What will I need to do in order to submit?
You will need to submit an original photograph representing the story of your town. You will also need to include the title of the photograph and a reflection about the image and its meaning.
When are submissions due?
The interest form (optional) is due by September 27. Your final submission is due by October 15. Top contributors will be notified by October 22.
How will award recipients be selected?
Submissions will be judged holistically by a panel of reviewers, considering the artistic merit of the photograph as well as the quality of the title and reflection.
Can I submit more than once?
Yes, you may submit up to five entries in the Our Lens Challenge although an individual is only eligible to receive, at most, one recognition.
Can I submit with a friend?
Yes, you may submit as a team, with one person filling out the submission form and including both team member’s names on the application.
Can I submit a photo that I have taken in the past?
Yes, you may submit a photo that you have taken before the start of this challenge as long as it is your original work and you include a title and reflection that relates to the Our Lens Challenge.
I’m not a high school student. Can I still submit an entry?
The Our Lens Challenge is only open to high school students (grades 9-12) in Delaware. If you would still like to be involved in another way, please email zack@dualschool.com and sgrunewald@delcf.org.
Do I need to fill out the interest form?
You do not need to fill out the interest form in order to enter the challenge. The interest form is a way for us to know who is working on their challenge submission so we can send helpful resources while you work.
Can I submit a photo that shows people’s faces or other identifying characteristics?
Unfortunately, to protect the privacy of others, no submissions that include clearly visible faces or identifying characteristics of anyone will be accepted.
Can I use photoshop?
You may use photoshop to filter, crop and lightly touch up your image. The editing has to preserve the original nature of the photograph so objects cannot be added or removed that change the nature of the image.
I am homeschooled. Can I still participate in the challenge?
Yes, as long as your are high school-aged and living in Delaware, you can still participate in the challenge.
Where can I see the other photos that people have shared?
To see submissions to the Our Towns Challenge you can download our app here, or search #ourlenschallenge on social media. To see the national movement behind telling the story of towns across America, search #thisismytown.
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