2010 NHPCO Photography and Writing Contest

In this year's contest, we are looking for photographs, essays and poetry that illustrate the value of hospice and palliative care to those who may not be familiar with this special kind of care. Think about how your submission might be helpful in educating viewers or readers about quality end-of-life care. Note, this year there will not be a film/video category but that will be included in the contest every couple of years.

Download the rules and entry form (Word).

General Rules of Participation

Entries should illustrate the value of hospice and palliative care—with the intention of helping viewers or readers understand more about quality end-of-life care.
Entries must be received electronically or postmarked by Friday, July 16, 2010 (extended deadline)
A Submission Form for the 2010 NHPCO Photography and Writing Contest must accompany all entries (see page 3).
While submissions may be created by staff/volunteers/others as specified below, all entries must be submitted by a current NHPCO member (any membership level may enter).
Photo entries depicting people must be accompanied by a photo release form (see sample on page 4).
NHPCO reserves the right to use any entry in materials produced by the organization or our affiliates (NHF, FHSSA, HAN). In addition, all photographs, poetry, and essays may be used for internal or retail purposes for education and promotion. Please note: the original artist, writer, creator does not give up his/her rights to any submission—it simply means NHPCO and its affiliates can use any submissions as it sees fit.
Entries will not be returned—so please do not send us your only copy.
Contest is not open to employees of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization or their family members.
Winners will be notified by email/mail during the last week of August 2010. The winning submissions will be featured in a multi-page PDF that will be promoted in NHPCO’s weekly e-newsletter, NewsBriefs, and featured on the website, following the September Clinical Team Conference. The December issue of NewsLine will also include a special section, showcasing the first-place entries.

All Entries Should Be Sent To:

                   NHPCO
                        Attn: Photo/Writing Contest
                        1731 King Street, Suite 100
                        Alexandria, VA 22314

Electronic submissions may be emailed as attachments to contest@nhpco.org.

Photography Submissions

Photographs taken by professional or amateur photographers for an NHPCO member-organization or by an individual member may be submitted in one of these categories:

(Patients, Staff, Volunteers, Families)
People – Young People (Pediatric Patients, Staff, Volunteers and Families)
Nature/Abstract

Photographs should reflect the hospice/palliative philosophy of care.
Judges may move a photo to a more appropriate category if they feel it is warranted.
Photos may be color or black & white and should be submitted in print format and/or as a high-resolution, electronic file. All electronic photos should be in .jpg or .gif format with minimum 300 dpi.
Photos must be no more than two years old.
Each entry must be accompanied by a contest submission form (see page 3), and a photo release form from any individuals depicted (see sample form on page 4).
An optional brief description (1-2 paragraphs) explaining the content/circumstances of the photograph, and why the image symbolizes hospice and palliative care may be submitted. A thoughtful statement may help the judges make their decisions.
In addition to the contest submission form, please make sure the main contact’s name, phone number, and email are on the back of each hard copy photo.

Essay and Poetry Submissions

Submissions by hospice staff, volunteers, patients, or loved ones are accepted in these categories:
- Essay Submissions: Participants may submit up to two previously unpublished essays, 1500 words or less, inspired by hospice and palliative care.
- Poetry Submissions: Participants may submit up to two previously unpublished poems, 100 lines or less, inspired by hospice and palliative care;
Entries must include a contest submission form (see page 4).

Questions:

Contact the NHPCO Communications Team at contest@nhpco.org or call 703-647-6685.

Prizes:

The first-place winner in each category will receive a $50 gift card for use in the NHPCO Marketplace. Second-place winners will receive a $25 Marketplace gift card.

Recognition:

The winning submissions will be featured in a multi-page PDF that will be promoted in NHPCO’s weekly e-newsletter, NewsBriefs, and featured on the website, following the September Clinical Team Conference. The December issue of NewsLine will also include a special section, showcasing the first-place entries.

2009 NHPCO's Photography, Film and Writing Contest winners (PDF).

2008 NHPCO's Photography, Film and Writing Contest winners (PDF).