Hey, Hot Shot! :: A Jen Bekman Project

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a question, can I just pick up the phone and give you a call?
No, please don't. If you have questions about the competition, email us at heyhotshot AT jenbekman DOT com. Phone calls make us grouchy. We promise to answer your email in a timely manner, and we'll be updating the FAQ regularly in response to inquiries we receive.

When is the submission deadline?
All entries must be received by Tuesday June 17th @ 8pm (EDT).

Did I win?
The winners will be announced on the web site on Wednesday, July 9th @ 1pm (EDT). All winners will also be contacted directly via email. (Unfortunately we're not always able to email every single person who entered the competition.)

How many photos may I submit?
Please submit three photos.

Just three? But I have like 5 zillion on my web site!
Think of it as a haiku: use the three images to uniquely express your point of view as a photographer. Being a good editor is a big part of being a great photographer. Choose your images carefully.

Also, we're assuming that you've probably got a web site by now. (If you don't: now is the time! Having a web site is really critical these days.) Be sure to include your site's URL in the All About You section of the application. If we like your work, we'll take a look at your site during the review process.

If we like your work and you don't have a site, we may e-mail you to request additional images and information..

Is there a fee to enter?
Yes, there is a $60 handling fee to enter the competition.

Can I get a refund?
Handling fees assessed are non-refundable.

When is the showcase?
The HHS! 2008 First Edition Showcase will open with a reception for the artists on Wednesday August 8th, from 6pm-8pm.
The reception will remain on view through Saturday August 30th.

Can I send stuff in the mail?
Sorry, but no. We only accept submissions via our web site.

What kind of work are you looking at?
Film, digital, and photo-based work are all considered.

Please note that the gallery itself is quite small. We often show large scale prints, but if you feel like your work only looks good at say 50" x 60" hung in a grid, it simply won't fit in our space. (And we strongly believe that making it big shouldn't be the main thing that makes it better.)

What formats are you accepting for submissions?
We only accept digital files with .jpg or .jpeg extensions.

What is the maximum file size for submissions?
The maximum file size for each image submitted is 2MB. If your file is bigger than 2MB the system will reject it.

How will the panel be reviewing submissions?
The panel reviews work on screen only. This means you can submit a lower resolution file than what you'd use to print, but don't send something too tiny. We recommend a minimum image size of 800 pixels in width, with its proportional height. If your work is selected and you need to make prints, you must have a higher resolution version of the same file available.

My pictures speak for themselves, do I have to provide a bio + statement?
Yes, it can be a drag, but you need to tell us about yourself. Only applicants who complete all the required fields on the entry form will be considered.

I live in Rome (or Lima or Kobe or Tehran or Vancouver), can I still submit work?
Sure, we have exhibited work by photographers from all over the world. Winning photographers are responsible for producing + framing their work, as well as shipping it to/from the gallery; these costs can add up quickly. Starting this year, winners will receive a $500 honorarium to help cover costs associated with preparing for the exhibition.

I take lots of photographs, but I'm not all that experienced when it comes to printing. Can I still enter?
Yes, if your work is selected and you need advice about printing (or need someone to make the prints for you) we'll help you figure that stuff out. We have great resources available.

I saw the fine print on your agreement page, but I didn't read it very closely. Can you run that by me again?
Yes. Here you go:

I hereby authorize Jen Bekman Gallery to display photographs that I have provided to it by way of print reproduction and/or in digital format, in connection with its competition Hey, Hot Shot! It is my understanding that Jen Bekman Gallery and the Hey, Hot Shot! panel will make determinations whether or not to display any or all of my work that I have submitted. It is also my understanding that if my work is selected, Jen Bekman Gallery will display in the gallery and/or on the Internet, to be offered for sale and that should work be sold, Jen Bekman Gallery receives a 50% commission of the sale price.

It is also my understanding that, if my photographs are chosen to be physically displayed in Jen Bekman Gallery, I will be personally responsible for all shipping and insurance to/from the gallery, framing and production costs associated with exhibiting my work.

I have paid a $60 handling fee to Jen Bekman Gallery for considering up to three works of art for the Hey, Hot Shot! competition. I understand that Jen Bekman Gallery and the Hey, Hot Shot! panel will make determinations as to what photographs, if any, it will display.

By submitting these photographs to Jen Bekman Gallery, I authorize that these are original works of art that I personally created.

I am releasing Jen Bekman Gallery and its agents, principals, employees or servants from any liability regarding the display of work that I have submitted to them, including any liability for redisplay by individuals making copies of the display made by Jen Bekman Gallery. Although all reasonable care will be exercised, Jen Bekman Gallery cannot be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged artwork.

By agreeing to this release, I authorize that I am 18 years of age or older.