2010 "Your Designs Rock!" Jewelry Contest

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2010 Image Requirements

We know your main concern is creating beautiful jewelry, not photographing it! But, if an image doesn't sufficiently display an artwork's quality, our judges won't see how great it is. That's why submitting good-quality digital images is vital to your chances of winning.

How Our Judges See Your Images:

We print images for our judges, rather than projecting slides on a screen. As a result, we have simpler needs than many juries and contests. You can enter images that comply with stricter guidelines—as long as the below requirements are fulfilled.

Our Image Requirements:

You will need a camera with a 3.2 megapixel capacity or a scanner that can accommodate 300 dots per inch (dpi).

Images that do not meet these requirements will be disqualified:

Digital images only (sent as an online attachment, or on a CD)
Minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dpi = dots per inch)
Square images must be at least 1920 x 1920 pixels
Rectangular images must have one dimension that's at least 1920 pixels
Saved in JPG file format
Image file size must be less than 10 megabytes
No text or other identifiers in the image (to accommodate anonymity during judging)
Supply 1-3 images for each entry (no more than 3 please).
One of your images must show the full length and width of the piece. We recommend one full-piece shot, one detail shot and one back shot.

Don't be scared! These technical requirements are not as difficult as they may sound. Read on for help.

Image-Making Tips:

Make sure to use the right kind of camera
Avoid common image problems (click for more)
Fill as much of the frame as possible with your piece
Avoid using props or models
Set up your shots with neutral solid backgrounds, such as gray or white (avoid loud or distracting backgrounds)
If you photo your piece on a display that blocks a clasp/closure, make sure to include the clasp/closure in a separate shot, so our judges can see your finishing methods.
Read up on how to photograph jewelry and crafts. You can search your local library for magazine articles and books. A magazine we especially recommend browsing is The Crafts Report. It features articles on how to photograph crafts & art objects almost every month!

Free How-To Resources:

The Crafts Report® articles on crafts photography
Table Top Studio, "Jewelry Photography Techniques"
Zapplication (ZAPP), "Imaging Tips" (ZAPP helps artists create high-standard images for juried-show applications)

Don't Have Equipment for Professional-Quality Images?

Consider hiring a professional photographer to take your pictures. No matter the contest outcome, you'll always have a nice image of the piece for promotions, juries and your own records.
Zapplication provides links to some professional photographers.

Or, send us your piece. We will photograph your physical entry and return it to you by the end of June, or sooner. We are not liable for lost or damaged items (but we'll do our best to be careful!).

Mail to:
Rings & Things
Attn: YOUR DESIGNS ROCK!
P.O. Box 450
Spokane WA 99210-0450

Ship to:
Rings & Things
Attn: YOUR DESIGNS ROCK!
304 E. 2nd Avenue
Spokane WA 99202

Contest Guidelines | Image Requirements | Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Winners | 2010 Contest

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Rings & Things • PO Box 450 • Spokane, WA 99210-0450 • 1 (800) 366-2156 • (509) 252-2900 • fax: (509) 838-2602
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