Application Requirements

Portfolio must include a total of ten (10) images, either:

• TWO (2) unified photo series with five (5) images in each series. The series of photographs should be unified by concept, theme, aesthetics and/or subject matter OR, ONE (1) unified photo series with ten (10) images. We only recommend one series of 10 if it’s an in-depth, long-term project that reflects your capacity as a photographer.
• Artistic Questions: (100-250 words or 30-second video/audio recording for each)
  • Question 1: Describe your connection to photography as a means of expression, as well as your point of view as an artist.
  • Question 2: Explain the work in your portfolio: why you made these works, the techniques used and the series throughline or relationship to you as an artist.

NOTE: If you are selected as a winner with distinction and attend National YoungArts Week, your work is shown in an exhibition. The curator will select a work or works from your portfolio submission. If you are shooting film, this means you will need to have your negatives professionally scanned. If you are shooting digital, you will need to provide us with a 300 dpi file at the maximum dimension you envision for exhibition.

Media Submission Guidelines

• All forms of photography are accepted including documentary, conceptual, portrait, environment, color, black and white, alternative processes, digital and mixed media.
• It is strongly recommended that applicants submit personal work, not work from a class assignment.
• All work must be submitted as a JPEG file. Do not submit slideshows, PowerPoint presentations, animations, movies, audio with images or embed images into Microsoft Word.
• Make sure all of your photographs are consistent both technically and creatively.
• Use consistent editing techniques and consider each image’s impact on the larger group.
• The order you submit your images will be the order in which the panelists view your work. Think about the order and sequence of images.
• Minimize use of digital manipulation. Do not place your name, a watermark, or any identifying information in or on your media submissions.

Technical Specifications

Formatting Images:

• Image File Size: Minimum 4 MB/Maximum 8 MB.
• Image File Format: JPEG (JPG) only
• Image File Dimensions: 2400 pixels on the shortest side
• Image File Resolution: 300 dpi
• Recommended size: 6×4 inches 300 dpi
• Additional Resources: Applicants may use the following resources to assist in formatting and preparation of files for submission. These resources are intended as an aid only, and any details within should not be confused with the application and technical requirements prescribed above.
  Intellect Books: Image Guide

Uploading:

• Each image must be saved as a JPG file and uploaded separately. Files should be named Image 1, Image 2, etc.
• In the Title field of the application, enter the title of the piece (If untitled, can be named Piece 1, Piece 2, etc.).
• Do not title your files with your name or any other identifying information.
• In the ‘Medium’ field, enter the medium used (for example digital, film, Polaroid, alternative process, etc.), and in the ‘Year Created’, enter the year completed.
• Under “Ideal Print Size”, please enter the size at which you would ideally like the work to be printed. If digital photography is your medium, please note the largest dimension size*, and ensure you are submitting a file that will reproduce at that size.
  • *This is referring to resolution. Note the largest size at which you want your photo to be printed, but make sure the file can be printed at high resolution.

Intellectual Property and Copyright Requirements

• All submitted work must be entirely original and must not infringe on the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any other individual or entity.
• You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.

NOTE: Photographs that resemble conventions of commercial photography (including studio headshots, images created for stock photography and fashion shoots) are discouraged.