The following is a list of rules and procedures for this event:

1. No more than 2 students from each team can register for this competition.
2. This competition is NOT a team effort. Each competitor must turn in a separate piece of work.
3. MIST ID and order of competition will be pre-assigned on a random selection basis.
4. Competitors shall report at the appropriate time and place designated for the interview.
5. Competitors shall be introduced to the judges by their MIST IDs.
6. All Artwork must be labeled with the MIST ID ONLY. If the contestant name appears anywhere on the artwork, it will be disqualified.
7. The picture must reflect on this year's theme and can be of any inanimate OR animate object. It must be the competitor's own work from beginning to end, including taking the picture. Picture must be taken exlusively for this competition (pictures from previous years may not be used). Competitors will be asked how and why they came up with their ideas.
8. Picture may NOT be digitally modified.
9. The picture must be displayed in photography style mounting. Suggestions for mounting include: mat board, illustration board. Please affix artwork to the mounting material with spray glue or tape. Do not use staples, paper clips or any glues that could seep through and damage the artwork. Please do not use cardboard for mounting artwork and do not use any frames.
10. Artwork should not be rolled or folded.
11. The picture must be a minimum of 8x10 or larger.
12. Each participant will be interviewed for five (5) minutes to describe the purpose and inspiration of the photograph.
13. A typed short explanation of the artwork, no more than ONE page must be included with the artwork. The explanation will include what the artwork is about and what inspired the participant to make it. Judging will be based on the explanation provided in the interview and the photograph itself.
14. Judging criteria will be based upon the official MIST National Ballot.
15. Tips from Judges:
    • Stick to the theme when you are planning your picture. Do not go through your pictures, find one that you like, and think of how it can relate to the theme; don't fall into this trap! More than likely your photograph will lack creativity and originality and you will lose points on that basis. A better way to approach this is to have the theme in front of you and jot down a few ideas that you think would be relative to the theme. After you have several ideas down pick two or three that you really like and are excited about, and go on from there. Using the latter approach will give your photograph a more original and personal touch.
    • Make sure that you take the picture yourself. All work (taking the photograph, etc) from the beginning to the end must be your original work.
    • Don't forget to include a written explanation of the photograph. It does not have to be long or eloquent; just make it concise, simple, and to the point.
    • Make sure that you matte your photograph. The simplicity of the matting will allow your photograph to speak for itself.
    • Remember that enlarging a picture may cause it to become grainy and to lose detail. Keep the quality of your picture in mind when you consider enlarging it.
    • When taking your photograph, consider different angles, heights, and other variations. Take several shots, so that you can choose which one will work best.
    • Go to Circle of Photographers Advice on Taking Photo's for more tips and advice on photography.