RSPCA YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER AWARDS 2010
RSPCA
RSPCA YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER AWARDS 2010
A national photography competition for under 19s.
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled a list of common questions and answers you may find useful. If you have a question that is not shown here, please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
Who can enter YPA?
I try to login but a message comes up saying that my account isn't activated?
My parent/ guardian didn't recieve the activation e-mail?
I entered last year but my login details don't work?
Is there an entry fee?
Can I alter images using photo software?
How many photos can I enter?
Which age category should I enter?
What format should I submit my photos in?
What size should the pictures be?
I've forgotten my password?
What will happen to the photos that don't win?
I live outside the UK, can I enter?
Is there anything that I should not photograph?
Are photos of animals in zoos acceptable?
I have not received an e-mail confirmation; has my entry been accepted?
When is the closing date?
When will the winners be announced?
Can I enter the same photo in more than one category?
I've tried to create an account but it says that I exceed the age limit?
I don't have a digital camera, how can I enter?
You can enter if you are 18 years old or younger on the closing date, 6 September 2010 and are a UK resident. If you are 19 years old on or before the closing date then unfortunately you cannot enter.
I try to login but a message comes up saying that my account isn't activated?
If you are under the age of 16 when you register for the competition you will need to provide an e-mail address for your parent/ guardian. This is because we are required by law to get your parents permission for you to enter the competition. An e-mail will then be sent to the e-mail address you provided and there will be an activation link in the e-mail which will need to be clicked to activate your account
My parent/ guardian didn't recieve the activation e-mail?
Technology is never 100% reliable but please ask your parents to check their junk mail folder. If you still can't find it please ask your parent/ guardian to e-mail us at publications@rspca.org.uk with your username and we will activate the account for you.
I entered last year but my login details don't work?
Due to data protection all accounts from last year were deleted after the announcement of the awards. Please create a new account.
No, entry to the competition is free, but if you are lucky enough to be invited to the awards ceremony in London we cannot pay the costs of your trip.
Can I alter images using photo software?
We only want to see pictures that show real animals in real situations so please don't add or take anything away from the picture as it was originally taken. You may use contrast and colour settings to make your pictures look really good, and you can remove dust spots that have appeared by accident. You can also change an image from colour to black-and-white but don't add artificial colours or change them too much. If the judges deem that an image has been manipulated then the entrant and all their entries will be disqualified. The key is to keep it real!
You can enter up to five photos in your age category plus another five in the pets personalities category. You can also enter up to three sets of images (five photos in each set) in the portfolio category. This means that you can enter a maximum of 25 pictures in all categories.
Which age category should I enter?
You should enter the category according to your age on the closing date, 6 September 2010. If you are 11 now but are 12 on or before 6 September 2010 you should enter the 12-18 category, but the system should automatically give you access to the correct categories when you enter your date of birth.
What format should I submit my photos in?
Photos should be submitted to this website as maximum-quality JPEGs.
If you are unable to use this website please print off an entry form here or phone us on 0300 123 0455 to request a form. Alternatively send a request by post to YPA10, RSPCA/Publications department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS to request an entry form. Postal entries not accompanied by an official YPA form will not be accepted.
What size should the pictures be?
We need to make big prints of the winning pictures, so use a camera with at least 5m pixels, upload your biggest file size and don't crop the final picture too much.
Use the password reminder in the login area of the home page to send your password to the e-mail address that you used when you registered. If you still have problems please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
What will happen to the photos that don't win?
Unfortunately due to the large number of entries we receive we are unable to return any prints. Any digital pictures that are not shortlisted will be deleted after the awards ceremony in December 2010.
I live outside of the UK, can I enter?
No, unfortunately the competition is only open to residents of the United Kingdom.
Is there anything that I should not photograph?
The RSPCA is a charity dedicated to promoting kindness to all animals. We want you to photograph animals showing natural behaviour in their natural habitat. Please do not dress-up your pets or make them perform tricks for the camera but instead learn about your subject and show us how it lives.
Are photos of animals in zoos acceptable?
Please click here to view the guidance on taking photos in zoos.
I have not received an e-mail confirmation; has my entry been accepted?
We do not send out confirmation e-mails for each upload. You can check if your entry has been successful by logging into your account. All the photos that have been submitted will show here. If you have any queries please e-mail us at: publications@rspca.org.uk
The closing date for online entries is 6 September 2010. The closing date for postal entries is 23 August 2010. Unfortunately any entries received after these dates, even due to postal delays, will not be entered.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced on 10 December 2010 at the awards ceremony in London. All shortlisted finalists will be notified by post by 29 September 2010.
Can I enter the same photo in more than one category?
You must not enter any picture or similars into more than one category. The judges may move any individual photo entered into the portfolio category into another category if they think it is likely to be shortlisted.
I've tried to create an account but it says that I exceed the age limit?
If you are 19 on or before 6 September 2010 unfortunately you are unable to enter YPA. Sorry!
I don't have a digital camera, how can I enter?
To enter by post please click here to print off an entry form. All postal entries must be accompanied by a YPA entry form. Alternatively please contact us by telephone on 0300 123 0455, e-mail (publications@rspca.org.uk) or write to us at: YPA10, RSPCA/ publications department, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS.
It's simple to enter
- Choose your subject
- Take the picture
- Enter your details
- Upload your photos