World In Focus

OFFICIAL 2008 WORLD IN FOCUS PHOTO CONTEST RULES

TERM

The World in Focus Photography Contest begins April 22, 2008 at 12:01 am Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) and ends September 8, 2008 at 11:59 pm PDT. All Entries must be received by September 8, 2008 at 11:59 pm PDT. Entries become the property of Sponsors and will not be returned or acknowledged. An additional fee of $10 is required for each entry received between 12:00 a.m. PDT on August 22, 2008, and 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 8, 2008.

WHO MAY ENTER

Residents of Arizona, New Jersey and Vermont are ineligible. Employees of National Geographic Society, Photo District News, and each of their affiliates, subsidiaries and agents, and their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they live) or persons living in the same households of such individuals, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win a prize. Entrants must be at least 18 years of age as of the date of entry. CONTEST IS VOID IN ARIZONA, NEW JERSEY, AND VERMONT AND WHERE PROHIBITED.

HOW TO ENTER

AMATEURS

To enter electronically, please visit www.worldinfocuscontest.com to register. Once the registration process has been completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Simply log onto the website and follow the online instructions to upload images from your computer. Images formatted in JPEG or TIFF measuring at least 1,000 pixels on their long dimension are preferred. Images may be color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed. For more information on electronic submission guidelines see our FAQ.
To enter by mail using a credit card, please visit www.worldinfocuscontest.com to register. Once the registration process has been completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Simply log onto the website and follow the instructions for paying for your submission. Print out your completed confirmation form and mail it along with your print(s) to National Geographic Traveler, Attn: World in Focus Photo Contest, PO Box 98013, Washington, DC 20090-8013.
To enter by mail and pay with a check or money order, download a PDF copy of the entry form, fill it out and mail it along with your print(s) to National Geographic Traveler, Attn: World in Focus Photo Contest, PO Box 98013, Washington, DC 20090-8013.
Each submitted photograph, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material taken by the Contest entrant. By entering the Contest, entrant represents, acknowledges and warrants that the submitted photograph is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photograph.
The photograph must not, in the sole and unfettered discretion of the Sponsors, contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content. Photographs deemed inappropriate will be disqualified.
Photographs that include sculptures, statues, paintings, and other works of art will be accepted as long as they do not constitute copyright infringement or fraud; provided that entrants must be prepared to provide a release form as described below in "Third Party Releases/Licenses." When photographing the work of others, it must be as an object in its environment and not a full-frame close up of another person's art.
If the Photograph includes other people, you must be prepared to provide a signed written personal release from all persons who appear in the Photograph submitted, authorizing use of the Photograph as provided below in "Third Party Releases/Licenses." If you are unable to provide a personal release, upon request by Sponsor and in the form provided by Sponsor, then your entry may be disqualified. You do not need to send the release with your entry. If you win, we will contact you if a model release is needed.
The entries will be judged in accordance with the Judging Criteria, as defined below.
On-line entries must be made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, internet domain owner, or other person or organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

PROFESSIONALS

To enter electronically, please visit www.worldinfocuscontest.com to register. Once the registration process has been completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. Simply log onto the website and follow the online instructions to upload images from your computer. Images formatted in JPEG or TIFF measuring at least 1,000 pixels on their long dimension are preferred. Images may be color profiled in sRGB, Adobe-1998, or not color-managed. For more information on electronic submission guidelines see our FAQ.
No mail-in entry is available for the professional channel.
Each Entry consists of an entry form, a single image, and an entry fee. Entry fees are different for each channel of the contest -- amateur and professional. The entry fee for the amateur channel of the contest (NGT) is $12 per entry for entries received before 11.59 p.m. PDT August 21, 2008. The entry fee for the professional channel of the contest (PDN) is $35 per entry for entries received before 11:59 p.m. PDT August 21, 2008. All entries received after 12:00 a.m. on August 22, 2008 will be subject to an additional fee of $10.
Each submitted photograph, in its entirety, must be a single work of original material taken by the Contest entrant. By entering the Contest, entrant represents, acknowledges and warrants that the submitted photograph is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photograph.
The photograph must not, in the sole and unfettered discretion of the Sponsors, contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content. Photographs deemed inappropriate will be disqualified.
Photographs that include sculptures, statues, paintings, and other works of art will be accepted as long as they do not constitute copyright infringement or fraud; provided that entrants must be prepared to provide a release form as described below in "Third Party Releases/Licenses." When photographing the work of others, it must be as an object in its environment and not a full-frame close up of another person's art.
If the Photograph includes other people, you must be prepared to provide a signed written personal release from all persons who appear in the Photograph submitted, authorizing use of the Photograph as provided below in "Third Party Releases/Licenses." If you are unable to provide a personal release, upon request by Sponsor and in the form provided by Sponsor, then your entry may be disqualified. You do not need to send the release with your entry. If you win, we will contact you if a model release is needed.
The entries will be judged in accordance with the Judging Criteria, as defined below.
On-line entries must be made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, internet domain owner, or other person or organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

CONTEST PRIZES

THE POTENTIAL WINNERS ARE REQUIRED TO EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING: (1) AN AFFIDAVIT OF ELIGIBILITY AND LIABILITY RELEASE; (2) WARRANTY OF OWNERSHIP AND LICENSE; (3) PUBLICITY RELEASE; AND (4) ANY OTHER AFFIDAVITS AND/OR RELEASES OR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED BY PRIZE SUPPLIER(S). UNLESS PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE POTENTIAL WINNERS MUST SIGN THESE THREE DOCUMENTS NO LATER THAN 15 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PRIZE NOTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR SPONSORS TO AWARD THE PRIZE. NONCOMPLIANCE OR RETURN OF PRIZE NOTIFICATION AS UNDELIVERABLE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION AND, AT SPONSORS' DISCRETION, SELECTION OF AN ALTERNATE WINNER.

AMATEUR

One Grand Prize, one First Prize, one Second Prize, one Third Prize, and seven Merit Prize winners will be selected in the amateur channel.
The Grand Prize consists of a 15-day Trip for the winner and one guest to Antarctica in November 2009, aboard the National Geographic Endeavor. Contributed by National Geographic Expeditions (www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com). The Grand Prize includes meals, local transportation and double occupancy accommodations in a category 2 cabin for 15 days as described at www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com and a $2,000 air travel voucher. (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV") is $25,000). Travel in excess of $2,000 to and from the starting point of the expedition is the sole responsibility of the winner and travel companion, as are tips, taxes, insurance and all other expenses not stated herein or in the online expedition description. The Grand Prize winner and companion are responsible for all necessary travel authorizations and travel insurance, as well as all necessary immunizations and vaccinations. If necessary, National Geographic Expeditions reserves the right to substitute the trip for a trip of equal or greater value, and in that unlikely event, would work with the winner to find a satisfactory alternative. This trip cannot be transferred or resold. Some restrictions apply.
First Prize consists of a 5-day trip for the winner and one guest to The Cliffs Preserve in Patagonia, Chile. Contributed by The Cliffs Preserve (http://www.cliffspreserve.cl). Transportation to and from Santiago, Chile is the sole responsibility of the winner. Located on 8,000 acres of Pacific Coast, The Cliffs Preserve at Patagonia, Chile is an eco-luxury retreat where activities include whale watching, sea kayaking, horseback riding, hiking and fishing. Package includes four nights of luxury villa accommodations for two including all meals and activities, plus one spa treatment and one sport-fishing excursion per person. Prize must be redeemed the year in which it is awarded. (ARV is $8,400. Some restrictions apply.)
Second Prize consists of a 6-day cruise for the winner and one guest on a Maine Windjammer Schooner. Contributed by The Schooners American Eagle and Heritage. (www.schooneramericaneagle.com and www.schoonerheritage.com). The cruise takes place during the 2009 sailing season and reservations are subject to availability. Transportation to and from Rockland, Maine is not included. (ARV is $1850).
Third Prize consists of a seven (7) day Photography Workshop for the winner in Oaxaca, Mexico. Contributed by NG Expeditions (www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com). Transportation to and from Oaxaca, Mexico, and all other expenses not expressly stated herein or in the online description of the workshop are the responsibility of the winner. This workshop follows a similar format to the Santa Fe workshop and includes excursions to ancient Monte Alban, the traditional Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, and Octlan's sprawling market. The hotel and all meals are included, except for three dinners. (ARV is $3,195.) Some restrictions apply.
The seven Merit Prizes consist of one Nikon Coolpix P60 (ARV is $249.99) camera and one Bogen Prize Package, including a National Geographic Tundra Monopod, a National Geographic Tundra Tripod with 3-way head, and an Earth Explorer Medium Shoulder Bag (ARV is $148.) for each Merit Prize winner. Contributed by Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) and Bogen (www.bogenimaging.us.com).
The Bonus Award consists of all winning images to be featured in the January/February 2009 edition of National Geographic Traveler, on its website, and displayed at the World in Focus Gallery at PhotoPlus Expo, October 23-25, 2008 in New York City. All winners will also receive a one-year subscription to Photo District News.

PROFESSIONAL

In the Professional channel, the following prizes will be awarded: one Grand Prize; and one Prize for each of the categories: Travel Portraits, Outdoor Scenes, Sense of Place, Spontaneous Moments, and Photo Essay.
The Grand Prize consists of:
- Free tuition for a six-day professional photography workshop for the winner in Santa Fe, New Mexico (contributed by Santa Fe Workshops (www.santafeworkshops.com ARV $1000)
- One Nikon D-80 Digital SLR (body only) or equivalent (ARV $799.95)
- Expedition Carbon Fiber Tripod NGET2 (ARV $454.00), Expedition Hydrostatic Head NGEH1 (ARV $423.00), Large Backpack NG5737 (ARV $400.00)
- A PDN Photoserve portfolio (www.Photoserve.com) (ARV $860.00)
Each Category prize consists of:
- One D-60 Kit (including 18-55 mm VR lens) (ARV $749.95)
- Tundra photo/Video Tripod NGTT2 (ARV $84.00), Med Shoulder Bag NG2475 (ARV $148.00)
- PDN PhotoPlus Gold Pass (ARV $79)
- $100 Blurb gift certificate
The Bonus Award consists of all winning images to be featured in PDN's February 2009 issue, on its website, and select winners will be displayed at the World in Focus Gallery at PhotoPlus Expo, October 23-25, 2008 in New York City.
No prize transfer, assignment or substitution by Winners permitted. In the event an offered prize is unavailable, Sponsors reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.
Some restrictions apply; and each such prize is subject to availability. Each Winner of a travel package, and his/her travel companion where applicable, will be responsible for all necessary travel authorizations and travel insurance. By accepting the prize, Winners represent that they understand that travel, whether in developed or remote areas and whether by plane, automobile, boat, raft, or other conveyance, or by foot, on land or water, and in the air, contains some inherent element of risk of accident, illness, injury, loss or death, which may be caused by negligence, forces of nature, wild animals or other agencies, known or unknown. Winners represent that they recognize that such risks may be present at any time before, during and after the trip. In order to be considered a Winner and partake of the enjoyment of a prize trip, potential Winners must be willing to accept the risk, and to confirm their acceptance of such risk in writing at Sponsors' request.

JUDGING

Contest consists of two (2) rounds of evaluation for each channel (amateur and professional). In Round One of each channel, a panel of National Geographic Traveler Photo editors and Photo District News experts in photography (the "Judges") will each review a portion of the entries and select a group of entries to proceed to Round Two on the basis of creativity (34%), sense of place (33%) and capturing the moment (33%) (the "Judging Criteria"). In Round Two of each channel, the Judges will collectively select, from among the entries selected in Round One, the prizes associated with each channel, based on the Judging Criteria.
Winners will be selected on or about September 15, 2008 and notified by email or regular mail on or about September 30, 2008.
Decisions of the Sponsors and Judges are final and binding.
Sponsors reserve the right not to award all prizes in the event an insufficient number of eligible entries meeting the minimum judging criteria are received, as determined by Sponsors and Judges in their sole discretion.

ENTRANT LICENSES/RELEASES

If the photograph contains any material or elements that are not owned by the entrant and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, and/or if any persons appear in the photograph, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph in the manner set forth in these Official Rules without additional compensation. If any person appearing in any photograph is under the age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence the signature of a parent or legal guardian is required on each release.
By participating, ALL ENTRANTS grant the Sponsors and their designees, licensees or affiliates (the "Authorized Parties") a non-exclusive, worldwide license, through February 28, 2009, to post the entries online so that viewers may view all competing entries. In addition, each WINNER grants to the Authorized Parties a license for use of his/her winning entry in connection with The World in Focus Photo Contest and promotion of The World in Focus Photo Contest, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to: publication in PDN and/or Traveler magazines showcasing the winners; exhibit of the work at the PhotoPlus Expo 2008; The World in Focus Photo Contest live gallery; the World in Focus Photo Contest Web site (www.worldinfocuscontest.com) and on PDNOnline.com and nationalgeographic.com; and in exhibits and promotions related to the World in Focus Photo Contest. Such winners' license is a non-exclusive, worldwide, 24 months (beginning the date winners are notified) license to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the entries. Authorized Parties will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such use.

THIRD PARTY RELEASES/LICENSES

Upon Sponsor's request, each entrant must be prepared to provide a signed written personal release from all persons who appear in the photograph submitted, authorizing Authorized Parties to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the photograph entry in connection with The World in Focus Photo Contest and promotion of The World in Focus Photo Contest, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to: publication in PDN and/or Traveler magazines showcasing the winners; exhibit of the work at the PhotoPlus Expo 2008; The World in Focus Photo Contest live gallery; the World in Focus Photo Contest Web site and on PDNOnline.com and nationalgeographic.com; and in exhibits and promotions related to the World in Focus Photo Contest. In addition, upon Sponsor's request, each entrant must be prepared to provide a signed written license from the copyright owner of any sculpture, artwork or other copyrighted material that appears in the photograph entry, authorizing Authorized Parties to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works of the photograph in connection with The World in Focus Photo Contest and promotion of The World in Focus Photo Contest, in any media now or hereafter known, including but not limited to: publication in PDN and/or Traveler magazines showcasing the winners; exhibit of the work at the PhotoPlus Expo 2008; The World in Focus Photo Contest live gallery; the World in Focus Photo Contest Web site and on PDNOnline.com and nationalgeographic.com; and in exhibits and promotions related to the World in Focus Photo Contest. Failure to provide such releases upon request may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

By participating, entrants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless National Geographic Society, Photo District News, and each of their respective partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder.

Sponsors assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, or delay in operation or transmission; communications line failure; theft or destruction of or unauthorized access to Contest entries or entry forms; or alteration of entries or entry forms. Sponsors are not responsible for any problems with or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any e-mail entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Web site, human errors of any kind, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrants' or any other persons' computers related to or resulting from participation, uploading or downloading of any materials related to this Contest.

CONDITIONS

THIS CONTEST IS VOID IN ARIZONA, NEW JERSEY AND VERMONT AND WHERE PROHIBITED. This Contest is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Certain restrictions may apply. Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, stolen, mutilated, incomplete, illegible, misdirected, or postage-due mail. Entries void if the Sponsor determines the entry to not be an original, or if the entries are illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error or obtained through fraud or theft.

Participants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the Judges are final on all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if he/she wins that Sponsor may use each winner's name, photograph, likeness, and/or voice in any publicity or advertising relating to the Contest or future promotions without compensation or approval (except in Tennessee and where prohibited by law). All federal, state and local taxes, fees and surcharges on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. In the event that the selected winner(s) of any prize are/is ineligible or refuses the prize, the prize will be forfeited and Sponsors, in their sole discretion, may choose whether to award the prize to another entrant.

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND CONTEST

If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsors that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsors reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Contest. If Sponsors elect to cancel or terminate the Contest, Sponsors will not retain any rights in the submitted photographs and will return the entry fees.

WINNERS LIST

Winners' names will be available online at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler after September 30, 2008, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: National Geographic Traveler, World in Focus Photo Contest, 1145 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036.

NOTICE TO INDIVIDUALS: REMOVAL FROM MAILING LIST: Any individual (or other duly authorized person) may elect to exclude the name and address of that individual from all lists used by Sponsor to mail skill contests or sweepstakes. To elect to have an individual's name excluded from all such lists, submit a removal request in writing to: "World in Focus Photography Contest", National Geographic Traveler, 1145 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036. This notification system may be used to prohibit mailing of all skill contests or sweepstakes by Sponsor to such individual.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: