Trophy Awards 2009: Frequently Asked Questions & Image Submission Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Entry Fee.

Fee is $150 per entry, except for projects competing for the Humanitarian Award, for which no fee is required. A late fee of $100 will be charged for each entry received after July 15. No entries will be accepted after July 31, 2009.

What Is The Entry Deadline?

Entry deadline is July 15, 2009, but can be sent along with a late fee of $100 per entry before July 31. No entries will be accepted after July 31, 2009.

What All Does My Entry Need To Include?

All entries submitted must include the original entry form, CD of images, entry fee, signed project owner’s consent, plans and/or before photographs (if required.) Incomplete entries will be returned.

Where Do I Send My Entry?

CLCA Trophy Awards 2009
1491 River Park Dr., #100
Sacramento CA 95815
(916) 830-2788 fax

Who Do I Contact With Questions?

Kym Dreher, Events Manager
(800) 448-2522 x17
kymdreher@clca.org

When Will The Awards Be Presentated?

Awards will be presented at the CLCA Annual Convention in Las Vegas NV, November 13, 2009.

Guidelines For Electronic Image Submission

You hate to see homeowners botch your landscapes when they make do-it-yourself changes to your design. You should understand, then, that communication professionals also strive to put forth the best presentations possible. We look forward to showcasing your award-worthy projects as well as we can, as often as we can. Please help us in doing so by following these guidelines:

• As with anything, it’s best to consult with a professional. Hire a professional photographer or consult with a competent graphic designer. They will know what to do and/or do it for you, eliminating guesswork — not to mention saving the time it would take you to do it yourself.
• This is your work — make it look as good as you can. If you are hesitant to pay a professional, remember that the photos can be used not only for this awards contest, but would be a great portfolio and/or website addition. They can also be on display in your office year-round to dazzle clients.
• Check for hoses and other debris in the shot. Ensure that your CD does not contain photos of a personal nature.
• Make sure not to take photos in the dark (except for lighting shots) or in direct sunlight. Mid-morning or late afternoon is ideal. Positioning yourself with the sun behind you is optimum for a natural, full-bodied “flash.”
• Just because an image looks good on your computer screen does not mean that it will print at the same quality. Low resolution images (less than 300dpi at their intended size) cannot be published in magazines or brochures. To achieve the highest quality images you can, be sure to set your camera to the highest resolution it can muster. Set the camera to save the images in RAW or DNG formats, or as uncompressed, high resolution JPEG files. This will mean larger file sizes, but also better image quality.
• If you don’t have at least a 6 megapixel camera, consider the investment to upgrade (consumer models in the 6 megapixel range retail for as little as $300) or borrow one. The higher the megapixel, the larger the final print size can be. Better yet, if you hire a professional, they should have professional grade equipment that can stand up to the job.
• Each entrant should not send more than twelve (12) images with their entry. CDs that include more than twelve images will have the first twelve chosen as they appear on the disk based on the quality and resolution of the photo, not necessarily the features you’d prefer to showcase. CDs will not be returned.

• If you have many images of your project, or have them processed by a photo lab along with the family vacation onto one CD, please take the time to select the best six and burn a new CD. CD is the preferred way to send images, but if you absolutely must email them: Send one image at a time to trophyentries@ clca.org. Do not attach more than 5MB per email. Include your project name in the subject line of the email.
• Be sure to back up your files. We may need to have you resend one or more files. You should receive an auto-response from us informing you that the files were received.
• Submitting photos by email does not extend the deadline for entry. Please have your images sent to: trophyentries@clca.org on or before the due date of July 31, 2009. (No applications will be accepted after July 31st).
• Be sure to protect your disk when mailing. We are not responsible for damages.
• Be sure to request “Pictures on CD” when developing your film. These CDs will not be returned.