Entry Information

The application period for the contest has been closed as of 1:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time on December 9th, 2010.

Entrant Criteria

Q.1:What criteria must a person meet in order to enter?
A.1:Nikon Photo Contest International is open to all photographers, professional and amateur, with no restrictions based on age, gender or nationality. However, employees of Nikon Corporation, its subsidiaries and its affiliates are not eligible for entry.
All entrants, particularly minors (those under the age of 18 in many jurisdictions), are responsible for ensuring their submission is in compliance with the legal requirements of their country.
Q.2:Is there an entry fee?
A.2:No, entry is free. However, entrants must pay the Internet connection charge and any other costs required to submit their entries.
Q.3:Do entrants have to use Nikon equipment for entry works (photos/images)?
A.3:No, there is no such restriction. (Note: Only photos and images taken using 35mm film cameras, APS cameras and/or digital still cameras, not including medium or large format digital cameras, will be accepted.)
Q.4:Why has the print entry method been eliminated from the submission process?
A.4:Web submissions have increased significantly from applicants in the past few contests and in order to facilitate a fair judgment process, we wish to receive all submissions under similar circumstances.
Q.5:I have read that photos and images previously published will not be accepted. What about photos or images that have been posted on a website?
A.5:Such photos and images will be accepted, provided that they have only been posted for non-commercial purposes, on an online photo album or a personal website. (Please note that in all circumstances, entrants must possess copyrights and all necessary rights covering submitted photographs (images) for them to be accepted as valid entries. Photographs that have won any award, been published or have been submitted to any other photo contest are not eligible as entries.)
Q.6:Will submitted photographs (images) and/or data be returned?
A.6:No, submitted photographs (images) and/or data will not be returned.
Q.7:Will I be notified upon receipt/acceptance of my entry?
A.7:NPCI does not provide receipts for submission, however, the web entry form will allow you to confirm the contents and information regarding your submission. You may confirm the contents of your web entry form by logging into your account.

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Theme and Categories

Q.8:What distinguishes the "Energy" category from the "Free Subject" category?
A.8:The "Free Subject" category calls for works that convey your unique perspective and creativity. The "Energy" category calls for works that capture the energy of sights and subjects that inspire, motivate or excite you or viewers.
Q.9:Can I make entries to both categories?
A.9:Yes. One person can submit 2 for each category (a total of 4 JPEG images).
Q.10:Can I send one photograph to both the "Energy" category and to the "Free Subject" category?
A.10:No. If one photograph is submitted to either of the two categories, the same photograph may not be submitted to the other category.

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Entries Information

Q.11:Where can I find detailed instruction on how to apply for the contest?
A.11:The web entry form will be available on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Website (http://www.nikon-npci.com/) from September 1st, 2010. This form will guide applicants through the entry process. Please fill out the required information that the form requests. After the applicant enters his/her name, contact information and titles of his/her works, the form will prompt the applicant to upload image data to the site.
Q.12:What is " Entry via the Internet"?
A.12:It is a method of entry in which you may submit JPEG image data captured using a digital camera by uploading it through the website of this contest. We do accept photographs that have been digitally edited with software and we are only able to accept works for which entrants hold the exclusive rights. For further details, please refer to http://www.nikon-npci.com/
Q.13:In what size and format should I upload the data?
A.13:The dimensions of the image should not exceed 10MB (2048 x 1536 or 1536 x 2048 pixels). If the image is larger than the size mentioned above, please compress the file to a maximum of 10MB before submitting.
Q.14:How many images may I submit?
A.14:You may submit two images per category, thus a maximum of four images in total.
Q.15:Can I apply more than once?
A.15:No, multiple entries will be disqualified. The information you provide on your entry form will alert us in the event of multiple submissions.
Q.16:Can I cancel my entry and make a new entry instead if I decide I want to send a different image?
A.16:No, you cannot cancel your entry.
Q.17:Can I submit my entry directly to Nikon by e-mail?
A.17:No, entries will only be accepted via the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Website. Please note that you will not be notified if you send your entry to the wrong location.
Q.18:What will happen if I submit an incomplete entry form?
A.18:If you attempt to submit an entry form that does not include all of the required information, a message will appear on your computer monitor notifying you that certain required information is missing.
Q.19:What if my data is damaged or lost during uploading?
A.19:Nikon will not be responsible for data that is damaged or lost during uploading. Please be sure to keep backup data in case such a problem should arise.
Q.20:Can I send my JPEG data on a CD-ROM, or other media?
A.20:No. Entries in JPEG format are only acceptable via the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Website.
Q.21:I am unable to upload my images to the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Website. What should I do?
A.21:Please read the instructions on the Web Entry Form again. If the problem persists, please contact: npci-support@entry.nikon-npci.com (on or after September 1, 2010).

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Judging

Q.22:Who are the judges?
A.22:Judges will be professional photographers, working internationally, appointed by Nikon Corporation.
Q.23:Will entrants under the age of 30 be awarded only with the Emerging Talent Award or as a Runner-up?
A.23:No. The Grand Prize, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes are open to all entrants regardless of age.

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Announcement of the Results and Exhibition of Winners

Q.24:When and how will I be notified of the results of Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011?
A.24:Winners will be notified individually via the email address indicated on their entry form by Nikon Corporation or authorized Nikon distributor by the beginning of June 2011. The winners will then be announced on the Nikon Photo Contest International 2010-2011 Website (http://www.nikon-npci.com/) by the end of June 2011.
Q.25:In "Notes regarding entry", I have read that winners will be entirely responsible for any taxes or charges related to the receipt of any prize. In which cases might we have to pay taxes or charges related to the receipt of any prize?
A.25:When receiving Nikon products as prizes in countries outside Japan, some winners may be subject to costs such as import taxes, customs expenses, etc. We will provide winners with detailed information with regards to this.
Q.26:I have read on the "Rights of the organizer", that "a separate agreement will need to be reached, if the organizer, its subsidiaries or affiliates wish to publish a submitted photograph for purposes other than the promotion of the contest." In what cases might a submitted work be used?
A.26:We may choose some photographs from among submitted work for the calendar which Nikon Corporation produces every year. In such cases, we will contact entrants by the end of November 2011, and if an agreement is reached, we will make the contract.