Is there a fee to enter?
Yes, there is a £15 handling fee to enter the competition. Handling fees are non-refundable, but we guarantee that all entries received will be viewed by our panelists.

When is the closing date for the competition?
The closing date for the first competition is June 6th 2009.

Can I send photographs or discs in the mail?
No. We only accept submissions via the OPEN SHUTTER web site.

Can I pick up the phone and ask you a question?
No, please don't. The whole idea of OPEN SHUTTER is it is an online-entry only competition. This makes it easy for you to submit your images and for us to guarantee the time to look at them all. If you have questions about the competition, email info@openshutter.co.uk. We promise to answer your email in a timely manner and we'll update the FAQ regularly in response to enquiries we receive.

What kind of work will you look at?
Film, digital and photo-based work are all considered.
The Photographers Lounge is a beautiful gallery space, but isn't the largest space. We can exhibit large scale prints but if you think your work looks best hung in a 10 metre triptych on the walls of the Vatican, then this competition isn't for you. It's not always about size...

What formats do you accept for submissions?
We only accept digital files with .jpg or .jpeg extensions.

What is the maximum file size for submissions?
The maximum file size for each image submitted is 2MB. If your file is bigger than 2MB, the system will reject it.

How will the panel review submissions?
The panel will only review images on screen. You can submit a lower resolution file than what you'd use to print but don't send something the size of a postage stamp. We recommend a minimum image size of 800 pixels in width (this is the same width of the average monitor screen) with a proportional height. If your work is selected and you need to make prints, you must have a high resolution version of the same file available.

Do I have to provide background information?
Yes. You need to tell us a bit about yourself. Only applicants who complete all the required fields on the entry form will be considered.

I'm having problems uploading. What should I do?
Make sure that you:
i) Have all the fields of the form filled out.
ii) Have saved your images in the right size: around 800 pixels wide and 72dpi.
iii) Have the right image extension (.jpg or .jpeg).
If you've tried everything and it still doesn't work info@openshutter.co.uk.

How many photos may I submit?
Please submit just three photos.Use the three images to uniquely express your point of view as a photographer. Choose your images carefully: being a good editor is an important aspect of being a great photographer.

We're also assuming that you have a website, so include your website address in the application form. If we like your work, we'll take a look at your site during the review process. If you don't have a site, and want a cost-effective way of getting an online presence, email info@openshutter.co.uk. If we like your work and you don't have a site, we will e-mail you to ask for additional images and information.

When is the showcase?
The next OPEN SHUTTER showcase will open with a reception for the artists in September 2009.
Exact dates for the reception and exhibition are TBA.

I don't live in the UK. Can I still submit work?
We can exhibit work by photographers from all over the world. The beauty of an online competition is that it knows no physical boundaries. However, winning photographers are responsible for producing and framing their work, as well as shipping it to and from the gallery. The Photographers Lounge can help with scanning, printing and framing: for more details email info@openshutter.co.uk.

I'm not all that experienced when it comes to printing. Can I still enter?
Yes, if your work is selected and you need advice about printing (or need someone to make the prints for you) we'll help you figure that stuff out. The Photographers Lounge can help with scanning, printing and framing: for more details email info@openshutter.co.uk.

Is there any small print?

Yes. Here it is: I hereby authorize The Photographers Lounge to display photographs that I have provided to it by way of print reproduction and/or in digital format, in connection with its competition OPEN SHUTTER. It is my understanding that The Photographers Lounge and the OPEN SHUTTER panel will determine whether or not to display any or all of my work that I have submitted. It is also my understanding that if my work is selected, The Photographers Lounge will display it in the gallery and/or on the Internet, to be offered for sale and that should work be sold, The Photographers Lounge receives a 40% commission of the sale price. It is also my understanding that, if my photographs are chosen to be physically displayed in The Photographers Lounge, I will be personally responsible for all shipping and insurance to/from the gallery, framing and production costs associated with exhibiting my work. Once I have paid a £15 handling fee to The Photographers Lounge for considering up to three works of art for the OPEN SHUTTER competition, I understand that The Photographers Lounge and the OPEN SHUTTER panel will determine as to what photographs, if any, it will display. By submitting these photographs to The Photographers Lounge, entrants authorise that these are original works of art that they personally created;
i) warrant that the whole copyright and any other form of intellectual property right in the work is vested in them;
ii) warrant that they have not in any way assigned, licensed, disposed of, or otherwise encumbered any of their rights which allow them to deal freely with the work and the copyright in that work;
iii) warrant that they have obtained model releases from any persons featured in their submitted photographs allowing publication and use of the works as contemplated by these entry rules and conditions.
iv) grant licence to The Photographers Lounge and Open Shutter and agree that their work may be exhibited at venues organised by and for the purpose of the Open Shutter Competitions as well as through the Open Shutter and Photographers Lounge website.
v) acknowledge that Open Shutter relies fully upon the warranties and licence given by Entrants when submitting their entries.
vii) agree that in consideration of Open Shutter including works submitted by Entrants, Entrants indemnify and hold the Open Shutter and Photographers Lounge harmless from any claims, actions, proceedings costs and expenses arising as a result of any allegation that the relevant Entrant did not own or is not wholly entitled and authorised to allow publication and reproduction of the work by the Open Shutter or Photographers Lounge.

The decision of The Open Shutter on who should become finalists is final and no discussion or correspondence can be entered into on their decision.

I am releasing The Photographers Lounge and its agents, principals, employees or servants from any liability regarding the display of work that I have submitted to them, including any liability for redisplay by individuals making copies of the display made by The Photographers Lounge. Although all reasonable care will be exercised, The Photographers Lounge cannot be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged artwork. By agreeing to this release, I authorize that I am 18 years of age or older.

IMPORTANT
The OPEN SHUTTER Photography Competition is officially launched on Monday March 2, 2009.
Please check back here after that date for full details of how to apply and full online image upload facilities. The closing date for submissions for the next exhibition is June 6, 2009, so there's plenty of time to get your images to us. If you have any questions, please contact: info@openshutter.co.uk.