Happy 2012!!!

To start the new year off on an awesome note, I’ve decided to give away an engagement session to one lucky couple at no charge!  Even better, this will be a “concept” shoot (also known by some as a ‘stylized’ shoot, or a ‘theme’ shoot) that will be submitted for publication.  Sounds pretty awesome, doesn’t it?

Who can enter?

** Anyone who is currently engaged and will be married before December 31, 2012.

How do you enter the contest?

** Click the “contact us” link at the top of this page and complete the form.  In the “message” section of the form, add that you are interested in entering the contest for the free engagement shoot.

What happens after we contact you?

Once I receive your email, I will reply with the questionnaire for you to complete, and all the information you’ll want for the contest.  Two more steps are needed to complete your submission.

1)  You’ll need to submit TWO PHOTOS of you and your fiancee, one that is full length, and one that is a close-up of both of you.  Both of the images MUST be IN FOCUS without blurring.  It’s best to choose a photo that was taken outdoors (in the shade, or in the sun without sunglasses).  Even better— if you’re both wearing what you would wear for your engagement photos (or similar style to what you would wear for your engagement photos).

2) You’ll need to complete a short application that is used when submitting images for publication.  This application will include questions about your “story” as a couple (how you met, proposal story), your shared interests, individual personalities, etc.  I promise, it’s painless!

What is the entry deadline?

All entries must be received in full by January 31, 2012.  A “complete” entry is one that has contacted us expressing interest in the contest, completed the application form and submitted both photo requirements.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for this contest.

 What are the prize winnings?

Winning entry will receive a 1-2 hour custom photo shoot with Maria Leinen,  a FREE  custom guestbook for their wedding and (1) 16×20 print.

Once we meet all the requirements for entering, what happens next?

On January 31, 2012 the contest will be “closed” from accepting new entries.  From all the submissions, 3-5 finalists will be selected for the final selection process.  Couples who enter but are not chosen for the final selection will be notified via email.

Photos & stories for the selected finalists will be posted online on this website for a week long “voting” competition.  Beginning on February 5, 2012, each of the finalists will be emailed a link to their photos on this website.  They can then email that link to friends and family and ask them to post a comment on their entry.  Comments should be about the couple— such as, how the person knows the couple, or their fondest memory of the couple, or funny stories about the couple.  One comment per person is allowed each day.  For example,  if your friend Jane adds two comments on Feb 1, only ONE of the comments will count as a ‘vote’.  If “Jane” adds one comment on Feb 1 and another comment on Feb 2, this would count as two ‘votes’.

(Please note:  offensive comments on any of the entries will be removed and will not count as a ‘vote’.  Use of profanity within a comment will not be tolerated and will not count as a vote.  If, at any time, Maria Leinen Photography determines any participant has “unsportsmanlike” behavior, they will be disqualified.)

At midnight on February 11, 2012 the contest will end.  Comments will be counted and the winning couple will be notified on February 12, 2012.

 

FINE PRINT:

**Comments added by Maria Leinen Photography employees will not be counted.

**Maria Leinen Photography reserves the right to disqualify any participant at any time for violating the contest guidelines.

**Prize winnings cannot be redeemed for cash value and cannot be exchanged for any other services or products provided by Maria Leinen Photography.

**Engagement session will take place on a Saturday or Sunday (depending on photographer availability) before April 1, 2012.  All efforts will be made to schedule the winning session for a mutually agreed upon weekend, but in the event the session does not take place prior to April 1, 2012, the winners will forfeit all claims to the prize.

**Engagement session will last approximately 1-2 hours at a location chosen by Maria Leinen Photography (will be within DFW/North Texas region).  Winning couple will need to consult with the studio on attire for the session in order to have a cohesive look for the concept shoot.

**No additional purchase is necessary.  Once the session is completed, the couple will have the option to purchase prints at current studio prices, but no purchases are required.

**Couple will be required to sign a contract authorizing use of the images by Maria Leinen Photography for publication, marketing, and advertising needs.

**Please refer to email from Maria Leinen Photography after intial inquiry for the complete list of contest rules.

**Clients already under contract with Maria Leinen Photography for wedding services are not eligible to enter this contest.