FAQ

Q: What is In Your Lens?

A: It’s a photo submission blog that strives to show off people’s best work, but more importantly, their stories. (You’ll hear that word a lot here.) Every little second, every stranger, every neighbor in our lives is part of our story - and I think everyone has a worthwhile one.

IYL also takes its name from Peter Gabriel’s famous song, “In Your Eyes.” Life holds a certain romance, and sometimes expressing that through photography is the only way to go. Readers will view this site through your lens, your eyes, nothing else.

Q: Why limit IYL to West Coast photographers?

A: Since IYL is just starting off, I wanted to constrain it somehow and start with a realistic mission. I’m also a taaaad biased: most of my friends are on or from the West Coast.

Q: Who are you, and why are you asking for my photos?

A: I’m not looking to call your talent my own. I’m just another college student who loves sharing people’s stories and talents with others. I believe everyone has something to say. They just need an outlet. 

Q: What are the submission guidelines?

A: OK, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. First off, I don’t consider myself a photography expert, so don’t think of this place as an intimidating area you have to break into. I don’t plan on selecting the bad from the good for the weekly themes. However, the monthly themes will be illustrated in a special e-magazine, so I will select the strongest pieces for that.

Experience is not a requirement; heart is. That being said, I reserve the right to decline any super amateur photos that don’t have a reason or story behind them. (By amateur, I mean pixelated camera phone quality, out of focus without purpose, etc.) 

- You may submit up to three photos for weekly themes and five for the monthly. Only one out of the five will be selected for the monthly e-mag, but all three will most likely make it through. Make sure the photos are a reasonably large size.

- In every submission, please include a brief caption of the photo’s story and your name, location, e-mail, and personal blurb. (Your e-mail will not be publicly disclosed, but I would like it, in case I need to contact you for any reason. Don’t worry, I’m not a spammer!) A personal link isn’t necessary, but if you would like people to be able to find you, feel free to include one.

- Be creative! Have fun! Be honest!

- Only submit your own work. 

- Make sure the people in your photos don’t have any issues with being displayed on this site.

—-

Contact: inyourlens@gmail.com (I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.)

Thank you so much for your support and interest in this project. If there’s a question I haven’t covered, which is pretty likely, please let me know!