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It is very
important to remember that the Judges have not met your child. They can only
judge whatever photo or photos you send. That is why the photo or photos
that you choose to send is so vitally important. Obviously you want to
send several photos that ensure your child is looking their best. Remember
that quality of the photo is also very important.
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You only need to submit one photo
but we recommend sending several.
If you submit several additional photos you must enclose an additional First Class stamp to
cover return postage.
If you enter the contest online you may email us photos
(however regular photos are highly encouraged as they are much higher in quality
and easier to judge).
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Photo sizes; smaller than 8" x
10" and larger than wallet size are encouraged, however 3" x 5" photos are preferred.
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Ensure that the photo is clear
not blurry or grainy and that your child does not have "red-eye" in the photo.
We receive many grainy or unclear photos - this makes it difficult for your child's
photo to be judged.
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Ensure your child’s face is clear and fully visible. We receive many photos where the child's head is turned, obscured
by hats, hair, wearing dark sun glasses, etc. - this makes it very difficult for your child's
photo to be judged. Ideally,
your child's face should take up most of the photo.
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Too much makeup or attempts to make the child appear "adult-like" are not advisable.
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Ensure your child is alone in the photo.
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Lighting makes a big difference.
Photos too light are washed out or too dark and shadowed lack definition and
contrast.
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You must own the copyrights to any photos that you submit. Winners turn over copyright ownership of their winning
photos to ABC.
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Who will see my child's photos?
If your child does not place then only the judges and contest staff see the photo. Your photos will be returned to you after the contest.
If your child places in the contest then your photo will be published on our Winners' Photo Flyer that goes to all contestants, on this Internet site, possibly in
ABC promotional
literature and possibly in one or more major national child or baby magazines!
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Is every photo
that is entered reviewed by the Judges?
Yes - absolutely! You
are guaranteed that every single photo we receive that enters the contest is
looked at and carefully reviewed by each Judge.
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Is the
information I give to enter ABC given out to anyone else?
No,
the information is kept solely within ABC. The information you provide to ABC to
enter is for the contest administrators. See our
privacy policy.
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How many children are judged?
The number of children varies per contest but
is generally near two thousand.
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Do I need to send more than one photo?
No,
you are not required to, however, we do advise that you do.
If you do enclose additional
photos you must include an additional First Class stamp to
cover return postage.
Put your child's name on the back of each photo.
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Should I enter the "category" part of the
contest that costs $5.95 extra?
This is of course is optional, but we strongly recommend it since this does give
your child 12 or more extra chances to win.
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Will my child’s photo be returned?
Yes, everyone's photos will be returned except the placed winners. These photos become the property of ABC.
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Can my child be entered in more than one contest?
Yes, there is a new contest every 3 months. You may enter again by sending your child's photo and paying the entry fee each time you enter.
You may win up to three
times in a two year period. Because each contest is made up of completely new faces your child's chance of placement
can change each time you enter. Many children have won on a second or third entry because of submitting different photos.
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What are the age limits?
Two
categories; 1.) Babies are under 2 years old and
2.) Children which are 2 to 9
years old.
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What are the stamps used for?
To send important contest information and to ensure
the return of your child’s photo.
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Why is there a judging fee?
To pay for contest costs,
prizes and the many supporting costs.
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What is the prize?
The
prize varies per
contest but all winners receive a beautiful winners plaque with child's picture
mounted under glass, their picture displayed on our national website,
an official ribbon and more.
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How many winners are there per contest?
The number of winners per contest
currently is as
many as 35-45 or more.
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Do backgrounds, props, or costumes help?
Sometimes - if it adds to the overall impression of the child's photo - however,
too much costume or too much makeup is not preferable.
Ensure that your
child's entire face is clearly visible.
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Who can enter?
Any family who lives in the United States
(including all US territories) or Canada is welcome to enter their child in the contest.
You do not need to be a citizen.
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Can I enter over the Internet?
You may submit your child's photo to us by e-mail,
however, if is not clear enough for judging we may request (this is optional) a photo be mailed in.
Please get a good scan and be extra careful when sending it. ABC can
not be responsible for poor quality images received by email.
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Can I pay my
entry fee by credit card? Pay Pal?
You may send us a check or money order with your signed and completed entry form
by mail or you may enter online using a credit card. Yes you may pay using
Pay Pal as well.
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If my child wins will his or her photo be published in a national magazine?
It is entirely possible. Many of our winners' photos appear in national magazines such as Parenting, Baby Talk, Twins, and many others!
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Where can I check to see if my child has won immediately after judging?
When the contest is over
all participants as well as winners are notified in writing. Photos and a list of
winners are also provided for all.
If you'd like to find out who the winners are - immediately after
judging, see the ABC homepage and select "Newest Winners Announced" or go
directly to:
http://www.americanbabycontest.com/Announced_Winners.html
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How do the two entry options work?
The minimum fee to enter the
contest is $ 28.95 for the Main Contest. For this your child's
photo will be judged for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Places
in the appropriate age
category and for Runner-Up positions (the number varies per contest).
If you enter the Main Contest you may also
choose to enter the Category Judging. This is optional. For an additional $
5.95
your child's photo will be judged for 12-15 or more individual categories - in addition to placements mentioned in the Main Contest. It gives your child
12-15 more chances of winning! So it would cost $ 28.95 for the Main
Contest plus $ 5.95 for the Category Judging for a total of $ 34.90. So
your entry fee would be $28.95 or $34.90.
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What is the
Semi-Finalists Portrait Gallery?
This is completely OPTIONAL.
This is not part of the ABC Contest. The cost is $9.95. You will receive information and an order form about this Gallery
several weeks after the baby contest is judged. You may choose to participate at that time. This is
a place where your child's photo can be proudly displayed online in our
"America's Little Darlings" Photo Gallery. In addition, each
child will participate in a drawing, where two children in the gallery are randomly selected to win a prize. The drawing will be held shortly after the winners are announced from the main American Baby Contest.
Your child's photo and up to 15 words of your choice, will be displayed on the site for approximately three months. Your child's street address or phone number will
not appear.
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Can I submit professionally taken photo's, or head shots from agencies?
Yes, but the tone of the contest is not one of professional models.
In addition, you must own the copyrights to any
photos you submit.
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What happens if I win?
Winners must sign the Winner's Certificate and a Photo Release Form. This enables ABC to post your child's
photos on this site, in magazines and literature and send a release to your local newspaper. Once this paperwork is received by ABC you will be sent your prize, ribbon and other associated materials within
three to four weeks. Your Winners Plaque must be custom made and will follow about
three weeks later.
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Is it safe and
secure to enter my child in an online photo contest?
Absolutely - we feel it
is! We have been doing this for many years with thousands of entries from all
over the country and Canada without any problems. Your photos come
directly to us at ABC to our secure server. No one but contest staff will
have access to your photos or information. We do not give out any of your
information. We will never publish any of you or your child's confidential
information online such as address or phone number. Your payment to our company
is coming over on our secure server. We do not sell your name or address
or phone number or to other companies. See our
privacy policy.
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Is the
American Baby Contest affiliated with "American Baby" magazine in any way?
No we are not.
