2018 Austin German Shepherd Calendar Contest

The AGSDR judges will choose 13 photos: a “cover dog” plus 12 dogs to celebrate each month of the year. If your photo is picked for one of these slots, you will receive two free calendars, and of course, earn bragging rights until 2019!

Theme: “German Shepherds: From Sunset to Sunrise”

Deadline to Submit Photos: August 31, 2017

Email Photos to: agsrcalendar@yahoo.com (also use this email for questions)

Details

Image Specs: All images submitted must be digital – no hard copies will be accepted. Minimum 300 dpi JPEGs and TIFs, with a minimum file size of 1.5MB (1500KB). Larger files preferred, with no limit to size (in fact, the bigger, the better). Because ours is a horizontal calendar, horizontal orientation is preferred, although vertical shots can sometimes work. ONLY horizontal photos will be considered for the cover.

Rules

• You may submit as many photos as you like.
• Photos may NOT include people.
• There may be more than one pet or animal in the photo, but at least one must be a German Shepherd.
• You must provide the name(s) of all pets in the photo, specifically identifying any German Shepherds.
• The photo subjects may be living or deceased.
• Each photo submitted must include a 50-word blurb about the dog, the photo, and an explanation of how it ties into the “German Shepherds: FROM SUNSET TO SUNRISE” theme. If your photo is chosen for inclusion, this blurb will be included with the photo. Think about what you want to say, watch grammar and spelling, and please keep it to a concise 50 words or less.
• If your photo is chosen, you agree to allow AGSDR to use it for promotional purposes of the calendar only.
• Include your contact information with each photo submission: Name of main contact, names of all owners, mailing address, phone number, and email address for the main contact.
• If the photo you are submitting was taken by someone other than yourself or an immediate family member, you must submit the name of the photographer and provide written confirmation that a) you own the rights to the photo, or b) the photographer agrees to allow the photo to appear in this calendar. AGSDR does not pay for photos used in our calendars.
• The theme for this year’s contest is going to star German Shepherds with either a sunset or a sunrise background. A setting or rising sun MUST be in the shot with your German Shepherd.
• The Contest: The AGSDR judges will choose 13 photos: a “cover dog” plus 12 dogs to celebrate each month of the year. If your photo is picked for one of these slots, you will receive two free calendars, and of course, earn bragging rights until 2019! The 2018 AGSDR Calendar will be available beginning mid-October through the AGSDR website, AustinGermanShepherdRescue. org, as well as at our various rescue events around town. We look forward to seeing photos of your furry friends. Good luck and have fun!

Photo Tips

As mentioned, horizontal (landscape) shots are preferred over vertical (portrait) shots. The reason is, vertical shots cannot fit correctly on the calendar, and can rarely even be used as an extra. Great quality pictures often end up not being selected for this reason. So to prevent that from happening please submit horizontal images only.

What is in the background of your photo? Bare dirt, hoses, ratty old dog toys – if these things are prominent, they may detract from the beauty of your German Shepherd.

If you are not a professional pet photographer, your chance of taking a better shot improves in natural outdoor light rather than indoors. Photography is all about lighting, and outside lighting makes for more beautiful/professional photographs. (OUTSIDE SHOTS ONLY FOR THIS THEME)

Rarely do cell phones take decent quality pictures, and often those that are submitted have only the chance of being an extra at the bottom of each month. Consider this when you plan on using your cell to take a picture. If you don’t own your owe camera don’t be shy about asking a family member or friend to take some photos for you.

Have your camera ready! Pets, like children, are unpredictable (and wiggly!), but you probably know your pet’s work or play routines pretty well. Keep your camera close to where the action will likely take place.