World In Focus FAQs

Frequently asked questions about World in Focus Photo Contest submissions:

If the photo(s) I'm submitting for the World in Focus Photo Contest consideration is (are) other than a 35mm horizontal format, how should it (they) be prepared to conform to the specified aspect ratio for digital submissions?

For digital submissions, the aspect ratio noted (1,024 wide x 768 tall at 72dpi) suggests a 35mm horizontal image which would fit full in those dimensions.

If you have a vertical image, or any other format that is wider or taller, the width must NOT exceed the wide dimension and the height must NOT exceed the tall dimension.

This is being handled this way so that file sizes don't exceed 2.5 MB, and so we don't have to waste time rotating images due to their orientation to view them correctly. Thousands of images are expected to be viewed in the judging process, and it is critical that it all goes smoothly and efficiently.

Therefore, if you have a vertical image, it should NOT exceed the 768 tall dimension. The same goes for a 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 or 6x9, image -- it should NOT exceed the 768 tall dimension. A panoramic image must NOT exceed the 1,024 wide dimension. Large format images should use the same rule depending on whether they're more horizontal or vertical.

Obviously, the file size will suffer somewhat from the compression, but not enough to be concerned about. The images won't be projected excessively, so the detail should hold up fine.

If the images are more wide or tall than the typical 35mm horizontal format, there will automatically be some negative space above and below, or on either side respectively, which again, should not be a problem.

What are IPTC data fields mentioned in the guidelines for providing text information about the photos being submitted digitally and how do I access those fields?

NAA/IPTC data is a method of storing textual information in images on PCs. It was developed for press photographers who need to attach information to images when they are submitting them electronically but it is useful for all photographers. It provides a standard way of storing information such as captions, keywords, location and captions. Because the information is stored in the image in a standard way this information can be accessed by other IPTC aware applications.

BreezeBrowser can edit IPTC data in the following types of images: JPEG, TIFF, Canon raw files and AVI (movie) files. Adding or editing IPTC data does not affect the image quality. The IPTC data fields can be extracted from images and used in HTML pages (see HTML Page Generation).

A list of NAA/IPTC header codes can be found here:
http://www.ap.org/apserver/userguide/codes.htm

Editing IPTC Data

Select a suitable image in main view or thumbnail mode and either right click on the image and select "Edit IPTC Data..." from the menu or select the "Edit IPTC Data..." option from the Edit menu. These options will be grayed out if the image doesn't support IPTC data.

The IPTC Data dialog is divided up into five different sections: Caption, Keywords, Categories, Credits and Origin. Click on the tabs along the top of the dialog to select the required section.

(This description on IPTC Data is posted at http://www.breezesys.com/BreezeBrowser/iptc.htm. Please visit that site for more details.)

To ensure image identification information will be readable to the contest organizers, it is recommended that all entrants submitting images digitally, provide a printout of all image identification information, just in case their text files are inaccessible by the organizer's computer for any reason.

If I'm preparing a digital submission on a Macintosh system, what is the procedure for providing supporting text information for each of the images?

The IPTC fields referenced above and in the World in Focus Photo Contest Guidelines and Regulations are only applicable to files prepared on a PC system.

For entrants preparing files in Photoshop (most recent versions) on a Macintosh system, open the "File" menu, click on "File Info," and a window will open in which you can enter image identification information. Provide the information requested in the World in Focus Photo Contest Guidelines and Regulations.

For entrants using programs other than Photoshop, pressing the "Command" and "i" keys together will open up a text field in which you can enter image identification information. Provide the information requested in the World in Focus Photo Contest Guidelines and Regulations.

The above approaches should work for most Macintosh scenarios. For entrants using non-mainstream or very old versions of software, how you accomplish providing image identification information may be exceptional.

If I am submitting duplicate 35mm slides for the World in Focus Photo Contest consideration, how do I prepare horizontal and vertical 35mm format images or all other film format images including 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, panoramic, or any other unusual format?

Please note that in the case of 35mm slide submissions, the above concerns (for digital submissions) regarding orientation do not apply.

Horizontals and verticals should be full frame and noted with the red dot as indicated in the rules and regulations, so we know whether the photo should be viewed as a horizontal or vertical, and which side of the slide should face the viewer. They will be viewed by the judges as indicated.

Please note, though, that in the case of medium and large format originals or any other unusual format, they will need to be submitted either as 35mm dupes with the full format fitting within the boundaries of the 35mm frame (other than 35mm format proportion images may have some negative space on top and bottom or either side), or alternatively, as digital files adhering to the same specifications above for digital submissions.

May I submit photographic prints or other than 35mm duplicate transparencies for consideration in the World in Focus Photo Contest?

No! Photographic prints or transparencies other than 35mm duplicate images mounted in cardboard or plastic will NOT be accepted for entries (please, do NOT submit glass-mounted slides!). Original transparencies will NOT be accepted. No exceptions on all counts! Prints of winning entries will be requested upon notification as a World in Focus Print Exhibit winner (see below).

If I am chosen as a winner to be included in the World in Focus Print Exhibit, when will I be notified and what will be expected of me?

Winners whose work will be exhibited at Rainier Square in Seattle from June 5 through July 20, 2003 will be notified by April 10, 2003 of their selection as a winner and be expected to provide a framed print ready for display in the exhibit.

Minimum frame side length should be 11" minimum; maximum frame side length should be 30". All prints should be smaller than the full frame and include a suitable border with an overmat for presentation. Images should NOT come flush to the edge of the frame. Plexiglas is preferred to glass over the print for safety and liability concerns. (The management will make every effort to handle framed prints with care, but will not be responsible for damaged or destroyed work.)

Winners will receive more detailed instructions for print preparation and dates for delivery when notified of selection.

Are there any other opportunities for my work being seen by the public if I am not selected as a winner for the World in Focus Print Exhibit?

Yes! In addition to the approximately 92 winning images for the print exhibit, the judges will also designate hundreds of Honorable Mentions, which will all be projected in the hospitality and receptions room at the World in Focus Seminar Series at the Seattle Center on an ongoing basis throughout the entire event on June 7 and 8. More than 1,500 serious photographers and other important industry people are expected to attend the event over the course of those two days.