These frequently asked questions are provided to help you with the submission process and give you some helpful guidelines. Please read the full contest rules for additional requirements.
How do I submit a photo?
What types of files are accepted?
What is the maximum file size accepted?
How many photos can I submit?
Am I allowed to alter the photograph?
What should I do if other individuals appear in my photo?
How will I find out if my photo is selected?
What should I include in my photo?
Do photographs that I submit have to be my own original work?
How do I submit a photo?
All photographs must be submitted digitally through
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Institutes of Health (NIH),
Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety’s (DOHS).
To submit your photographic entry choose 1 of 2 options:
Email your photographic entry to:
infocus@mail.nih.gov. In the email body, provide your first and last name and your IC/Center.
Upload your photographic entry through the
DOHS web form.
You must submit your first and last name and IC/Center (so we may contact you if you're selected as a winner or finalist). By submitting your entry, you automatically agree to the complete
contest rules. If you need assistance with submitting your entry, you may send questions to
infocus@mail.nih.gov for consideration.
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What types of files are accepted?
To ensure the highest quality for your entry, submissions should be 2,000 x 2,000 pixels or greater (approximately a full-size file from a 6 megapixel camera or greater), although smaller sizes will be accepted. For ease of use, DOHS prefers to receive submissions in a JPEG file format (.jpg or .jpeg).
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What is the maximum file size accepted?
The maximum size is different for each way you decide to upload your photographic entry. The file size of a photographic entry many not exceed the following megabytes (MB):
infocus@mail.nih.gov. - 20 MB
DOHS web form - 3 MB
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How many photos can I submit?
You may submit a maximum of three (3) photographs to the contest. Any photo received after the limit is reached will be disqualified. You may only submit one photo at a time. In order to upload additional photos, return to the Photo Submittal Form page and re-enter your information (you must agree to the full contest rules for each photo you submit).
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Am I allowed to alter the photograph?
Yes. Digital manipulation of photographs is permitted.
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What should I do if other individuals appear in my photo?
The contest rules require that you obtain consent from anyone whose image is identifiable in the photo. A
sample image release consent form is provided. You must either use that form or an equivalent release form to obtain the signature of each identifiable person in your photograph. Upon request by DOHS, you must make the form(s) available to DOHS. If your photo is selected as a winner or finalist, and you are unable to provide the release to DOHS if requested, the photo will be disqualified and an alternate winner or finalist will be chosen.
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How will I find out if my photo is selected?
Only entrants whose photos are selected as finalists and winners will be notified by e-mail. After the contest is closed, the expert panel will select finalists and winners.
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What should I include in my photo?
The contest aims to raise awareness of workplace safety and health by challenging you to show what workplace safety and health means to you, so you aren't restricted to particular subjects or themes. However, there are important restrictions to keep in mind when choosing your subject:
Products or services – DOHS isn't allowed to approve, endorse, or promote the products or services of others. Any contest entry that endorses or is perceived to endorse a commercial product or service will be ineligible to win the contest, so make sure that your photo doesn't show brand names, recognizable places of business, or other subjects that are identifiable as the product of a specific manufacturer.
Unsafe work conditions - Any photo that depicts a violation of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and/or
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
NIH, ORS, DOHS standard, uncontrolled hazard, or any unsafe procedure or practice will not be selected to win. Be aware of any unmarked hazard, improperly installed piece of equipment or other violation that might be visible in your frame.
Laboratory animals - Please do not feature laboratory animals in photos.
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Do photographs that I submit have to be my own original work?
Yes. The contest rules require that any photograph that you submit for this contest must be your own original work and otherwise free from third-party copyright restrictions. Photographs that do not meet this requirement are not eligible for use in this contest.
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