the discretion of the MPRB, PFP and National Camera Exchange, including and not limited to, websites, social media outlets, print and online publications, marketing, media requests, public displays, etc.

By taking part in the contest, photographers give the MPRB, PFP and National Camera Exchange consent for unlimited usage rights of any images submitted. There will be no credit or compensation given (aside from prizes to the winners) to the photographer, the person submitting the photos or any people depicted in the photos.

Additionally, submitters of any winning photographs also give the MPRB, PFP and National Camera Exchange consent to use their name in any announcement or promotion of the 2013 contest and its winners.

Employees and their family members of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, People for Parks, and any sponsors and/or judges are not eligible to enter.