Study Abroad Photography Contest

2007-2008 COMPETITION

Joanna Becker Pune Autumn 2006 First Prize 2006-07

The favorite ugly-American cliché of the snapshot-obsessed (now video-obsessed) Yankee tourist is unfair. Photography is inherently interesting, and serious photographers are interesting people. Photography fuses art and journalism. In the best cases it not only provides us with a record of what we have seen, it helps us to see more deeply and with greater feeling. Here is a fine opportunity to combine an adventure abroad with serious picture-taking and possibly to become famous (and just a bit richer) in the bargain. Please give the rules a look and take your questions to Lewis Fortner, Associate Dean of Students in the College (Harper 213; 773-702-4858; fortner@uchicago.edu).

Photo Contest Questions and Answers

Photo Contest Entry form

Eligibility: To take part in this contest you must be a Chicago undergraduate studying abroad during the 2007-2008 academic year. (For purposes of the Contest the academic year is five quarters, beginning with spring quarter 2007 and ending with spring quarter 2008). You may be a participant in one of the Chicago-sponsored programs (and therefore registered in good standing) or in a non-Chicago-sponsored programs (and therefore on approved leave of absence unless your program is a summer program). Students whose study or work abroad is funded by one of the College's travel grants (FLAG, Research Grants) are also eligible. For purposes of this competition "study abroad " may include internship or employment schemes. It does not include vacation travel abroad other than interim travel as part of a study abroad program.

Number and Format of Submissions: If you meet the eligibility requirements you may submit up to four un-mounted photographs. Each photo must be submitted in printed, not electronic, form (no discs or e-mail attachments). If you submit more than one you should number them (for the judges' reference) on the back. Each photo should be a print measuring at least eight inches by ten inches (8 X 10) (no maximum size limit). Except for these number and size stipulations, there are no restrictions. Your photographs may be black-and-white or color, glossy or matte. You may print them (or have them printed) on any kind of paper from any kind of film stock using any kind of printing process. You should also complete and submit the Photo Contest Entry form.

Subject Matter: The only restriction here is that your photo or photos capture an experience or record an observation abroad, not necessarily limited to your program site. (A Paris Program student, for example, could submit a photo taken in Warsaw during an interim sojourn.) Apart from this requirement there is no restriction in subject, theme, or style. We hope you will train your camera on locally characteristic phenomena, scenes, and people without falling back on the picture postcard monuments that we all know only too well (though a superb photograph of the Brandenburg Gate or Big Ben could take the prize; quality of execution will be the judges' chief criterion).

Application Process and Deadline: You must submit your photograph(s), along with the completed photo contest entry form to Karen Ruskowsky, Harper 203, by 5:00 PM on May 2, 2008 (Friday of the fifth week of spring quarter). If you are still overseas at this point you will of course have to mail your submission(s) to:

Karen Ruskowsky
University of Chicago
1116 E. 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637 USA

Please make sure to use stiff backing and a well-padded envelope.

Prizes: There are three prizes:

First Prize $350
Second Prize $250
Third Prize $150

plus a variable number of honorable mentions (no money). The winners will be announced by the end of the spring quarter.

Important Advisory: All forwarded materials become the property of the College, which will enjoy full rights of display and circulation (with attribution to the photographer). If you submit a photograph it is understood that you have granted this right.

Photo Contest Questions and Answers

Photo Contest Entry Form

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