What is the deadline to submit my work to the Contest?
The deadline is 24:00 midnight, CET (Central European Time) on 31 May 2006.

Do you have any guidelines or tips as to the subject of the images?
The theme of the contest is “European Panorama”, and for two reasons. Panorama is a Greek word, its original meaning is “the full view”. The purpose of this Contest is to use panoramic photographs to show the full view or “panorama” of the many different and diverse places and sights one can find in the European Union today, its rich architecture, culture, natural and man-made environment, unique places, events, sights, its places of history and of modern civilization. The most successful images that will have the best chance of getting a high rating in this Contest are those that show something that is unique, beautiful or special about a place, a country, or even an event in Europe – those that inspire or surprise the viewer with a unique, grand view of their subject – this is what panoramic photography is all about.

Can I submit a panoramic image I took 5 years ago?
Yes, as long as it complies with the Contest Rules, images taken at any time are accepted.

The Contest Rules are too long, I don’t want to read it all, can I just submit my work…?
Yes, we know that it takes time to read the entire Contest Rules, but as with any contest, we highly recommend that you read it in its entirety, for two reasons. First, images that don’t comply with the Contest Rules are automatically excluded from the Contest – you might submit a potentially winning image but be disqualified because you submit it at the wrong resolution! Second, it is an agreement between you and the Contest Organizers, and as with any agreement, you should always understand what you are agreeing to. Take the time to read the Rules, and follow them – it will also increase your chances of winning!

Can I enter the Contest if I don't live in Europe? Are there any limitations as to who can enter the Contest?
The Contest is open to any photographer from any country, amateurs and professionals alike.

Is there an entry fee?
No, there is no entry fee.

Is there a limit of how many images I can submit to the Contest?
No, there is no limit. You may submit as many images as you wish.

Can I submit a photograph by mail?
No, the only accepted form of submission for the Contest is electronic upload, via a special upload site designed for this purpose. Traditional (film) images can be submitted to the Contest if they are scanned and submitted in electronic format and otherwise qualify per the Contest Rules.

Can I submit a “normal” (non-panoramic) image to the Contest? Can I submit an image cropped from a full frame picture to make it “panoramic”?
This contest is exclusively for panoramic images, so images that don't qualify as panoramic images per the Contest Rules are automatically disqualified.

I have a panoramic image but it is only 2 times as wide as tall – will it be accepted for the Contest?
For the purposes of this contest the only images that qualify are those where the height to width ratio is at least 2.5:1. What qualifies as a panoramic image is a debated issue even amongst professional panoramic photographers, so we had to draw a line somewhere. Both horizontal (as long as they have at least a 2.5:1 ratio) and vertical (as long as they have at least a 1:2.5 ratio) panoramas are accepted.

Do I retain ownership of the images I submit to the Contest?
Yes, the images you submit remain your property. Per the Contest Rules, the Contest Organizers may use your images in their publications, exhibits, web site or promotional materials. You grant this right to the Organizers by submitting the image, but since you retain ownership, you can also do whatever you wish with your images.

What will you do with my personal data I have to enter when I submit an image?
We respect your privacy and will only use any data you give us in two ways: (1) as needed for the purposes of conducting this Contest (notifications, etc.) and (2) for any future notifications as indicated in the Contest Rules. We will never give out your personal information to any third party in any way other than necessary for the conduct of this Contest.

How is the Contest judged?
The Contest is judged in 3 phases.
1. First, all submitted images go through a pre-selection process to filter out images that don't qualify for the Contest.
2. Second, the images that are qualified per the Contest Rules go through a pre-selection process to choose the “finalist” images. At this phase, we will request that all images that made it to this “final” round are submitted at the original (high) resolution so it can be used for judging.
3. In the third phase, the winning images are selected by an international panel of recognized photographers. The winners will be notified via the email address they provided when submitting the images.

How will I know if I won a prize in the Contest?
If you win a prize in the Contest, we will notify you via the email address you provided when you submitted your image(s), so be sure that you register an email address that you will have access to for the entire duration of the Contest. The winners will be notified after 20 June 2006.

Why do you require a high resolution version of the images submitted as a requisite for the image to qualify for the Contest?
The purpose of this Contest is to create exhibitions and publications that show the most beautiful and/or unique features of the many countries of the European Union. You may have a chance through this Contest to see your work published on the web, in an exhibition, in a book or in other publications. Therefore we need to make sure that in case your image is selected for publication, it will actually be high enough quality for such publication (e.g. printed in a book or shown at an exhibition). If it isn't, it does not qualify for the Contest per the Contest Rules, and is not eligible for winning prizes.

When you submit a low resolution image, it is used for the pre-selection process only. If your image(s) make it to the final phase where the winners will be selected, we will notify you via email and request that you submit high resolution version(s). Only high resolution versions which meet the expected standards can be awarded a prize by the contest judges. If you fail to submit the high resolution image by the deadline given in the notification email, the image will be disqualified and not eligible for winning prizes per the Contest Rules. If we actually publish your work, we will notify you.