2027 CBD-IAI
Photography Contest
This photography contest is open to both non-members and members of the Chesapeake Bay Division-International Association for Identification (CBD-IAI) that will be in attendance at the 2027 CBD-IAI Annual Conference. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each category, along with a "People's Choice Award" voted on by conference attendees.
If you have any questions or need further information about the Photography Contest, please contact: Emily Vocu at evocu9@gmail.com
Photography Categories
Participants may submit only ONE photograph for each category (Forensic and Creative).
FORENSIC
PHOTOGRAPHY
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This category can include photographs from forensic crime scenes, evidentiary casework, research, training, etc.
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Please do not include any victims, suspects, or other identifiable details related to ongoing investigations in the photograph. Identifiable professionals can only be included in the photograph WITH written consent.
CREATIVE
PHOTOGRAPHY
2027 Theme:
"Blast from the Past"
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Photographs can include any subject matter related to this category, including historical places, items, etc.
Rules and Guidelines
GENERAL RULES
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Participants may submit up to two photographs in total but only ONE photograph per category (Forensic and Creative).
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All entries must be photographed by the participant.
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Entries from past conferences may NOT be submitted.
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Any imaging devices, to include but not limited to digital cameras and cellphones, may be utilized to capture the photographs used for submissions.
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Photographs may be in color or black and white, as well as in landscape or portrait orientation.
POST-PROCESSING
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Basic post-processing is permitted, but the judging will be based on photographic expertise and excellence. If any post-processing is applied, you MUST attach a copy of the original image and include an explanation of your adjustments on the provided Photograph Contest Entry Form (note: the original image does not have to be the same size nor mounted on the same material as the submitted entry but should be clearly visible and at least 5”).
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See Video below for examples of accepted post-processing techniques
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REQUIRED ENTRY
INFORMATION
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Participants must include the following information on the Photography Contest Entry Form (provided after application approval) along with their entries:
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Camera Model
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Lens Model
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Focal Length
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Filter(s)
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ISO
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Aperture
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Shuter Speed
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Post-Processing Techniques (with a copy of the original image)
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etc.
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PRINTING & MOUNTING
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Entries MUST be PRINTED and MOUNTED on a foam board with no borders, no frame, no matting; all sides MUST be at least 8” but no more than 24”.
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On the back of the photograph entry, please include the following information:
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Name
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Agency (if applicable)
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Category
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Title
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Participants MUST comply with all rules and guidelines to be eligible for judging.
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HOW TO ENTER
Submit your application online by January 13, 2027.
To submit your application, please click Enter Contest button above!
After your application is submitted, you will receive an email from a CBD-IAI representative with application approval and a Photography Contest Entry Form.
Print and mount your entries as described above and bring them to the conference, along with your completed Photography Contest Entry Form.
Be sure to follow all rules and guidelines to be eligible for judging
CONTEST SCHEDULE
January 13, 2027
Application Deadline
February 1, 2027
12:00PM
February 1-2, 2027
Participants must bring all photograph entries to the conference registration desk for set up
All entries will be displayed until the banquet on February 2nd, 2027
February 2, 2027
Submissions will be judged by at least three designees
February 2, 2027
6:30PM
Awards will be presented during the banquet
February 3, 2027
Participants must retrieve their printed entries after the banquet and no later than the end of the conference
JUDGING & PRIZES
JUDGING
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Submissions will be judged by at least three designees on Tuesday, February 2, 2027.
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The “People’s Choice Award” will be determined by attendee votes, which will be collected on Tuesday, February 2, 2027.
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Winning photographs will be selected based on:
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Adherence to the theme and rules of the contest
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Subject matter
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Photography skills
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PRIZES
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Forensic Category: $100 cash prize for First Place, $50 merchandise voucher for Second Place
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Creative Category: $100 cash prize for First Place, $50 merchandise voucher for Second Place
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People’s Choice Award: $50 cash prize