FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When and where will each hashtag challenge be announced?
Each themed hashtag challenge will be announced on or around the first week of each month on the Nat Geo Your Shot Instagram account feed and Stories.
What is a themed Hashtag Challenge?
A themed challenge is tied to larger Nat Geo initiatives or have a specific theme to inspire your submission.
How do I submit to a themed challenge?
You must use that month's hashtag challenge in the caption of your posted photo or video. We will be able to see only submissions from public accounts. Your submission must be published within that specific month’s challenge.
How do I submit to the always-on challenge throughout the year?
You must use #NatGeoYourShot in your caption of your posted photo or video. Your post must be from the last 6 months in order to be considered. We will be able to see only submissions from public accounts.
Where will my submission potentially be featured and for how long?
Selected images and videos that meet the requirements outlined below may be featured on the Your Shot Instagram account and across other Nat Geo-owned digital media and social accounts in connection with promotion of the Your Shot challenge and/or community.
Submissions published on Nat Geo social accounts in connection with challenge will remain on the accounts indefinitely.
How many submissions can I submit per challenge?
You may submit as many posts as you’d like.
Submission Standards
What ratios should be considered when submitting a photo or video?
For optimal image quality, the ideal size for a square post:
• 1080px by 1080px at a 1:1 aspect ratio or 4:3
For optimal video quality, the ideal size for a vertical post:
• 1080px by1920px at a 9:16 aspect ratio
If my photo or video is selected, what will I need to provide?
• Photo / video selected
• RAW / original file
• Caption
• Signed Asset Release (an Asset Release will be emailed to you if your photo/video is selected)
What type of RAW file formats are accepted?
• Your RAW file must allow us to “Reset to Default” on Photoshop so we can properly review.
• We accept the following formats: CRW, CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW, ARW, SRF, SR2, ORF, RW2, RAF, DNG, MOS, DCR, KDC, X3F, IIQ, 3FR, PEF, MEF, and ERF
If my submission is selected to be featured, what information must I provide in my caption?
• Provide the location of the image or video. Be as specific as possible.
• If the date when the image was taken meaningfully changes context, the year should be in the caption.
• Your caption should clearly describe the content of the image (species, activity) but avoid stating what is already evident (“the sun sets over the sea”). Instead, add context or perspective for what the viewer is seeing by including your personal experience of getting the shot, getting to the place, or how a hobby, special interest, or skill relates to the image.
• Avoid an encyclopedic list of facts about a particular place or animal—have a specific angle or focus on what’s most relevant to the scene.
• With animal shots, avoid assigning emotion or feeling to an animal or otherwise anthropomorphizing.
• Caption should be 2 – 3 sentences maximum.
Can I use any digital editing tools?
No, digitally manipulated images are not acceptable.
Images must not be altered in Photoshop or by any other means.
Only standard color correction and retouching to eliminate dust on camera sensors and film, or scratches on scanned negatives or prints, is acceptable.
All submitted images should represent a true and accurate depiction of life or events.
