TO ENTER THE KY STATE FAIR THROUGH SHOWORKS (This is the only way to enter your photos in the KY State Fair.)
Go to the KyStateFair.org page. Click on PARTICIPATE at the top of the page, and then COMPETE. Scroll down the page to the Photography category and click on the “Enter Online” link on the right side of the page. That link will take you to the page where you can register and submit entries. (The program used for entering is called “ShoWorks.”) Follow directions carefully! You must register by July 1, and the entry form and all photos are due to be submitted digitally by July 10.
When actually entering your photos, follow the above directions, and then click on “Register” (and then “I have previously registered,” if you registered already THIS YEAR.) Then check registration information, and proceed as follows:
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ONCE PHOTOS ARE ENTERED, THEY CANNOT BE DELETED OR CHANGED!
Classes 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72, 80, 81, 82, 90, 91, 92, 100, 101, 102, 104, 105, and 106 will be prejudged to determine finalists in each class. Finalists will be notified and asked to present printed versions of their photographs on Saturday, August 10, or Sunday, August 11 (the weekend before the Fair starts on Thursday, August 15.)
Do bit bring a printed photo to the Fairgrounds unless you have been notified that it has been accepted.
Tags with strings will be handed out when you bring your photo into the Fair on Saturday or Sunday. Once received, the string should be taped to the BACK of your entry in the top right corner so that the tag can be flipped to the front of the entry and appear in the top left corner. All photos not selected as finalists will be displayed on monitors in the Photography area during the Fair.
Entries selected as finalists in classes 63, 73, 83, 93, 103, and 107 (Digital classes) will have already been received by July 10. No further action is needed in these classes.
APPLYING ENTRY TAGS FOR KY STATE FAIR (Tags are not necessary for LPS club meetings):
–> Tear off the claim tag of your entry and keep it in a safe place. You will need it to claim your entry when you pick it up after the Fair.
–> Fold the bottom of the entry tag up and tuck it under the flap so that your name and any other information is hidden.
–> Turn your mounted photograph over so you are looking at the BACK of the mat.
–> Write your name and phone number at the bottom of the BACK of the mat. (Your name must never appear on the front of the mat.)
–> Looking at the BACK of the mat, tape the string of the entry tag (the string is usually yellow) to the top RIGHT corner of the back of the mat, leaving enough string for the tag to hang over the top of the mat.
–> Turn the mat over and make sure that the tag is now hanging over the top left side of the FRONT of the mat, with your name on the entry tag completely covered.
HOW TO PREPARE THE PHOTOS FOR EITHER KY STATE FAIR OR LPS:
PROHIBITED:
Glass coverings, frames, wires, clips, strings, thin poster board, Masonite, or any sticky substances felt on any part of the front or the back of an entry. The thickness of the entire entry must not be greater than ½ inch.
SIZE OF PHOTO ENTRIES:
THE TOTAL ENTRY SIZE FOR LPS AND FOR THE KY STATE FAIR MUST BE EXACTLY 16″ x 20.” This includes the photo plus the mat. A photograph that is, itself, 16” X 20” is acceptable, as long as it is secured to a mat board or a foam core board or is a firm entry such as one on metal.) Photo prints that are 8″ X 10″ or 11″ X 14″ can be printed for a reasonable price, and are a good size for competitions. Photographs that are smaller than 7 ½ x 9 ½ are not acceptable at LPS or the KY State Fair.
PURCHASING MAT BOARD:
There are several places where 16 X 20 mat board can be purchased. One option is ordering mat board (for backing your entry) and cut-out mats is Amazon. Their prices are very good, and they can deliver quickly. NOTE: POSTER BOARD IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. Poster board is too flimsy.
DO NOT LEAVE THIS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!!
MATTING OWN YOUR PHOTO:
A photograph can be placed on the mat board with masking tape rolled inside-out. This is called “floating.” But you must be sure that the photograph is secure, and the mat board is sturdy. It is a cardinal sin to have your photograph fall off of or out of your matting. Double-sided tape or spray-on adhesive can be used, but is often not “sticky” enough. A strong mat board should be used or the result will be too flimsy. Poster board is not acceptable. Do not tape the photograph to a single mat board that has the photo area cut out where the photo shows through, unless you place an additional mat board on the back of the entry. There is not enough protection for the photo showing through the hole without a mat behind it.
ESTIMATES OF COST:
Craft stores will usually cut an opening in the mat board for you for a small fee. The cut board can then be attached to a second uncut sturdy mat board, with your photo showing through the cut. This gives the entry extra strength. The cut board is attached to the second board with duct tape which is used as a hinge. Mat board for backing and cut-out mats can also be purchased from Amazon.
MAT CUTTERS:
Do-It-Your-selfers can get their own mat cutter from any company that supplies mat cutters. I would suggest going on the internet to find the best deals. The mat cutter used in the demonstration at LPS is the “Logan Intermediate” and it runs around $149.00. A number of companies carry this brand.
“CLEAR BAGS”:
“Clear Bags” can by purchased from www.clearbags.com. This company also offers mat board in large quantities at reasonable prices. The clear bags are useful in protecting your matted photos, and can also be ordered in small sizes for people who make their own greeting cards.
“TO ASSEMBLE YOUR OWN PHOTO ENTRY”:
