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Photography Submissions

At MEC we love to see our members enjoying their gear in the outdoors. We welcome photography submissions of members participating in outdoor activities for use on our website and in our stores.

What We Look For

We are interested in images of our members' journeys as viewed from three key perspectives:

1. The member in context to nature.

Images show the greatness of nature with the member in context.


2. The member doing the activity.

Images show the person in action. They convey the feeling of being there – as if the viewer was part of this adventure. They also show a unique point of view.


3. The member living in the moment.

Personal and candid snapshots of people sharing moments in the outdoors. They don't necessarily refer directly to a specific sport.


Locations

Every year we get hundreds of photos from BC and Alberta where our members play the most. But we know that our members are also out playing in Quebec, the East Coast, and other exotic places – we'd love to see those images too.

People

We like to show the diversity of our membership, and welcome images that show the range of ethnic background, gender, and age of our members.

What We Use Images For

We use images in many ways, large and small. Pictures are chosen based on the design and layout requirements of the particular project.

As our needs change constantly you may be contacted a year or more after submission, when your image becomes a perfect fit for one of our projects. If your photos are not selected, we encourage you to consider re-submitting other great images at a later date.

in-store wall panels

in-store wall panels

 mec.ca

mec.ca
store exterior banners

store exterior banners

 MECmail

MECmail

Restrictions

Main subject models must be MEC members. Wherever possible, they should be using or wearing MEC gear, or gear sold by MEC.

We may want to tell the story behind the image, so we may need to contact models in order to interview them about their outdoor experiences. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for the models, or image use may be restricted.

Technical Considerations

Published photos must be sharp enough to be enlarged considerably. A quality camera with low ISO settings, fast lenses, and high shutter speeds help produce these tack-sharp images.

  • Properly exposed images are bright enough to see detail, yet not be washed out.
  • Submissions can be colour-corrected, but should not be manipulated in any way.
  • Digital images should be from cameras of at least four megapixels in resolution. For enlargements, images should be taken with a DSLR.

Format

  • We prefer to receive digital images, submitted via email, FTP, or on disc.
  • For FTP information please contact photos@mec.ca
  • Low resolution jpeg versions of 800/1000 pixels are acceptable for submission, to be followed up with full resolution jpeg, RAW or DNG files on request.
  • Please keep email attachments under 10MB
  • We will consider 35mm slides, but please do not send prints or negative film.

Compensation Rates

MEC has a comprehensive rates schedule, recently upgraded to offer improved compensation. Compensation is dependent upon the size and nature of image use. For full details please download the PDF version of our image use rates document.

MEC Image Use Rates

How to Submit

  • All submissions must be supplied with the photographer's name, address, phone number and/or email address, as well as the model's name and a brief description of where the photo was taken.
  • This information can be embedded in the photo file's metadata using Photoshop (file>file info) or other programs, or in an attached document.
  • For slides and disks, photographers must include a self-addressed, prepaid envelope so we can return your submission (if required). We cannot be responsible for loss or damage in transit.

You can also post your photos to our Flickr group, MEC photo submissions

www.flickr.com

Find us on Flickr

Model Consent

Photographers are responsible for ensuring they have obtained written consent from their models. In the case of models that are not of legal age, a parent or legal guardian must sign on behalf of the model.

  • If you are mailing files, please enclose written consent from any identifiable individuals.
  • For digital files, please submit consent using one of the following methods:
    • Scan the signed consent documents and email them.
    • Mail or fax completed, signed documents separately.
    • Have the model email Dave Bishop directly.
    • The photographer may assure MEC that they have signed consent, and supply the documents if required.
  • MEC will not be responsible for any payment of models. When quotes are used, models receive a small compensation directly from MEC. However, they will not receive any compensation for the use of their photo alone.

Sample consent for adult models

I consent to [photographer's name]:

  • taking, modifying, distorting, editing, using, publishing, displaying, distributing, selling and otherwise exploiting photographs of me, including in compilations, publications, catalogues, posters, banners, on websites, in advertisements for products and services, in journalistic articles and for other commercial purposes,
  • using my name and likeness in connection with those photographs of me, and
  • permitting third parties to do any of the foregoing.

I waive all rights I might have in the photographs, including any right to inspect or approve of them or the use of them. I also acknowledge that I will not receive any future compensation regardless of how my photographs, name and likeness are used.

I represent and warrant to [photographer's name] that I am at least 19 years old or the age of majority in the jurisdiction where I live (whichever is older).

Date and place of photograph(s):
My name and address:
My signature:
My MEC member #:

Sample consent for child models

I consent to [photographer's name]:

  • taking, modifying, distorting, editing, using, publishing, displaying, distributing, selling and otherwise exploiting photographs of my child, including in compilations, publications, catalogues, posters, banners, on websites, in advertisements for products and services, in journalistic articles and for other commercial purposes,
  • using my child's name and likeness in connection with those photographs of my child, and
  • permitting third parties to do any of the foregoing.

I waive all rights my child and I might have in the photographs, including any right to inspect or approve of them or the use of them. I also acknowledge that my child and I will not receive any future compensation regardless of how my child's photographs, name and likeness are used.

I represent and warrant to [photographer's name] that I am at least 19 years old or the age of majority in the jurisdiction where I live (whichever is older).

Date and place of photograph(s):
My child's name and address:
My name and address:
My signature:
My MEC member #:

Carefully package and send your images to:

Photo Submissions
c/o David Bishop
Communications and Marketing Department
Mountain Equipment Co-op Head Office
149 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V5Y 4A6

Email your submissions, or any questions to photos@mec.ca.


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