Our Annual Senior Photography CONTEST!!

 

Every image submitted will be judged and scored by our returning Award-Winning Judge Trio: Annie, Josh*, and Selessa!

Together, they will curate the highly-anticipated

seniorMUSE “50 to Follow” in 2025 List

—the list every senior photographer wants their business featured on!

 
 

How It Works:

  • We will take your TOP 3 highest-scoring images and combine their scores to determine your overall ranking.

  • The Top 50 Photographers will make the seniorMUSE “50 to Follow” List!

  • Plus, we’ll have Judge’s Choice Awards for standout submissions!

A Contest That Helps You Learn and Grow:
At seniorMUSE, we believe contests should not only inspire but also provide opportunities to improve your craft. That’s why we’re offering feedback options!

Here’s How You Can Learn From Your Submissions:
1️⃣ Scores:

  • Receive scores for ALL your submitted images for a flat fee of $20, no matter how many images you enter.

2️⃣ Critique:

  • Request a detailed critique from one or more of our judges for up to 2 submitted images (your choice).

  • Cost: $20 per critique per image.

Feedback can be an invaluable tool for understanding how your work is evaluated based on the judging criteria. Click here to review our judging criteria.

Submission Details:

  • Who Can Enter: Seniors from the Class of 2024 or 2025 (published images are allowed as long as they meet this requirement).

  • Submission Period: December 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025.

  • Process: Our submission process is famously easy—we’ve been told it’s the easiest!

SO, submit all your best work and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and get noticed!

Meet our Industry Leading JUDGES:

(click on their name to view their work on Instagram)

 

Annie Marie Josh Hanna Selessa Holmberg

*Disclosure: there is a chance we may have a sub judge for Josh this year

We have selected judges who are highly experienced photographers with years of expertise. They understand what it takes to create an amazing image and have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the photography community. By sharing their time and talents, they embody the value of community over competition.

Their names regularly appear on “Photographers to Watch” lists, and their work is nothing short of exceptional. Each judge is highly respected within the industry and among their peers.

All images will be judged on the following criteria:

Impact • Technical Aspects • Creativity • Style • Composition

Lighting • Posing • Center of Interest • Story Telling

Please note: All judge scores are final.

Click HERE to view the judging criteria defined

 

50 to FOLLOW Submission Instructions

1. Eligibility

  • Only images of 2024 or 2025 seniors are eligible for submission.

  • Images may have been previously featured or published.

Ineligible Images:

  • Images from workshops or mentoring sessions are not allowed. (the ONLY exception is if you hosted the event and set up the styling and shot). If such images are identified, they will be disqualified without questions or refunds.

2. Image Requirements

  • All images must be high-resolution JPG files (300dpi).

  • Low-resolution, watermarked, or raw files will NOT be considered (no refunds).

File Naming Requirements:

  • Name each file as follows: StudioName-SeniorName#

    • Example: ThruLisasLens-KenziThomas1.jpg | ThruLisasLens-KenziThomas2.jpg

  • Use a number only if submitting multiple images of the same model.

IMPORTANT:

  • Incorrectly named files will be disqualified (no refunds). Proper naming ensures images do not get mixed up.

  • Images may be cropped for optimal fit if selected for publication.

3. Payment Instructions

  • Submit payment for the total number of images you plan to enter.

  • If you need to pay for an unlisted quantity, you can process multiple payments.

  • Payment will open in a new window. Once complete, close that window and return here to finalize your submission forms and upload your images.

4. Submission Form

  • Use the form below to submit details for up to 5 models at a time.

  • Required Information: Each model's name must be included.

  • Optional Information: Additional details (e.g., hair/makeup artist) can be provided but are not required.

  • Models need to be listed only once, regardless of the number of images submitted for them.

5. Image Upload

  • After submitting the form, you will be redirected to upload your images.

  • Upload all images for that submission at once. If submitting additional forms later, repeat the process for those images.

6. Publication Details

  • Published images will include:

    • Business Name, Photographer, City/State, and Hair & Makeup Artist (if provided).

  • Model information will only be included if you provide it AND check the approval box for the model.

7. Cover Consideration

  • Only portrait-orientation images will be considered for the cover!

THE MORE IMAGE VARIETY YOU SUBMIT THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES ARE!

A Few Submission Tips:

  1. Avoid Submitting Too Many Similar Images:
    Submitting multiple nearly identical images won’t improve your chances—it usually results in receiving similar scores. Instead, pick the strongest couple of images with similar looks, and then submit a wider variety to maximize your odds.

  2. Get a Second Opinion:
    Ask a trusted photographer friend to help you choose your strongest images. They may spot details you missed and provide valuable critique. Use their feedback to make any final edits that will improve your submissions.

  3. Check for Technical Details:
    Review each image carefully to catch issues like halos, missed masking, or other editing errors. A helpful trick is to examine your images in two ways:

    • Upside Down: This helps you focus on composition and balance.

    • As a Medium-Sized Thumbnail: This helps spot flaws that may not be obvious at full size.

  4. Evaluate Your Crop:
    Ensure your crop enhances the composition and creates a strong, impactful image.

SUBMISSION COSTS

  • 5 IMAGES $25

  • 10 IMAGES $35

  • 15 IMAGES $45

  • 20 IMAGES $55

  • Image Scores $20

  • 1 Image Critique $20

 
 

THEN:

1. Complete the form below and upload your images.

Each submission form allows for up to 5 models.

If you have more than 5 models, simply complete additional forms.

2. Important:

All printed information will be published exactly as provided, so double-check your spelling and punctuation before submitting.

Please do not type in all caps.