Travel Photography Scholarship 2019
The scholarship is not open to professional photographers of any kind.
This is a 'learning opportunity' for someone who is looking for an introduction into the travel photography industry and, more importantly, is keen to be mentored.
For the purposes of this opportunity, we would consider you to be professional photographer if you have been published regularly in commercial blogs, newspapers, magazines or journals. We would also consider you to be a professional photographer if you derive more than 25% of your income from photography of any kind. We will be asking the finalists to outline their experience in photography to date.
Please consider the spirit of the program which is intended to help those with a burning desire to be a professional travel photographer and need some help getting started.
Unless you live in Mongolia, you will need a current passport with at least six months left before expiry.
We'll assist the winner where we can in acquiring a visa and reimburse all associated visa costs. However, the applicant must be eligible to obtain a Mongolian visa.
You will work through a specific shot list of 100 photos that will be commissioned by the scholarship partners as part of your assignment. On your return, you will work with Richard I'Anson through the editorial process to shortlist your top photographs and color balance to achieve professional looking shots.
In addition to this, you will also produce a photo story which we will share on the 'Stories' section of WorldNomads.com. You will also be required to keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and submit this, along with the photos you've taken, to World Nomads to be used on your 'On Assignment' scholarship page.
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62 Comments
Hi, really excited to put my application together, it sounds like an amazing opportunity. Can I apply with a photos I took on a trip last year?
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Hi Kelly,
You sure can! Look forward to seeing your application.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
are scholarships open for everyone?
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Hi Adrian,
This scholarship is for people 18 years and over who are not professional photographers. Read the FAQs above under 'Eligibility' for more detail to see if you fit the bill.
All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
Is there any limit as to when the photos were taken? I travelled for a year in 2014-2015 and would like to use images from then, is that eligible? Thank you...
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Hi Alison,
There's no limit – just make sure you've still got the original RAW files.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, can images be mildly edited in RAW-processing software such as Lightroom (temperature, exposition, contrast, etc.)?
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Hi Aaron,
Yes you may edit your images – but as you can see in past year's successful applications, it's best to keep them to a minimum. We will be asking for the original RAW files to compare should you reach the final round of judging.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
2 questions:
1. Is there an age limit? Would you honestly consider choosing someone in their 60s?
2. I work as a photographer but derive less than 25% of my income from photography jobs. Also, I've never been published except on Instagram. Does that count?
In short, am I eligible to apply for this award?
Thank you!
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Hi Scarlett,
Thanks for your questions!
1. There is no age limit to who can apply. What the judges will be looking for is a talented aspiring photographer who will benefit from the mentorship opportunity. So if you think you fit the bill then it's worth a shot regardless of age.
2. If you earn less than 25% of your income as a photographer then we would not consider you a professional.
So in short - yes! Best of luck,
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
I have been doing mobile photography for some years now. Can I submit my photos which I took from my last trip ?
Also, I have just bought a camera last week.
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Hi Sourav,
There is no requirement for photos to be taken using any particular equipment. Submit what you think works best – it's all about the image. Have a look at the winning photographs of our previous photography scholarships (find the 2018 shortlist and winner here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results) and see how your photos compare.
If you did want to take a photo story using your new camera – there's still time and could be a great opportunity to practice. Remember, the photo story can be from any place you've visited, even if it's just your own backyard.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
I have a question about slight nudity. Is it okay if an exposed buttocks is featured in one of the pictures? It is a necessary part of a tribal ceremony.
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Hi Eric,
Yes that's ok. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
I shoot a lot of film but the scans are only JPG files, I wouldn't be able to provide a RAW file. Will this be an issue? Should I only use digital photos?
Thanks!
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Hi Kate,
If you've used film to shoot, an untouched scan JPG file will be accepted.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
I'm a little unclear on what you consider to be regularly published photographer.
Do you gauge this any measurables, i.e. on publications in a given year? or is it in totality? (I've had work published in some notable publications over the course of the past 12 years but I wouldn't consider it to be regular- Once or twice a year at most) I also don't draw anywhere close to 25% of my income from photography and work primarily in a field unrelated to photography.
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Hi Dan,
We take it on a case by case basis rather than having a set number. From the sounds of it as it's not your primary source of income we wouldn't consider you a professional so you are eligible to apply.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
Can we create a story of pictures shot at evening/night time? Or should we only post day time photos?
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Hi Anoop,
You can submit with photos from any time of day.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello! Looking forward to submitting for this contest. A few questions;
1. How does touching up photos play into judgement? For example; significantly (or even modestly) cropping a photo, or messing with a photo's contrast, temperature, saturation, etc (I am mostly concerned about if cropping is allowed)?
2. Can a still image from video be submitted?
3. I read that you cannot do any kind of multiple exposure, but what about a single long exposure?
4. Can you submit photos taken from different devices (say, a few photos from an iPhone and a few from a DSLR)?
Thanks!
-Angelo
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Hi Angelo,
1. Cropping is allowed but best to keep digital adjustments to a minimum. The judges are looking for your photography skills behind the camera.
2. As above, the judges are looking to see your photography skills. We will be requiring the untouched original images should you make the shortlist and a video submission will not be acceptable for this.
3. Yes, single exposure is ok.
4. Yes, however using one device helps with continuity and consistency throughout the photo story.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Not sure if dodging and burning is allowed... I use lightroom to fix RAWS that were taken too dark/bright
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Hi Luke,
While it is allowed, it's best to keep digital adjustments to a minimum. The judges are looking for you photography skills behind the camera, not how well you can use Lightroom or Photoshop. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Is it allowed to have a picture not taken by myself, but that was taken with my camera and with my direction in which I am the subject?
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Hi Thomas,
The person applying needs to be the person taking the photo, so this would not be allowed. All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello. I've submitted my photographs. There was some internet connection error so I clicked submit twice. Now my submission appear twice in your applications tab. Please advise and thank you :)
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Hi Dwintha,
Can you please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with a link to the application you would like removed.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
In the past I have worked has professional photographer and I also have academic photography background. My work is not published in magazines or other places except my own social media. I am not making profit with my work, though I deeply wish I could make a livelihood has a photographer. I am eligible to participate?
Thank you.
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Hi Gastão,
For the purposes of this scholarship, we would not consider you a professional so you are eligible to apply.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
Can the images be of my hometown or my locality? or, It has to be somewhere I went for a trip or so?
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Hi Subhamoy,
Of course you can submit a photo story from your hometown. Sometimes the story that seems the most obvious to you is the most interesting to others.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, are photos that taken from mobile is acceptable? I mean mobile does not have RAW file
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Hi Ali,
There is no requirement for photos to be taken using any particular equipment. Submit what you think works best – it's all about the image. Have a look at the winning photographs of our previous photography scholarships (find the 2018 shortlist and winner here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results) and see how your photos compare.
We'll ask for the original untouched file should you make the shortlist.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi. I am new to this so can u please explain or let me know what does that mean when u say Caption or story.. Do I have to write a few lines abt that picture explaining what is it really about or Just have to mention some thought
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Hi Chandan,
Use your captions to compliment your photo story and add thoughtful depth. You can use them to add more information on the image. Try think about what you find most interesting about the image. You can look at previous shortlisted and winning applications here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, I have a question about timing. It's planned to work on the images after the trip with Richard. Does that mean *immediately* after the trip? I'm just asking because I have fixed backcountry plans from July 15 to 23, 2020. That does not interfere with the trip dates but might spoil planned post-production sessions scheduled right after that. Thanks, Jan
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Hi Jan,
We'll provide you with a date that your images are due. It's usually a month or 2 after the completion of the trip to allow time to review and process the images. All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Would an entry still be accepted if I only still have 4 of the RAW images?
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Hi Charlotte,
As long as you have an untouched original file of the image that will do. You'll only need to submit should you make the shortlist so if there are any issues we can discuss with you at that stage. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, I've submitted my 5 photos for the scholarship contest, however 3 of the photos weren't uploaded correctly, could you please withdraw my submission so I can upload them again ? Thanks
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Hi Fei,
Please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with a link to the application you'd like removed and we can help you from there.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, could you please tell me if 18 year-old photographers(by the time of the trip) will be eligible? Or only the ones who already are?
Hi!
My Application has been uploaded twice by mistake. Could you please delete one of the two?
Thank you!
Clemente
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Hi Clemente,
Please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with a link to the application you would like deleted.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi there,
What are your rules regarding portrait photography? Do we need to have consent from identifiable subjects?
Thank you,
Katie
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Hi Katie,
Good question. It is your responsibility as the photographer to ensure the identifiable subjects of your photographs are aware that their images are being used and have provided you with their consent.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
I have a dual citizenship and am currently on a gap year living with family in Australia till September 2020. I live in both Australia and Canada... but spend more time in Canada.
Should I be placing Canada or Australia as my country of residence? I wanted to ask just in case it would cause issues.
thanks :)
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Hi Malena,
If you're a dual citizen then it's totally up to you which you choose. It won't have any effect on the application process. So maybe choose the country you spend the most time living in, Canada in your case.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
In looking at your previous winners, I see that all of the images showed people. Although I enjoy photographing people - and would love to get better at it - in other places of the world, people shots are not my forte.
Should I even bother entering if most or all of my images would not involve people?
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Hi Claudia,
As part of the brief the images must work cohesively to tell a story from a place. In the past this has been most successfully demonstrated through showing stories of people in a place. If you think you are able to tell a strong story through your images not containing people then of course it is most definitely worth entering.
The judges are always looking for diverse and interesting story angles from applicants, so as long as you are fulfilling the brief then play to your strengths as a photographer.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
I am very interested in applying for this trip! I generally take photographs of wildlife and landscapes. Is it okay if my 5-image story does not contain human subjects, but is rather of wildlife and the surrounding environment?
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Hi Joshua,
See the above answer for Claudia. If you are choosing to use photographs of wildlife and landscapes make sure you focus on a single cohesive story to tell with your images.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi there, I was hoping to submit pictures from a trip to Antarctica a year ago now, but it does not appear in your list of countries. What should I do?
Thanks!
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Hi Bianca,
It has come to our attention that we've missed Antarctica from the list of location countries. We'll be sure to add it in next year. For now just put your country of residence, it won't be an issue when it comes to judging.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi
Apologies if I missed it but I could quite understand if all the photos had to be taken in a single country? I take a lot of photos of people and they tell my story even if they're not from the same country, could I submit images from multiple countries with my story or is it supposed to be located in a single country and be telling a story for that trip alone?
Thanks
Simone
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Hi Simone,
Happy to clarify for you. In the brief it states that the judges will be looking for a photo story that tells a story from a place, so yes it would mean all from the same location. Applications that have done this best in the past have focused in on a particular interesting angle or event in their chosen location. You can look at previous winning and shortlisted applications to here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello! I had a doubt about the story telling. Do all five images have to tell one story or each image can tell it's individual story?
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Hi Mrunmayi,
All images must work together to tell a single story.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
If I took a trip over the continental US can I use pictures from different states or do they have to be all from the same city or state?
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Hi Thomas,
As in the brief, the judges will be looking for you to tell a story from a place through images. This can be difficult to do with images from different locations.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Are mobile photos allowed?
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Hi Heba,
There is no requirement for photos to be taken using any particular equipment. Submit what you think works best – it's all about the image.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Simply wondering if the excursion to Mongolia includes any flight bypasses through countries that would arrest individuals for governmental-critical statements made on social media e.g. China/Myanmar/Thailand (though for Thailand it's usually monarchy-criticism) Since aah I may have criticized the Chinese government a couple of times on the internet
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Hi Bollis,
As we don't know who the winner will be, we haven't organised their transportation to Mongolia. As long as you're eligible for a Mongolian visa you're eligible to apply.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi, I just submitted my 5 photos - very excited :)
However, I noticed that there is no image protection and anyone can simply open my image in a new tab. I uploaded 2mb photos however am concerned that the quality is good enough for others to "steal" my photos.
Is it possible for me to replace my photos with lower quality (e.g. 300kb)?
Thanks.
Terry
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Hi Terry,
Are you please able to email scholarships@worldnomads.com with your issue. We can help you from there.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi,
I am not professional photographer, I am fineart student and I don't have any professional camera, I take my all photos from mobile. My question is professional camera is compulsory while going to this trip otherwise mobile's are allowed to take photo's?
Thanks!
Om
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Hi Om,
If you are able to demonstrate you have an excellent eye for telling a story through images and have demonstrated your photography skills through your application, we will look past gear limitations.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hey, do you have some old applications as an example for us to look up?
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Hi Lucas,
Yes we do. You can view winning and shortlisted applications from 2018 here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results and from 2017 here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2017/results.
All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Good morning,
just a question, there's something that I don't understand very well.. Do you only accept photographs that, in no way, have been retouched or slightly is it possible?
Thanks to clarify that!
Regards ;)
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Hi Guilio,
Minor adjustments are ok.
Good luck,
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
I am trying to submit an application but the country my photos were taken in isn't in the drop down menu. what do i do, it is a required field? The country is Scotland.
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Hi Chris,
Put down Great Britain.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Are panoramas allowed?
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Hi Pearse,
Panoramas are allowed by just be conscious how they'll look on the application when you submit.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
I am not 18 yet. I was just wondering if this is an annual competition?
Thanks - Lucy
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Hi Lucy,
Great to hear you're interested in future scholarships. We've run the photography scholarship for the past 14 years, so it's safe to say it's on our radar to plan one for next year. The dates and location for the trip will be different. You can sign up to hear all the latest scholarships updates on this page here: https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/
Look forward to seeing your application in the coming years.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
I’m Pawan Gorantla, is it compulsory to follow the guideline of 940 Pixels on the maximum length of the photograph?
As there’s no such mention of such requirement on the home page. I read about this guideline in one of the FAQ questions “what resolution do you recommend for my photos?”
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Hi Pawan,
It's not compulsory, just a recommendation on what works best on our site.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi!
I am writing regarding nudity in pictures. My project covered a cultural tradition, where females had a bare upper body. Is it allowed to show nipples or not?
Kind regards,
Laura
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Hi Laura,
Nudity in the context of culturally appropriate situations is fine.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi!
Will DNG files be fine instead of RAW files?
Kind regards,
Laura
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Hi Laura,
Yes they will be.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hi there, Can I submit photos shot with 35mm film?
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Hi Madhava,
Yes you may. They just need to be in a format that can be uploaded to the application form.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Does it matter if the photos submitted in the application are, for example, more people or urban-oriented when the trip (in this case, Mongolia) may have more wildlife and landscape? should you try to showcase that you can do a particular type of photo?
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Hi Therese,
The judges will be looking for strong photography skills and the ability to tell a story through images. So it's not important on the setting, just that you've got a good story to tell and can demonstrate your skills behind the camera.
Best of luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Sir, can i submit edited pics or i have to submit the clicked shots only without any alterations.
Do I have to pay for participation in the competition?
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Hi Julia,
It's free to apply. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Do I get a sertificate after join this competition even i didn't win?
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Hi Helena,
The winner and shortlisted applications will receive a certificate of achievement.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello, is the photographer signature (mark) accepted on the submit pictures?
(Great project by the way, thanks!)
Thank you
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Hi Elisa,
We don't have rules regarding signatures on images so you can use them if you wish. Best to do it subtlety so they don't detract from the image. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello, my name is Alejandro, I am interested in participating of the Photography Scholarship to Mongolia
I am fond of photography and I have been traveling for approximately two years, because of this it is hard for me to keep all the RAW files, since many times I do not have storage media. I would like to know if I can participate with a series of photographs which I keep the JEPG without any editing. thanks
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Hi Alejandro,
In the case that RAW files cannot be provided, an untouched JPEG file will suffice. Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello!
Apologies if I'm missed, but I'm wondering about the RAW files that should be provided in the future. Does the RAW files mean the unalterated photo file or the photo file in .CR2 / .CRW format?
Cheers, Ardhitya.
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Hi Ardhitya,
The RAW files must be the original unedited photo file.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
What are the requirement or limits in terms of nudity or death? Will photographs depicting any of the two be accepted?
Regards,
Mariusz
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Hi Mariusz,
Good question. Such images must be taken showing respect to the subject and their community. As long as the subjects are portrayed within their cultural context and with full consent from the subjects (or in the case where consent cannot be given from the family and community) we won't have a problem with them.
All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
My camara is my iphone. Am I allowed?
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Hi Gaby,
There is no requirement for photos to be taken using any particular equipment. Submit what you think works best – it's all about the image. Have a look at the winning photographs of our previous photography scholarships (https://www.worldnomads.com/create/scholarships/photography/2018/results) and see how your photos compare.
- Bec, World Nomads
Can I use pictures portraying children or people in general?
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Hi Silvia,
It is your responsibility as the photographer to ensure the identifiable subjects of your photographs are aware that their images are being used and have provided you with their consent.
- Bec, World Nomads
Dear sir, i would like to clarify on the phrase "best 5 images that tell a story from a place you've visited." Does "a place" implies the country or must it be a specific state or town or a single event/festival? Would love to be enlightened on this. Thank you.
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Hi Eng,
We've found the best photo stories focus in on one aspect of a place rather than a broad overview of a country.
Good luck!
- Bec, World Nomads
Is it ok to remove spots that a caused by dust on the sensor? Thanks!
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Hi Elina,
Minor edits are allowed.
- Bec, World Nomads
I see above panoramas are admitted, but also multiple shots are not. If it is a panorama composed of several shots stitched together digitally does it count as a panorama and therefore is allowed or as a multiple shot image with digital manipullation and is hence not allowed?
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Hi Filipe,
Yes, we will allow panoramas for this scholarship. Other multi-shot compositions are not allowed.
- Bec, World Nomads
Hello,
I've used a film camera to take my photos and some of them are double exposed on purpose but I've not done it in the darkroom or digital. Is that ok or not allowed?
Many Thanks
Sally
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Hi Sally,
Yes that is ok.
- Bec, World Nomads
I'm unable to upload, I have tried multiple times, it always gives error .
error: Please upload Photo 4
I have uploaded it multiple times, but it is of no use.
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Hi Ayush,
Please email scholarships@worldnomads.com and attach the image that is causing the error.
All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Sir/Ma'am
One of the 5 pictures I uploaded is not visible although its caption can be seen. I have mailed also regarding the same issue.
What should I do?
Essay title - Small school, Big dreams
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Hi Palash, I've replied to your email. All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Looks as though my story has been submitted four times, they are all the same photos and captions but for some reason it uploaded multiple times. hopefully not an issue
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Hi Maddie,
Please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with the duplicate applications you would like deleted.
All the best,
- Bec, World Nomads
Dear sir, I key in my name wrongly. Is there any way i can amend my application?
Thank you.