Show Off Your Rural America, III 2010 Calendar

Send us your photos, either in print or digitally. You don’t have to be a professional to submit a photo. The photo can be brand new, or something dating back decades. With your image, give a short explanation on why that image symbolizes rural America.

Selected images will appear in the 2010 calendar. Deadline for submissions is August 31.

Email pictures to: kblatte@1stfarmcredit.com.

Or, send mail images to: 1^st Farm Credit Services, Attn: Karen Blatter, 2000 Jacobssen Drive, Normal, Il 61761.

Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and a short description of why the image means rural America to you.

1^st Farm Credit Services reserves the right to use or not use any and all photos that are submitted. We will also do our best to return print images that are mailed.

Show Off Your Rural America, III 2010 Calendar – Frequently Asked Questions

1^st Farm Credit Services is dedicated to rural America. For the past two years, we have asked our clients and friends to submit pictures for our calendar. Make the third time a charm!  Show off what rural America means to you in the new 2010 1^st Farm Credit Services Calendar!

Is there an age requirement for people who submit photos?

No, there isn’t. Anyone who can take a picture can enter it – whether you’re young, senior, amateur or professional.

What should the pictures be of?

Anything that means “rural America” to the photographer. There are no limits. Obviously, inappropriate photos will not be used.

What is the deadline?

All submissions must be received by August 31, 2009.

Can I submit more than one photo?

Yes.

How should I submit my photo?

Email pictures to: kblatte@1stfarmcredit.com. Images can be mailed to: 1^st Farm Credit Services, Attn: Karen Blatter, 2000 Jacobssen Drive, Normal, IL 61761. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and a short description of why the image means rural America to you. Digital photos are preferred, but actual photos are also welcomed. Digital images should be of the highest resolution possible.

Will my photo be returned to me if I mail it?

1^st Fare Credit Services will do its best to return all the photos that are mailed.

What should I write for the short description?

Just explain why you feel your picture defines rural America. The explanation can be just a line or two.

How will the photos be selected?

A professional photographer, along with other team members, will be asked to look over the pictures and make selections. Consideration will be given to how it defines rural America, artistic merit and quality.

When can I expect to hear if my photo will be used?

A decision on the selected photos will be made by the end of September. Photographers will be notified around that same time, by phone or email.

The photographer of the selected images will also be asked to sign a photo release, allowing 1^st Farm Credit Services to use the photo in its publications. Minors will also be asked to sign the form and receive parental consent. A release will also be mailed and must be returned as soon as possible.

Where will the selected images appear?

The photos will be used in the 2010 “Show Off Your Rural America, Too” calendar by 1^st Farm Credit Services. 1^st Farm Credit Services may also use the images in other publications, materials and promotions.

What do the selected photographers receive?

Their photos will be printed in the 2010 calendar. The photos will run with “bylines” when possible, along with why the photographer believes it defines rural America. The calendar is given out free to 1^st Farm Credit Services clients. Selected photographers will receive up to 20 copies of the calendar for their own use.

Will I be paid if my image is selected?

No money or reward will be exchanged.

Why wasn’t my photo selected?

1^st Farm Credit Services reserves the right to use or not use any and all photos that are submitted.

Do I have to be a client to submit an image?

No, you do not need to be a client.

What about 1^st Farm Credit Services team members and their families, can they enter something?

Yes, team members and their families can submit photos. However, preference will be given to clients first when the images are selected.

Why was this theme selected?

 “Rural America” means different things to all of us and probably our clients. Since we are client-owned and driven, we thought the calendar would be a good chance to better understand what our clients visualize as their “rural America.”