Fieldwork Photo Contest

• This contest is open to MSU Department of Anthropology graduate students, undergraduates, alumni and faculty.
• A maximum of four photographs will be accepted per participant.
• Photographs must have been taken between 2022 and the present.
• Entries must be the original work of the participant. 
• Image files must be labeled with participant’s last name and a number (e.g., Smith1, Smith2, etc.).

• Standard image adjustments such as cropping, noise reduction and adjustments to color and contrast are permitted. However, images that involve manipulative editing—such as adding or removing permanent features from a person or scene—are discouraged and may be disqualified. 
• Images of paintings, screenshots, illustrations, or collages incorporating others’ work will not be accepted.
• As anthropologists, we are particularly sensitive to the privacy of human subjects. Only photographs taken in public settings—where individual privacy has not been intruded upon—will be considered. If a photo was taken in a private context, a signed release form from the individual(s) depicted must be available and submitted upon request.
• Judges reserve the right to disqualify any submission that violates any applicable MSU, professional, or departmental policies.

• Complete the Qualtrics form, which includes the entry form and image upload feature. Accepted file formats: JPEG, TIFF, or PNG. Other formats will not be accepted.
• Winners’ names and status (e.g., student, alumni) will be publicized. Personal information will not be shared outside the department. Winners may be contacted for additional background information to be used in displays or publications.

• A panel of department faculty and one graduate student will serve as judges. Judges may not be contestants.
• Photographs will be evaluated on the following:
  • Visual impact 
  • Anthropological relevance 
  • Technical quality
  • Resolution
• Prizes:
  • First Place: $300
  • Second Place: $200
  • Third Place: $100

• Judges may consider geographic and thematic variety.

• The committee’s decisions are final.

The department follows the policy of Michigan State University’s International Studies & Programs Global Focus Photo Contest as outlined below:

All rights, including copyright rights, in the photographs are retained by the entrant. By submitting a photo to the Department of Anthropology Photo Contest, the entrant grants [the Department of Anthropology at] Michigan State University non-exclusive rights for royalty-free use, including the creation and use of derivative works, in displays and in print and digital publications. The entrant will be credited in displays and publications as appropriate.