The Get Real Photo Contest

This is a historical snapshot of the site from 2007.
The content below is from the site's archived pages.

Daily Winner for Saturday, June 30

~A Gift For My Mom~
By Heather Stokes
Category: Real Kids
 

Photographer's Note

One evening, I was looking after a little girl while her mother was out. She had a wonderful imagination and was eager to play dress-up, exploring my collection of accessories and trinkets. As she rummaged through my jewelry box, she carefully examined each piece, fascinated by their details and possibilities. She delighted in trying on different items, considering how each one might reflect her personality. After much deliberation, she selected a delicate ribbon with a small locket to wear for a special photo she wanted to take for her mother. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she posed, embodying both innocence and creativity in that simple yet meaningful moment. It was a beautiful reminder of how photographs can capture not only expressions but also emotions, relationships, and the small decisions that reflect individuality. This experience reminded me of the power of photography in preserving memories and telling a story. A single image can reflect warmth, love, and family bonds in a way that words often cannot. This is especially true in wedding photography, where a skilled photographer does more than just document an event—they capture the essence of commitment, tradition, and the merging of two families. The best wedding photographers have an eye for those fleeting moments of connection: a father’s proud glance, a mother’s joyful tears, or the laughter of children caught up in the celebration. Photography plays a crucial role in keeping these memories alive, allowing families to revisit and relive moments that define them. Whether it's a casual childhood snapshot or an artfully composed wedding portrait, each image becomes a piece of a family’s visual history, reinforcing the values of love, togetherness, and belonging.

 

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It wouldn't be a real contest without
real cool prizes, now would it?
Check'em out!

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Digital Framez digital photo frame
U.S. $109 value!

Complete with remote control, you can spend hours viewing your favorite photos with this digital slide show frame.

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Canon PowerShot SD800 IS 7.1
U.S. $359 value!

With face recognition and optical stablization technology, this camera lets you shoot your pictures like a pro.

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Toshiba 42" HIDefLCD TV and a Canon PowerShot G7 digital camera
U.S. $1,700 value!

View your pictures on the big screen! This HIDef LCD TV also doubles as a canvas to show off your best photos (taken with your new Canon PowerShot G7!) to family and friends.

 

THE WINDOWS LIVE SPACES “GET REAL” PHOTO CONTEST
OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

By entering the Windows Live Spaces “Get Real Contest” (the “Contest”), you (or, if you have not reached the age of majority in your State/District of residence, your parent or legal guardian) agree to abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Microsoft Corporation (the “Sponsor” who may also be referred to below as “Microsoft”, “we,” “us” or “our”), and the judges which shall be final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Contest.

1.     CONTEST DESCRIPTION: 

This is a skill-based Contest.  The object of this Contest is to submit an original photograph for judging based on public “community” voting. For purpose of this Contest, the photograph you create and submit in the Contest will be called an “entry.”  All eligible entries received will be determined by public “community” voting, and daily, weekly and overall winners will receive the prizes described below.

2.     ELIGIBILITY: 

You are eligible to enter this Contest if you are:

  • a legal resident of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia and
  • an amateur photographer, NOT a professional photographer.   (For the purposes of this Contest, a professional photographer is defined as someone who has generated at least 50% of their annual income from photography work at the time of entry) and
  • at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry; and
  • not employed by Microsoft, or any of our respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, participating vendors or advertising or promotion agencies, or anyone working directly on this program, product and promotion.

3.     START AND END DATES:

The Contest begins at 12:01 AM Pacific Time (“PT”) on May 14, 2007 and ends at 11:59 PM PT on June 30, 2007 (“Entry Period”).  Any entries received after the Entry Period will not be eligible for judging. 

4.     ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

In order to be eligible for judging, an entry must meet the following requirements:

  • Your photograph must be original, must have been created and owned exclusively by you.
  • You must have permission from all recognizable persons featured in the photograph (or their parent / legal guardian if they’re a minor), as well as permission from the owner(s) if copyrighted or trademarked materials are visible in the image.  

Entries may not knowingly contain, as determined by us, in our sole and absolute discretion, any content that:

  • is sexually explicit, unnecessarily violent or derogatory of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group; profane or pornographic;
  • promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing) or a particular political agenda;
  • is obscene or offensive;
  • defames, misrepresents or contains disparaging remarks about other people or companies;
  • contains trademarks, logos, or trade dress (such as distinctive packaging or building exteriors/interiors) owned by others without their permission;
  • contains copyrighted materials owned by others (including photographs, sculptures, paintings, and other works of art or images published on or in websites, television, movies or other media) without their permission;
  • contains materials embodying the names, likenesses, voices, or other indicia identifying any person, (other than the member of your family or community for which you have received consent) including, without limitation, celebrities and/or other public or private figures, living or dead;
  • contains look-alikes of celebrities or other public or private figures, living or dead;
  • communicates messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or good will to which we wish to associate; and/or
  • violates any law.

We reserve the right to modify or reject any entry, in our sole and absolute discretion, that we determine does not meet the above criteria. 

5.     HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:

To enter, you must create a free Windows Live Space, and upload your photographs by following the directions on the Windows Live Space website.  Once uploaded, visit the Contest website at http://www.getrealphotocontest.com and follow the directions for submitting your Windows Live Space URL for entry. 

You may only submit 15 unique entries per day.  If you submit more than 15 unique entries per day, all subsequent entries will be disqualified. 

To be considered “unique” each image must be substantially different than the others you’ve submitted.  So by way of example, you cannot submit multiple images. of the same scene, with the same people and/or items in the images varying slightly.  You must choose the “best” image in that series to submit and cannot submit additional images from the same series.

You may, however, submit multiple images of the same person or the same scene so long as they are unique.  So by way example, you may submit multiple images of the same scene featuring different people in each.  Or you may submit multiple images of the same person so long as they are in substantially unique scenes in each image. 

Given the subjective nature of photography, Microsoft reserves the right to determine the uniqueness of entries, and their decisions are final and binding in all matters relating to the contest.  

Lost, late, incomplete, inaccurate, stolen, misdirected, undelivered and/or garbled entries as well as entries generated by any script, macro or other automated means will be disqualified.

6.     THE JUDGING OF ENTRIES: 

Community voting: Website visitors (including entrants) will be invited to vote on their favorite photos each day.  Visitors are limited to 1 vote per person per day.  In addition, only 5 votes per day may be submitted by the same i.p. address each day.  Visitors may not impersonate another person or commit fraud in attempting to cast multiple votes on a single day.  Visitors may not use any any script, macro or other automated means to submit any votes.  We reserve the right to void any votes that we feel were fraudulently submitted, or submitted in violation of the 1 vote per person and per i.p. address per day rule. 

Contest winners will be determined based on the daily, weekly and overall tally of community voting by visitors to the Contest website. 

Daily winners: For the daily winners, votes for each photo will be tabulated between 12:01 AM ET until 11:59 PM ET each day.   Each day the vote count will be re-set to 0.

Weekly winners: For the weekly winners, votes for each photo will be tabulated between 12:01 AM ET on Sunday until 11:59 PM ET on the following Saturday, for each week during the Entry Period. However, during Week 1, votes will be tabulated between 12:01 AM ET on Monday until 11:59 PM ET on the following Saturday.

Grand Prize winners: For the overall Grand Prize winners, all votes received by each photo during the Entry Period will be tabulated to determine winners. 

Prize Limits:  Regardless of the number of votes your entry accumulates, you may only win1 daily, 1 weekly and 1 Grand Prize.  In other words, you cannot win multiple daily or weekly prizes, but you  can win 1 of each as well as the Grand Prize.

If you have already won a daily or weekly prize and your entry receives the highest number of votes in subsequent days or weeks, the next highest scoring entrant will be named the winner, assuming they have not previously won that prize.  This process will be repeated until an eligible entry is selected each day and week.

 In the event of a tie between any eligible entries, the tie will be broken by a panel of judges from the Windows Live Spaces team, who will the judge the entries that are tied based on the following criteria:

50% Creativity
50% Originality

7.     IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ENTRY:

You (or, if a minor, your parent or legal guardian) warrant and represent that:

  • your entry is your own original work; and
  • it has not been awarded a prize in any other contest;

You waive any claim of infringement (including without limitation copyright, trademark, patent, trade name, trade secret, etc.) against the Promotion Parties (which is defined below) based upon their use of your entry.

In the event of any dispute regarding whether you submitted a particular entry, you must provide us with proof that you are the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the entry in question.

When you submit your entry it becomes our property and it will not be returned.  By submitting your entry, you (or, if you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian):

  • Understand that you are granting us and our designees an irrevocable royalty-free, fully paid up worldwide right and license, in all media (now known or later developed) to: (i) use, review, assess, test and otherwise analyze your entry and all its content in connection with this Contest; and (ii) feature your entry and all its content in connection with the promotion of this Contest and Microsoft products and services.
  • forever release the Promotion Parties from any and all claims you might have in connection with the use of your entry; and
  • agree to sign any necessary documentation that may be required for us and our designees to make use of the rights you granted above. 
  • Understand and acknowledge that the Promotion Parties may have developed or commissioned materials similar or identical to your submission and you waive any claims you may have resulting from any similarities to your entry.
  • Understand that Microsoft cannot control the incoming information you will disclose to our representatives in the course of entering, or what our representatives will remember about your entry. You also understand that Microsoft will not restrict work assignments of representatives who have had access to your entry. By entering this Contest, you agree that use of information in our representatives’ unaided memories in the development or deployment of Microsoft products or services does not create liability for Microsoft under this agreement or trade secret law.  You will not receive any compensation or credit for use of your entry, other than what is described in these Official Rules.
  • Other than what is set forth above, Microsoft is not claiming any license or ownership rights to your entry. 

Please note that following the end of this Contest your entry may be posted on  publicly accessible websites selected by us for viewing by visitors to that website.  The Promotion Parties are not responsible for any unauthorized use of your entry by visitors to this website.  While we reserve these rights, we are not obligated to use your entry for any purpose, even if it has been selected as a winning entry.  If you do (or, if you are a minor, your parent or legal guardian does) not want to grant us these rights to your entry, please do not enter this Contest. 

8.     WINNER NOTIFICATION: 

If you are the winner

  • you will notified by phone or by U.S. mail, overnight mail, or e-mail; and
  • you may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability/Publicity release, unless prohibited by law, within ten (10) days of date of prize notification. 
  • If you are a winner and you (i) do not reply to such notification or the notification is undeliverable, (ii) do not return the Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability/Publicity release completed and signed within ten (10) days of date of prize notification or if you (iii) are not otherwise in compliance with these Official Rules, you will be disqualified and, we may, at our discretion,  notify a runner-up or, if a random drawing prize, randomly select an alternate winner from among all remaining eligible entries received for that monthly drawing. 
  • If you are a winner and accept the prize, you agree that we and our designees shall have the right to use your name, city and state of residence in any and all media now or hereafter known worldwide in perpetuity, without additional compensation, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law. 

9.     PRIZE: 

(48) Daily prize: Digital Framez digital photo frame (Estimated Retail Value, ERV $109)

(7) Weekly prize: A Canon Powershot SD800 IS 7.1 digital camera   (ERV $ 359)

(2) Grand prize: A Toshiba “ 42 HiDef LCD TV and Canon Powershot G7 digital camera (ERV $1, 700 )

If you are a winner:

  • you may not exchange your prize for cash or other merchandise;
  • you may not transfer your prize to someone else. If you do not wish to or cannot accept the prize, it will be forfeited and we may, at our discretion, award it to a runner-up.  We may, however, award a prize of comparable or greater value, at our discretion;
  • you are responsible for all federal, state, provincial and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes) as well as any other costs and expenses associated with accepting and/or using the prize that are not included above as being part of the prize award;
  • you understand you are accepting the prize “as is” with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied by us; and
  • you understand that all prize details shall be determined by us.

10.     LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:

The Promotion Parties are not responsible for any liability, cost or injury incurred by Participants arising out of or in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, the following.

  • lost, late, incomplete, inaccurate, stolen, fraudulent, misdirected, undelivered, interrupted, damaged, delayed or postage-due reports, entries, mail or other information;
  • any incorrect or inaccurate information or error or defect of any kind regardless of who it is caused by, or the means by which it occurred; or
  • equipment, software, network or systems that fail, have viruses or other problems, are breached or that cause injury or damage to participants or their property.

By entering this Contest, you agree to, and hereby release and hold harmless Microsoft, its parent company, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising or promotion agencies, and anyone working directly or indirectly on this program, product and promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees and representatives (which for the purpose of these Official Rules will be referred to together as the “Promotion Parties”) from any and all liability or any injuries, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with this Contest or acceptance and use of any prize.

11.     GENERAL CONDITIONS:

This Contest is governed by Washington law.  You agree that the jurisdiction and venue for the handling of any disputes or actions arising out of this Contest shall be in the courts of the State of Washington. 

If, for any reason, the Contest is not capable of running as planned for any reason, including, without limitation, the reasons set forth above, we reserve the right at our sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest.  If a solution cannot be found to restore the integrity of the Contest, we may, at our sole discretion, determine the winners of this Contest using all non-suspect, eligible customer redemption reports and/or entries received (as applicable) before we had to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. 

We may disqualify you from participating in the Contest or winning a prize (and void your participation in the other promotions we may offer) if, in our sole discretion, we determine you are attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest by cheating, deception or other unfair playing practices, or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass us, any other entrant or our representatives or if you are otherwise not in compliance with the terms of these Official Rules.  CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY YOU OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM YOU TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

12.     WINNERS LIST:

Winners will be posted on the contest website.

13.     SPONSOR: 

This Contest is sponsored by Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052. 

 

 

More Background on GetRealPhotoContest.com

GetRealPhotoContest.com was a photography contest platform, originally tied to Microsoft’s Windows Live Spaces initiative, that ran a community-driven photo competition. Unlike many professional photo contests, GetRealPhotoContest.com focused on amateur photographers, offering a space where non-professionals could showcase their creativity and photographic skills. The contest used a public voting system, emphasizing community involvement in determining the winners.

History and Context

The contest launched in 2007 as part of Microsoft’s efforts to engage users of its Windows Live Spaces social platform. This platform was designed for casual photographers who wanted to share their work with a broader audience, with the added thrill of competition and the chance to win significant prizes. The contest was relatively short-lived, with entries accepted only between May and June of 2007. During its brief run, the contest became a popular outlet for amateur photographers who enjoyed the simple mechanics of uploading photos and participating in daily, weekly, and grand prize competitions.

Microsoft’s intent was to create a highly accessible and user-friendly contest, which was reflected in the platform’s rules and entry requirements. The only eligibility criteria were that entrants had to be legal U.S. residents and amateur photographers, which differentiated it from many professional contests.

Audience and Cultural Impact

The audience for GetRealPhotoContest.com was broad, encompassing a wide range of users who engaged with the Windows Live Spaces ecosystem. With the accessibility of digital cameras growing in the mid-2000s, more people were exploring photography as a hobby, and this contest provided a structured way to share their work. The cultural significance of the platform was in its ability to foster creativity among everyday people rather than seasoned professionals.

By encouraging community voting, the contest fostered a more democratic approach to photography, where popular opinion played a crucial role in determining the winners. This grassroots approach to photography contests was emblematic of the early Web 2.0 era, where user-generated content and social participation became hallmarks of online communities. The contest provided not just a platform for artistic expression but also a way for individuals to feel connected through shared experiences and public recognition.

Contest Mechanics and Prizes

The contest had a straightforward entry process: participants created a Windows Live Space, uploaded their photos, and submitted the URL of their gallery to the contest. This process emphasized Microsoft’s desire to drive traffic and engagement to its platform. There were limits on how many photos could be submitted daily to ensure fairness, and rules were put in place to maintain the integrity of the voting process, such as limiting the number of votes per IP address.

Prizes ranged from digital photo frames and Canon PowerShot cameras to larger rewards such as a 42” Hi-Definition LCD TV, which was the grand prize. These rewards were designed to appeal to casual photographers by enhancing their photo-viewing experience or helping them further develop their skills.

Challenges and Reception

While the contest was a fun and innovative way to engage users of Windows Live Spaces, it faced some challenges. Like many other user-generated content contests, it had to battle issues of voting fraud and favoritism. While community voting was designed to promote inclusivity and engagement, it also opened the door for potential manipulation, such as vote tampering via multiple accounts or coordinated voting efforts. Despite these challenges, many participants appreciated the platform's transparency and the clear-cut rules governing photo submissions and voting.

The reception to GetRealPhotoContest.com was generally positive within its niche audience. The contest was featured in various online discussions, particularly in forums dedicated to amateur photography. Some participants noted the uniqueness of the competition in providing a non-professional space for photo lovers.

Press and Media Coverage

The contest received moderate attention in the media, particularly in tech and photography blogs that covered Microsoft’s broader push to integrate social and creative tools into its Windows Live ecosystem. Microsoft’s press coverage at the time was more focused on its larger initiatives, including its competition with Yahoo! and Google, but the contest was mentioned as part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to build community-based tools and platforms. It highlighted the role of creativity in personal technology and reflected the growing trend of user-generated content.

Legacy and Significance

Although the contest was short-lived, it represented a shift in how photography contests could be organized online. GetRealPhotoContest.com was one of many early platforms that recognized the importance of democratizing creative expression. By focusing on amateur photographers and allowing public voting, it mirrored the early ethos of social media, where content creation and community engagement were paramount.

Today, platforms like Instagram have largely taken over the role that contests like GetRealPhotoContest.com once filled, but the cultural impact of such early contests remains significant. They were among the first to show that creative contests could thrive in an online, community-driven environment, laying the groundwork for future platforms that blend social engagement with creative output.

GetRealPhotoContest.com provided a unique space for amateur photographers to share their work and be recognized by their peers. Though short-lived, its emphasis on community voting and public participation captured the spirit of the Web 2.0 era. The contest's legacy lies in its democratization of photography contests and its role in Microsoft's larger push to create engaging, user-driven platforms. The site is a historical marker of a time when amateur creators began to carve out spaces for themselves in the growing digital landscape.

GetRealPhotoContest.com