Alliance Française of Washington, DC is back with the second edition of the Photo Contest "Paris on the Potomac!" This year, we are extending the geographic zone to a broader area and will be accepting photos taken in DC, Virginia or Maryland. While the Nation’s Capital has had links with France and Paris from the very start – after all, it was designed by French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant – many other places in the DMV area carry French names and remind us of Paris and other French cities... We hope you will enjoy capturing this connection between the US and France, as well as the change of seasons!

Awards*

$1000 - The Alliance Française of Washington DC Photography Award for 18+

$500 - Photo Pioneer Award for 15-17 years old

$250 - The Audience Award for All Participants

*The participant needs to be present in the US to be able to receive the prize, we will be unable to send the prize money abroad.

Submission Rules

• Entry is limited to original works that have not formerly been displayed or exhibited and for which the entrant holds all applicable rights. 

• Photos should be taken in the DMV area (DC - Maryland - Virginia) and should illustrate a connection with France.

• Any equipment can be used: Image data files created with any device capable of taking still images, including smartphones and digital still cameras (including medium and large-format digital cameras)

• Images that have been lightly retouched by using camera apps, photo editing apps, other software, etc. will be accepted.

• Both color and monochrome images will be accepted.

• Send your photos in digital format to culture@francedc.org (you can use WeTransfer if the photos are too heavy).

• Digital file size: up to 20 MB of image data per work.

• Image-data file format: JPEG/150 dpi recommended.

• Winners might be asked to provide higher resolution images for publication or display purposes related to the contest.

• The limit for submitted works is 3 single photos.

• Works that have won prizes in other contests or that have been submitted to other contests currently underway, including similar works, are not eligible. No simultaneous submission is accepted.

• Works that are identical or similar to another submitted work ("identical or similar works") are ineligible for submission. "Identical or similar works" refers to the following works: a work produced from identical image data; a work produced by cropping or retouching identical image data to alter it; or a work produced from similar, though not identical, image data as described above (e.g. a frame from the same series of shots, photography conducted at a different date or time yet producing the same result, or work otherwise deemed to be similar).

Eligibility

The contest is open to all photography amateurs, members and non-members of Alliance Française of Washington DC. Entrants 15-17 years of age require the signed permission of a parent or guardian. The contest is not open to employees of Alliance Française of Washington or their immediate families.

Timeline and Assessment

The jury will assess all the submitted works according to this evaluation form. You can download it here for your reference.

All participants will have at least one photo displayed at the VEN hotel at 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC.

The opening ceremony, where the winners will be announced, will take place on July 7, 2023 at The VEN At Embassy Row Hotel. More details to come.

Forms to sign and submit (via e-mail)

Please submit your photos together with the following forms reviewed and signed by the participant. Only send forms by email to culture@francedc.org - do not mail the forms:

Registration Form

Consent Form

Release Form

Parent or Legal Guardian Form (if under 18 years old).

Please download all forms here (PDF).