Giving back...

When Facebook announced in May 2011 that they would no longer allow fansites to "legally" have contests, I wasn't sure how I would be able to give back to my clients, fans, and friends. You have all helped me build my business from nothing and I didn't like that I wouldn't be able to hold contests or Friday Giveaways anymore. I've read so many blogs about how to try and get around the rules, but I am not a rule-breaker, and I don't want to take the chance that my page will be taken down. If you'd like to read the rules, you can do so here:

https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php

Pages are no longer allowed to have people "like" a page to place a vote, and you can't even "vote" by having someone "like" a picture. In fact, since Facebook made their changes a few months ago, Facebook users don't even have to "like" a page to comment on a status or picture.

So, I wondered, how do I get around that? Well, I get around it by not even involving Facebook. I have a contest through my blog, which isn't associated with Facebook in the slightest. I can talk about my blog on Facebook, but I am not going to ask anyone to "like" my page or vote by "liking" a picture or a status. I do hope, though, out of the kindness of your heart that you might recommend my page to your friends and family, but it is not required to enter this contest.

And now, onto the contest! ONE winner will be chosen every few months to receive a 45-minute session and 20 edited images on CD. All sessions will take place at a location of my choice. Winners will be chosen by a panel of three judges (who will remain anonymous). There will be no harsh words towards any winners (or losers), or the contest will be ended immediately.

I will have five different categories for winners throughout the year. And the rules, they're simple:

1. To enter someone, please send me an email (to: katyg@katygittophotography.com) about who you are entering in the contest, why you are entering them, and why they deserve this photo session. Please also include as recent a photo as you can find. It is not necessary that the person you are entering "likes" KGP, but it would be nice to give them a head's up. :-)

2. All winners must be willing to travel to the location I select (most likely in Belton or Lee's Summit).

3. Winners will be notified via email (winners will not be named on Facebook, but you can find a winner's list on my blog). Images from their session will be posted on Facebook, though.

4. Winners will receive a 45-minute session and 20 edited high-res images on CD, as well as reproduction rights to their images.

And for the month of January, I would love to give back to:

AN ACTIVE MILITARY FAMILY

I can never begin to thank all that the armed forces do for our country. I am forever grateful to them, and so it is important to me to try and give one US armed forces member a photo session with their family.

Starting January 7th, 2012, please send all nominations to me at katyg@katygittophotography.com. Please remember that the person you nominate must be willing to travel to me. I will stop accepting applications on January 21st, and a winner will be announced on my blog on January 28th.

Thank you for your support so I can give back to YOU!

LEGAL STUFF: This promotion is in NO WAY sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You will NOT be notified publicly via Facebook if you are a winner. You MUST be 18 to participate. By entering this giveaway, you are providing information to Katy Gitto Photography and NOT to Facebook. Prizes do not have cash value. There will be no returns/exchanges on any of the items. Items are not transferable.