If you are considering participating for the first time, there are many resources offered to help you through the process of entering as a first time participant (a.k.a. "exhibitor"). Please take a moment to read through the rules and information provided below. The Chicago Flower & Garden Show also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with other photographers of all experience levels.

Photo Competition - Rules and Information (Registration form can be downloaded here.)

1. Please carefully read all the rules, requirements and timelines of this competition.
2. Registration is open to all and classes are noted to be adult (16and older) (Classes 601 – 609) or youth (7-15) (Class 610). Exhibitors will be notified if accepted or not on or before February 10, 2012. 
3. All Photographs must include plant material. (Except class 609.) 
4. One entry per class/subclass permitted. Photos that have won First place at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show may not be entered in the competition again. Please note on the back of the photo if there are other awards this photo has received.
5. Each photograph must be the work of the exhibitor, under whose name it is registered. Mounting and printing maybe done by a professional.
6. Any Manipulation at any stage must be the work of the exhibitor. This includes enhancement for color or clarity, removal of a part of the image, combining images, or distorting the original subject.
7. Photographs may be in color, black and white, or sepia-toned.
8. The Photography Committee reserves the right to subdivide each Class/subclass.
9. Photos must be mounted on black foam core with no exposed matting except where stated in class descriptions. (Classes 607 and 608) All single photographs must measure between 12”x18”and 18”x24”. Classes that show multiple photographs in one entry see size regulations in class descriptions.
10. Entries with photographs must be submitted by mail with all Registration/Entry Forms and the actual photographs — must arrive by February 1, 2012.
11. All photographs will be passed by the photo committee to verify that class specifications have been met. If a photograph is not passed , the exhibitor will be notified and allowed to , if time permits , to send a replacement photograph.
12. Only the photograph committee may reclassify an entry , but not with out the permission of the exhibitor.
13. A follow up email will be sent out to all exhibiting with a list of results of the photography competition.
14. ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BECOME PROPERTY OF THE CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW managed by Flower Show Productions, Inc.
15. All awards will be mailed to the winners with in 60 days of the close of the show.
16. Photographs will be judged on a recommended scale of points as follows:

Creativity 30

Composition 30

Technical Merit 15

Distinction 15

Interpretation of Theme 10

    ---------

      100 total points possible 

Photographs may be entered in this Competition through the following:

• You must register each mounted photograph by completing the Entry Form(s) with the following information — either typed or neatly hand printed— and mailing it to the address below.
• As will as each photograph must be labeled on the back with the following Information:

• Photographer’s name, address, email and phone number the class the photo is to be entered in .
• Identification of Dominant plant material is not required but strongly encouraged when ever possible with the botanical and command names for example: genus, e.g., Asclepias (milkweed) Note that each photograph must include some plant material (except class 609).
• Type of camera used, e.g., digital, 35mm, disposable, etc.
• Film type, if applicable, or digital
• Special equipment, e.g., tripod, filters, etc.
• The top of the photo must be identified 
• Exhibitor’s Comments (optional) such as title or brief statement of intent
  

PHOTOGRAPHY SCHEDULE:

• Class 601 “Hemmed Up” close up photo of a plant or flower
• Class 602 “Accessorized” people and plants/flowers
• Class 603 “Seasons Collection” landscape
• Class 604 “Pattern Freeze” still life with a focus on plants or flowers
• Class 605 “High Style” abstract with plants or flowers as primary focus
• Class 606 “Stone Washed” a photo incorporating water and flowers
• Class 607 “Triple Stitched" Triptych – 3 related photographs featuring Chicago and plants mounted on a single board . One inch maximum of the mounting board (black foam core) around each photograph may be exposed.(overall presentation can not exceed 24x44)
• Class 608 “ One of a Kind" Diptych – 2 color photographs, one original and one manipulation of the original, mounted on a single board. One inch maximum of the mounting board (black foam core) around each photograph may be exposed (overall presentation can not exceed 24”x30”)
• Class 609 “Go over Board” a single photo featuring any item or event on Navy Pier. Plant material not required in this class.
• Class 610 “Novice Eye” youth only class (ages 7-15) focused on a single plant or flower of your choice 

  some classes are subject to judging using the merit Judging system  

Registration/Entry Forms (with photographs) must be sent to this address:

Photo Competition

Chicago Flower & Garden Show

207 E Ohio St., #118

Chicago, IL 60611

Questions can be addressed to photocomp@chicagoflower.com.