Snapshot Wisconsin is the new name of the annual Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photography contest. The contest has several changes for this year. In the past the contest accepted entries that showed photographs from the previous year. In 2010 the focus will be on contemporary images that document a select moment. This is in keeping with the documentary objectives of the Journal Sentinel and JSOnline. We want the contest to reflect life as it happens in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. In essence we will give you an assignment, a time frame to complete it, and a deadline to file your images.

We’ve also eliminated the video portion of the contest for 2010. We will assess reestablishing a video category in the future.  Unlike past years all images must be uploaded to the Snapshot Wisconsin website, we will no longer accept entries by email.

Who can enter?

The contest is strictly for amateur photographers who make no more than 5% of their income from photography. Any resident of Wisconsin or upper Michigan is eligible. Employees of Journal Communications, their subsidiaries, Mike Crivellos, members of their immediate households and anyone engaged in the manufacture, sales, commercial finishing or commercial use of photographic goods is not eligible. There is no entry fee for the Snapshot Wisconsin contest.

Just a moment, Wisconsin captured a minute at a time..

The assignment is to take photographs that you feel define what it means to be Wisconsinites. On September 4, 2010 we want you take pictures. We are looking for images that create a portrait of our state. You have 24 hours. You can plan your photographs or be completely spontaneous. We want to see a variety of people, places, events, and activities from across the state captured in these moments. You may enter up to ten photographs.

What are the technical requirements?

Photographs must be digital files. Files must be in JPEG format at 200 DPI with a minimum size of two megabytes and no larger that five megabytes. Neither prints nor digital files saved on CD or other media will be accepted. Minor burning, dodging and/or color correction is acceptable as is cropping. Composites or digitally altered photographs will be disqualified. Photographs that are clearly taken outside of the designated time frame will be disqualified. Editing software at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will be used to verify metadata in the images chosen as finalists to confirm timestamps.

All entries must be uploaded directly to the Snapshot Wisconsin website at www.jsonline.com/snapshot by 5pm, September 10, 2010. Each image must be accompanied by the photographers name, street address, email address, phone number, a description of the photograph and location it was taken. The online entry form will require this information; no entry will be accepted without the required information.

How is the judging done?

A panel of judges from Journal Communications will select winners in the Snapshot Wisconsin contest. All entries will be judged on general interest and appeal.  Journal Communications will be responsible for final determination of winning photographs. Winners will be announced by October 1, 2010.

The fine print 

By entering the contest, entrants grant Journal Communications a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, reproduce the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or subsequently developed, for editorial, promotional, publicity, exhibition, and all other standard Journal Communication purposes.  Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. Journal Communications will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.

You must be the sole owner of the copyright of any image submitted. Your submission of the photo and entry form is your guarantee that you are the author and copyright holder of the photo. Photographs will be credited to the photographer named in the entry form. Photographers retain the copyright to their photographs.

The photograph must not, in the sole and unfettered discretion of Journal Communications, contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content.

It is the responsibility of the photographer to obtain any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph. It is the responsibility of the photographer to secure the consent all persons who appear in the photograph submitted, and/or from the owner of any material that appears in the photograph entry, and the authorization to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the entry in connection with and promotion of the Snapshot Wisconsin contest and Journal Communications.

Submitting an entry online signifies that you have read and agree to all terms of the Snapshot Wisconsin contest.

For more information

Follow the Snapshot Wisconsin community on Facebook or contact Kelli Webber at 414-224-2101.