Photo Contest FAQs
What is the purpose of the Climatelinks Photo Contest?
The 2024 Climatelinks Photo Contest wants to collect and promote compelling images of work at the intersection of climate change and international development. Photo submissions will contribute to USAID’s photo libraries on topics ranging from nature-based solutions to climate mitigation and managing climate risk.
When is the contest?
You can submit photos from June 5 to July 26, 2024.
**Photo submissions captured from August 2023 until June 2024 will be accepted.**
What kinds of photos should I submit?
We want to see high-quality photos of adaptation, integration, and mitigation work at the intersection of climate change and international development. We have rules and requirements for the format and quality of the photos. To review the submission categories, refer to the main photo contest page.
How do I submit photos?
It’s easy! Fill out a submission form. Be sure to read the rules and requirements before submitting your photos. You will be asked to include:
- A properly filled-out release form
- An image title
- Submitter name
- Organization name
- Photographer attribution (Photo Credit)
- Location of the image (City/Village, Country)
- A summary and a short background story about the photo
- Explanation of how the image and activity relate to and address climate change
You will also need to associate the photo with one of the categories listed on the main photo contest page.
Why should I include a background story?
Background stories will capture a description of the photo and what it means to you. These stories will also give viewers a stronger sense of the context of the photo. Additionally, if you are selected as a finalist, you may be contacted by the Climatelinks team with a request to feature your photo and its background story in a blog.
Can I submit more than one photo?
Yes, you can submit a maximum of five (5) entries. Please complete a separate entry form for each submission.
Do photos have to represent only USAID-funded work?
The photo does not have to represent work that is funded by USAID, though USAID-related photos may be given preference when winning photos are selected. Still, if it depicts climate and development and is relevant to the theme, we want to see it!
What happens after I submit a photo?
You will receive an email with all of the information you provided in your submission, including a link to the photo you uploaded.
Can I edit my entry once it has been submitted?
Once it is submitted, you will be able to review your photo on your “Submissions” page. However, you will not be able to edit your photo once it is submitted. If you have an updated entry or additional material you would like included with your entry, email climatelinkssite@gmail.com with the subject "Photo Submission Change Request." Please be as clear as possible when emailing us with your request.
If you need to make multiple major edits to your submission, please make a new submission and contact us to let us know which submission to review.
How will my photos be used?
All photos will be featured in a public Photo Gallery on the Climatelinks website, and may also be featured in the Climatelinks newsletter, blog, homepage, social media, or in other USAID materials.
What do I win?
Winning photos will be announced in Fall 2024. They will be featured in Climatelinks communications, highlighted on the website, and showcased in the Climatelinks public Photo Gallery.
USAID-related/funded winners may also have the opportunity to write a blog about their photo for Climatelinks’ USAID’s Climate Strategy in Action series. The Climatelinks team can help you write your blog!
Do I keep the rights to my photos?
You maintain ownership of the rights to your photos. However, your submission grants reproduction rights to USAID for use in print or online materials. When and if your photos are selected for such use, they will be credited to you according to the information you provide during submission, as well as USAID branding guidelines as follows:
- For USAID-related images: [Name of Photographer] for USAID
- For non-USAID-related images: USAID, Courtesy of [Name of Photographer]
Who is sponsoring the Photo Contest?
The competition is an initiative of the Advancing Capacity for the Environment (ACE) contract, a mechanism out of the USAID Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS).