📸 Photography - "I Belong"
What is Photography?
Photography means YOU take a picture that shows your thoughts and ideas about the theme "I Belong!"
What Makes a Good Photo Entry?
You can capture your idea by thinking about:
- 🎯 What you photograph (the subject)
- 💡 Lighting (bright, dark, shadows, sunlight)
- 📍 Where you take the photo (location matters!)
- 📷 Camera angles (up close, far away, different views)
You can use a fancy camera OR just a phone camera! What matters is YOUR creative vision!
What KIND of Photo Can I Submit?
✅ YES - These Are Allowed:
- 📷 Single photo (one picture)
- 🌄 Panoramic (wide, sweeping picture)
- 🖼️ Photomontage (combining YOUR photos into one new image)
- 🎨 Multiple exposure (layering photos on top of each other)
- ⚫⚪ Black-and-white OR color photos
- 🎭 Creative techniques (filters, lighting tricks, etc.)
❌ NO - These Are NOT Allowed:
- ❌ Adding text or stickers OVER your photo
- ❌ Collages (bunch of separate photos stuck together)
- ❌ Collections of different photos
- ❌ Film negatives or slides
- ❌ 3D/sculpture photos
Simple Rule: Submit ONE finished photo (or one combined image made from YOUR photos)
What Will the Judges Look For?
Judges want to see:
- ✨ How your photo shows the theme "I Belong"
- 🎨 Your original, creative ideas
- 💭 Your artistic vision (what you want people to feel)
Can I Edit My Photo?
YES! You can use editing apps and filters:
- Adjust brightness and colors
- Add filters
- Crop or resize
- Combine multiple photos YOU took
- Use photo editing apps
BUT REMEMBER: YOU must take the original photo(s) and come up with the creative idea. The app just helps make it better!
IMPORTANT: On your entry form, write down what tools you used (like "iPhone camera + Snapseed app").
Important Copyright Rules
⚠️ What You CANNOT Photograph:
- ❌ Photos from the internet or magazines
- ❌ Other people's photographs
- ❌ Downloaded images or stock photos
- ❌ Cartoon characters (unless YOU drew them first)
✅ What You CAN Photograph:
- ✅ People (with their permission!)
- ✅ Nature (flowers, trees, animals, sky)
- ✅ Public places (parks, buildings, your neighborhood)
- ✅ Your belongings (toys, sports equipment, art supplies)
- ✅ Stores or logos in the background (as long as that's not the MAIN thing in your photo)
The Big Idea: YOU must be the person who takes the picture!
Size & Format Requirements
📐 If You're Submitting a PRINTED Photo:
- Photo size: Between 3×5 inches and 8×10 inches
- If you mount it: The whole thing (photo + mat) can't be bigger than 11×14 inches
- NO FRAMES! Just the photo or mounted photo
- Write your info on the BACK (not the front!)
💻 If You're Submitting a DIGITAL Photo:
- File size: At least 640×960 pixels
- Resolution: 300 dpi (dots per inch)
- File type: JPEG, JPG, or PNG
Not sure what these numbers mean? Ask a parent or teacher to help check your file!
How Do I Submit My Photo?
Step 1: Take your photo(s)
Step 2: Edit if you want to (optional)
Step 3: Make sure it follows all the rules above
Step 4: Fill out the student entry form in English or Spanish
- Write down what camera/phone you used
- Write down any apps you used for editing
Step 5: Print OR save as digital file
Step 6: Turn in your photo and form by October 24, 2025
Where to submit: Email perrineaotapta@gmail.com
Quick Checklist Before You Submit:
- I took this photo myself (didn't download it)
- My photo shows the theme "I Belong"
- No text or stickers added on top
- It's the right size (printed or digital)
- I wrote down what tools I used
- My info is on the back (for printed photos)
- It's a new photo I took for this contest
Photo Ideas to Get You Started!
💭 Think about places where YOU belong:
- Your favorite spot at home
- Playing your favorite sport
- With your family or friends
- Doing something you love
- A place that makes you feel safe
- Your culture or traditions
Your photo should tell YOUR story about belonging!
Remember!
🌟 Every photo is celebrated!
🌟 Phone cameras work just as well as fancy cameras
🌟 YOUR perspective is what makes it special
🌟 Have FUN capturing your moment!
Questions? Ask David Villeta at perrineaotapta@gmail.com
