Capture the Adventure: NEKLS Summer Reading Photo Contest – Overview

Objective:

  • Celebrate and document the diverse adventures and activities occurring in NEKLS member public libraries over the summer.
  • Collect high-quality photos for marketing and promotional purposes.

Contest Rules:

Eligibility:

  • Open to all NEKLS member public libraries.

Submissions and Questions:

Submission Limit:

  • Each library is allowed to submit up to three photos per month.

Photo Requirements:

  • Resolution: Photos must be at least 1024 x 768 pixels.
  • Format: Photos are in JPEG or HEIC formats; GIF or RAW files are not accepted.
  • Content: Photos depict library-related activities.
  • Quality: Photos feature good lighting and composition.

Consent and Permissions:

  • Photo Release Requirement: Obtain a signed photo release form from each recognizable individual in photos. This form must grant permission for use of their images by the library, NEKLS, and the Northeast Kansas Library Foundation for purposes including but not limited to publications, news releases, reports, marketing materials, social media, online platforms, and other communications supporting the organizations’ missions.
  • Submission Confirmation: By submitting photos, libraries affirm that all necessary releases have been obtained. Submission also grants NEKLS and the Northeast Kansas Library Foundation the right to use, reproduce, and distribute the photos for promotional activities without further compensation.

Photo Credit:

  • Photos will be credited to the submitting library where possible. However, photo attribution may be omitted if required by design constraints.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Editing:

  • Submissions must not be created by generative AI; however, standard photo editing techniques to enhance original photos are permitted.

Judging Criteria:

  • Artistic Quality: Composition, Color, Creativity
  • Technical Quality: Lighting, Focus, Clarity, and Resolution
  • Subject Matter: Originality, Storytelling/Emotion, Moment, Expression of Library Activity; photos should aim to be candid and feature activity rather than a line-up of people against a wall.

Timeline:

  • Contest runs from June 1 to August 31, three rounds of the contest.
  • Submissions for each month close on the last day of the month.
  • Winners announced by the 15th of the following month.

Prizes:

  • Monthly winners: Each month, the top three entries will be awarded as follows:
    • 1st Place: $50 gift card
    • 2nd Place: $30 gift card
    • 3rd Place: $20 gift card
  • Final Drawing: At the end of the contest, we will hold a special drawing for a $50 gift card, exclusively for entries that haven’t previously won. This drawing will include all eligible photos submitted over the summer, giving everyone an additional chance to win.

Sample Photo Release Form:

Photo Tips:

Sample Photos: