Annual Photo Contest

The city of Minnetonka and the Minnetonka Community Commission will once again host a photo contest this year in conjunction with the Fire Department and City-Wide Open House. Read on for this year’s contest rules!

2008 Contest rules

  • Photographers must be residents of Minnetonka.
  • Entries must be submitted by the original photographer. Do not submit a photo taken by someone other than you. Your submission of the photo and entry form (PDF) is your guarantee that you are the author and copyright holder of the photo.
  • Photos must be appropriate for posting in city government publications. Photos containing recognizable people must be accompanied by a signed model release form (PDF).
  • Entries may be color or black-and-white prints or digital images. If you submit prints, you are encouraged to also submit a digital image, if possible. Specific rules regarding digital images are listed below.
  • Prints must be 4x6 or 5x7 inches. Do not send negatives. Attach a label to the back of each print with your name and address. Do not write on the photo itself. If submitting multiple entries, number each print to match a corresponding entry form (PDF). Up to three entries may be submitted.
  • Submit each photo in one of three categories:
    Minnetonka Lifestyle
    Cityscapes, buildings, people, activities, etc.
    Natural Minnetonka
    Landscapes, plants, animals, etc.
    Enhanced Minnetonka
    Photos significantly altered by editing software, such as a photo collage, etc.
  • Photos, regardless of the medium, will not be returned. Please do not send your only copy of a photo. All photos become the property of the city of Minnetonka and may be used on the city’s Web site and in city publications.

Digital Images

Digital images should be emailed to jlarson@eminnetonka.com or submitted on a CD. Please note that some photo files may be too large to be emailed. Images should be submitted in JPG (high quality) or TIFF format. Please submit digital images at the original size and resolution at which they were taken. Images must be in natural color. Black and white images will be accepted, but sepia tone and duotone images are not eligible. Digital images will not be returned.

Image Modifications

Minor digital enhancement is allowed, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified, unless they are entered in the Enhanced Minnetonka category.

Deadline

All photos and digital images must be submitted by Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. and will be displayed at the Fire Department and City-Wide Open House Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Awards

A first-, second-, and third-place entry will be selected. First-prize winner will receive $75; second-prize winner will receive $50; and third-prize winner will receive $25. In addition, a “People’s Choice” award will be chosen by attendees at the Oct. 7 Open House. Winning photos will be published on the city Web site and in the Minnetonka Memo; and a certificate of appreciation will be presented to the winners at a city council meeting.