Photomarathon

FAQs

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Can I enter with a digital camera?

Yes. Photomarathon is a fully digital event. The competition is a test of your creative ideas as much as your photographic skills, but the move to digital cameras will open up new possibilities for your creative expression. We¹ll be posting more information about the detail format of the event later, so keep checking back for the latest updates.

Can I still use my film camera?

Unfortunately not. After 6 fantastic years on film (2004 – 2009), we found it increasingly difficult and costly to run the event as a film based event and we converted to digital in 2010.

Why aren’t all the topics released in one batch at the beginning of the day?

The aim of the Photomarathon is to keep you thinking throughout the day, and releasing the topics in batches is therefore part of the Photomarathon challenge. Photomarathon is also a social occasion, and the topic release times are an opportunity for everyone to get back together and discuss their progress to date. Don¹t worry, if you¹ve got a great idea ­ you can also keep it to yourself!

Do I need to bring my own memory card?

Yes, you will need to bring your own memory card. It will need to be completely blank at the beginning of the Photomarathon, and our team will check this before you start. We will accept all forms of memory cards and will publish a list of the main ones prior to the event. If your is unusual, or if you are shooting on a mobile phone, we would ask that you bring a USB cable for us to download your images at the end of the day.

How will you collect the images?

At the end of the Photomarathon, you will be asked to return to the designated base where we will download your images to our computers. You will keep the memory card.

What format should the images be in?

All images will need to be shot as JPEG files. RAW file will not be accepted.

Will the topics be released online?

No. While we are embracing digital technology for the taking of images, we still like to see you on the day, so topics will still need to be collected in person at the specified times (10am, 2pm and 6pm).

Who owns the copyright in the images taken?

The copyright in the images taken remains with the photographer. In entering the competition the entrant grants Photomarathon the right to use the images in all media to promote Photomarathon. Photomarathon cannot (and will not) pass on or sell any images to any third party.

Is there a special event for children?

No. However, children are welcome to enter the main event and a prize will be awarded for the best set of photos for entrants aged 16 and under.

Will children’s work be judged separately?

No, children’s work will be judged as part of the main event. However, all work by entrants under the age of 16 will be marked with a sticker noting the work as that of a junior entrant.

How does the judging work?

Judges are required to judge two separate categories – overall portfolio winner and individual topic winners. The judging panel, using a system of shortlisting, will choose an overall winner, 2nd and 3rd as well as individual winners in each topic category.

Can I sign up for next year?

The date of Photomarathon 2012 will be confirmed shortly. If you want to keep in touch with Photomarathon please sign up to our mailing list.

Where can we see the pictures taken on the day?

All the images taken on the day will be displayed at the exhibition. A selection of winners and judges favourites will also be on display.

Payment FAQ

What is Paypal?

PayPal is an account-based system that lets anyone with an email address securely send and receive online payments using their credit card or bank account. Most importantly, PayPal is secure.All PayPal transactions are protected with strong encryption that makes it impossible for anyone to intercept your credit card information. (Even Photomarathon never sees your credit card information.)Since PayPal has over 20 million registered users, it means that PayPal transactions are quickly processed and authorized.

Do I need a paypal account to pay this way?

No. Anyone can make a credit/debit card payment via PayPal. When you are taken to the first payment screen, select the ‘Continue’ button in the lower left hand section of the screen where it asks ‘Don’t have a PayPal account?’. It will then ask you for your credit card and address details. Photomarathon will never see your credit card details – the entire payment process is handled securely by PayPal, who then inform us when the payment has been made.