The Contest

the contest

Still have questions?
We’ve done our best to answer them all:

What is Name Your Dream Assignment?
Name Your Dream Assignment is a contest for photographers of all backgrounds. We’re looking for the most creative, inspiring photo shoot idea out there. The photographer with the winning idea will win $50,000 to bring his or her dream assignment to life.

Who can enter?
Any resident of the United States who has a camera and a dream. Yes, anyone. You do not need to be a professional photographer.

What exactly do you win?
The Grand Prize is $50,000 to carry out your dream assignment, plus a digital camcorder and the Lenovo® ThinkPad® W700ds with Microsoft Windows Vista®. Two runners-up will also receive the Lenovo® ThinkPad® W700ds with Microsoft Windows Vista®.
For full prize details, visit The Stakes.

Do I need a portfolio or prior photography experience?
The Top 20 finalists will be required to show some proof that they know how to take a picture, but it doesn’t need to be in any professional format. However, you do need to be shooting digitally.

Are there any limitations on the ideas?
Nope. Just keep in mind the $50,000 budget (which will include your travel costs).

Can I enter multiple ideas?
You may submit up to 3 entries.

Can I edit my entry once I’ve submitted it?
No. Once you enter an idea, it cannot be altered. So make sure you have everything in there before you click ‘submit.’

How do I vote for an idea?
Register with us, activate your account and log in. Then click the button that says “PIC IT” next to the idea you want to vote for. You may only vote for an idea once. Once you vote for an idea, you cannot remove the vote.

How will the entries be judged?
From March 3 to April 3, 2009, the ideas will be open to a public vote. The Top 20 ideas with the most “pics” coming out of the vote will then be judged by an expert panel, who will select the winner based on the originality and creativity of the photographer’s idea. The panel will also take into consideration skill and experience.

How can I increase my chances of winning?
First of all, think your idea through and explain it clearly and succinctly. You might check out others' ideas to see how you can make yours stand out. Then, get out the vote. Look for tips on getting more votes (or ‘pics,’) on your idea page.

What happens if there are voting ties in the top 20 at the end of the contest?
If there are two or more ideas tied within the top 20, we will take all the ideas to the judges. If that means more than 20 ideas goes to the judges, that is what we will do.

Let’s say I win. Then what?
We’ll work with you to get your trip set up as soon as possible and organize all the logistics. You’ll travel on your dream shoot and keep a blog while you’re there, to keep us envious folks back home updated on your adventure.

Will I travel alone?
Only if you want to. Otherwise, you may bring along one travel companion over the age of 18. The $50,000 must cover both of your travel expenses.

Will I have rights to the photos I take?
Yes, they’re yours. Contest sponsors Lenovo and Microsoft will also have license to use the photos you take for promotional purposes.

Where can I find the contest rules?
Right here. Official Rules, Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Who are the judges?
See them right here

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