2017AIR FORCE (AF) PHOTO CONTEST GUIDE

OVERVIEW

Air Force Services presents the 2017 Air Force Photo Contest. This year’s theme is My Air Force Life in Focus:“Travel Destinations.” Participants can enter up to two images that depict travel destinations throughout the world that the Air Force may have taken them. A destination is a special place that remains in your memory long after you’ve visited. It can be on a beach in Greece, summit of Mount Everest or on your Grandmother’s front porch!

Photography images may be of people, places or things but must adhere to the theme.

The submission period isMay 1-31, 2017. The two categories are; Adult and Youth. The Adult category has 2 divisions: Novice and Accomplished. Adults must be 18 years or older. The Youth category has three age divisions: teens 13-17 years,pre-teens 9-12 years andchildren 6-8 years.

The Official AF Photo Contest will be judged by a panel of photography experts. Judges will select 1st through 3rd place for each category.

PURPOSE

To provide Air Force photographers a platform for self-expression through an online theme contest.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Air Force Services Activity (AFSVA)

  1. Provide rules and timelines.
  2. Purchase and distribute centralized promotional materials to installations.
  3. Complete final review of images and posts on the website.
  4. Select experts to judge the contest.
  5. Maintain centralized website.
  6. ProvideCertificates for winners on USAF Services, Download Central
  7. Verify winners as authorized Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)patrons.
  8. Announce winners on the website, contact winners and installations Point of Contact (POC)
  9. Purchase and send prizes to the Force Support Squadron (FSS) POCs.
  10. PrepareAfter Action Report (AAR) for managers or designees to complete.
  11. ReviewAAR feedback from installations.

2.INSTALLATION PHOTO CONTEST POC (Arts & Crafts manager or designee):

  1. Installation Arts & Crafts managers or designee will promote the online AF Photo Contestthrough publicity,social media channels and by offering local photography classes, programs and events. Provide POC contact information to SVI.
  2. Create local photography programs or events to support the contest to build awareness and enhance participation. The programs should be held throughout the year with an end goal of building an art community.
  3. Collaborate with Marketing following the timeline guidance.
  4. Present prizes and Certificates to winners in some form of an award presentation, i.e. base wide event Commander’s Calls, Squadron picnic, etc.

Take photos of presentation ceremony and attach to AAR.

  1. Complete and upload an AAR (and photos) on the AF Photo Contest Data Call to the Services Portal.

3.INSTALLATION MARKETING MANAGERS

  1. Collaborate with AF Photo Contest POC and Public Affairs to ensure advertising, marketing, and sponsorship efforts are conducted for the AF Photo Contestandassociated programs.
  2. If applicable, all advertisements must include the commercial sponsor’s logos, along with the appropriate disclaimer.
  3. Ensure participants understand they must upload their photos directly to MyAirForceLife.com/artsMay1-31, 2017.
  4. Publicize the AF Photo Contest, local programs, and events.
  5. Develop and coordinate press releases and posts on installation social media channels; websites, and print media.
  6. Ensure promotional materials are placed in high traffic areas.
  7. Include AF Photo Contest updates in briefings to newcomers and leadership.

ELIGIBILITY

Authorized patrons of Air Force MWR programs (IAW AFI 34-101, Air Force Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Programs and use Eligibility) are eligible to participate in AFSVApromotions and contests (see “Rules” for complete list).

CATEGORIES

1.Adult

  1. Novice: Individuals who are new or inexperienced in the art of photography.
  2. Accomplished: Individuals who have higher levels of photography skills obtained through experience, training, or operates as a professional photographer.

2.Youth

  1. Teen: Ages 13-17
  2. Pre-Teen: Youth Ages 9-12
  3. Children: Ages 6-8

JUDGING

1. Photography experts will be selected for all levels of judging at the AFSVA. Official contest judges will select winning entries. Judges’ decisions on all entries are final.

2. Judges will evaluate each entrant’s photographs based on impact, creativity, and technical.

PRIZES

1.Official AF Photo Contest Winners

Winners will be verified as authorized MWR patrons. Prizeswillbe awarded to the top three winners (3) in each category.

WINNERS: The First place winner in each category will receive a $500 Amazon Gift Card. The Second place winner in each category will receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card and the Third place winner in each category will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

2.Fulfillment and Reimbursement

AFSVA will issue prizes to the installations POCs who in turn will present to winners.

PROGRAM IDEAs

Installation Arts & Crafts managers or designee are encouraged to promote the online AF Photo Contest by offering local “how-to” photography classes and/or provide a venue to showcase local talent year-round. Promotional items sent from AFSVA can be given out at base wide events, social gatherings, in your “learn how to” classes, etc. Below are some ideas to consider:

  1. Host a “live” photography exhibit. Offer food and beverages.
  2. Partner with one or more FSS activity to host events at one or multiple facilities. Relate the photo exhibit with an activity, i.e.; outdoor recreation (ODR) displays adventure photos; fitness center highlight work out photos, etc. Also, partner with high traffic locations such as personnel, commissary, and the Exchange. Hosting events in other facilities will expand or create awareness about the contest and encourage people to participate.
  3. Work closely with the marketing office to cross market. Offer incentives, prizes etc., to draw more participants.
  4. Feature local area photographers; invite public affairs, combat camera, etc.
  5. Send a creative invite to leaders, private organizations, and customers.
  6. Conductphotography “How to” clinicsdesigned to interest the respective contest categories: novice, accomplished, and youth. Schedule clinics to coincide with worldwide events or funny holidays. Check out free resources available such as; Chase’s Calendar of Events (library) or Days of the Years
  7. Pinhole Photography Day - April30, 2017
  8. Nature Photography Day - June 15, 2017
  9. Camera Day - June 29, 2017
  10. Photography Day - August 19, 2017
  11. Partner with ODR or information, tickets and travel (ITT) to develop an outing to a nature area for photography.
  12. Invite local photographers to setup displays and demonstrations.
  13. Host an Open House “A Meet the Staff” tied to photography.
  14. Co-host an event with the youth/teen centers, community centers supporting the theme “My Air Force Life in Focus”.

2017 TIMELINE:

Ongoing / Installations promote and host programs/events to support contest
MARCH / Announce/advertisethe 2017AF Photo Contest (Installations and AFSVA)
MARCH / Collateral sent to installations
MAY1-31 / Participants upload images to MyAirForceLife.com/arts
JUNE / Experts judge
JULY / AFSVA/CC announce winners to Installation Commanders
JULY / Installation POC print and issue winners certificates USAF Services/Download Central
JULY / AFSVA sends Installation POCs the prizes for presentation
JULY 30 / Installation completes and submits an AAR on programs held to support contest

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