FAQ

Image Capture

When can I start shooting for the challenges?

You can start shooting for any of the challenges any time after the start date of the course, including during Orientation Week.

What should I do before I start planning my shots and shooting for the challenges?

Definitely watch the instructional video (with full multi-language captions if required) for the challenge from start to finish, taking special note of the brief. The full content of the video, including example images, is included underneath the video.

Some challenges also have behind the scenes videos from Charlotte and Craig, which can be helpful to watch before you go out shooting for the challenge.

What's the best way to remember the brief and challenge requirements while I am out shooting?

We recommend downloading the Cheat Sheet from the challenge instructions page. On a blank memory card, take a photo of this with your camera (of a printout, or of your computer's screen) so it is the first image on your card. As you are shooting, when you review your images, just go forwards one shot to conveniently access it on the back of your camera.

How else can I access the instructions while I am out shooting?

You can download an app to your mobile device that allows to you access all your Unleashed Education content. It's called Kajabi and you can download it from here.

Can I submit images taken before the course start date?

No, you can not. The idea of the challenges is to encourage you to venture out and shoot regularly, while learning new skills and brushing up on old ones.

We expect you to participate in the course fully and shoot new images for each individual challenge, rather than just delving into your image library for past images to share.

We will be checking the capture date on all submitted images, and any images found to have been taken before the start date of the course will not be accepted.

Do the photos for each challenge need to be taken during the two weeks of that challenge?

No, you can shoot for any challenge at any time during the six months the course is running. This allows you to plan shoots in advance if you need to, and even submit images early to get ahead.

I have been enrolled in this challenge previously, can I submit images taken during the last course?

If you were enrolled in a previous running of this same course, you may resubmit the exact same image and it will count towards your final portfolio.

However, if you submit the same exact image, you will not receive feedback and the image will not be considered for Top 20 or Top 10 placings.

You can receive feedback on images taken during the last course that have not been submitted previously though, including from the same shoot.

Can I include people in my images?

Yes, just as long as the pet is the main subject, and the brief is met.

Can I submit studio images?

Yes, just as long as the image meets the brief. Some challenges will not be suitable for studio capture.

Can I submit images of pets other than dogs?

Yes, just as long as the image meets the brief. Some challenges may not be suitable for pets other than dogs.

Can I submit images of animals in the wild, or wild animals in captivity?

Images must be of a domestic animal (pets and farm animals). No wild or captive wild animals are permitted.

Are there any styles of image that are not allowed?

Images where the safety of the dog is threatened or images that promote unsafe practices may not be submitted to the challenge. This includes but is not limited to: dogs on railways tracks and powder images.

How many images can I submit to each challenge?

Just one image will be accepted per challenge. Resubmissions will overwrite previous submissions.

Editing

Can I use any editing program to edit my images for the challenge?

Yes, you may. However we cannot provide editing support if you are using a program other than Adobe Lightroom Classic or Adobe Photoshop.

Can I submit a composite?

Yes, you may submit an image that is composed of multiple images combined. However, all elements need to be created by you (no stock photos allowed) and all elements need to be captured within the six month time frame of the course.

Can I use Generative Fill in Photoshop (or other AI technology) to edit my challenge images?

You may, but please refer to the rules for important usage guidelines.

Community

Do I need to access the community to complete the course?

Yes, you do. The educational content lives inside the Embark course, but all the interactive components are accessed from within the community.

This includes the submission system and information, rules, schedule, feedback videos and discussion area.

The Embark Awards also takes place inside the community at the end of the course.

Do I have to join in on the discussion?

Interacting with other members and posting your submissions for feedback from your peers is highly recommended to help you get the most out of the challenges.

Each time we run the course, a new community group is created. This allows us to keep the group focused and filled with active members who are all on the same journey.

Can I post a bunch of images and get people to vote on which one I should submit?

You are welcome to post up to five images at a time, but the point of posting multiple images should not be to simply ask other members and instructors which one you should submit, or which one meets the brief best. Because ultimately, that should be your call.

Ultimately, we encourage you to ask for feedback, then self-assess your work based on its own merits.

Posts asking for people to vote on images will be removed.

Can I post behind the scenes images and videos?

Yes! We encourage you to post behind the scenes images and videos of your challenge shooting experiences and share stories and self-evaluations of your shoots, which can be very helpful for your growth as a photographer and for other challengers as well.

If you’re sharing any challenge-related behind the scenes content as Instagram stories or reels, don’t forget to tag @unleashed.ed.

What’s the best way to get useful feedback on images I post in the group?

Be specific about the feedback that you need when you post an image.

Posts asking for general feedback usually only result in general feedback! Which can range from “I love this!” to “this is really pretty” to “the expression is great” - which is nice to receive, but not very constructive.

To increase your chances of getting valuable, constructive feedback from the group, when you post your image, try to include in the caption:

What you feel works
What you feel doesn’t work
Aspects of the image/edit you are unsure of or need help with

Take responsibility for asking the right questions. Try to be specific with your feedback requests, and you'll find you receive more useful feedback from other members and the instructors.

What’s the best way to give feedback on other people’s images in the group?

You're encouraged to participate in the community and give feedback (when asked for) on your fellow challengers’ images. Be kind, considerate and constructive when providing feedback.

Give the kind of feedback that you would want to receive. Honest feedback is greatly encouraged, but be kind and try to provide helpful advice on how to address any issues mentioned, rather than just stating the problem.

If you feel the best way to show your editing feedback is to edit the person's photo, make sure you ask first.

Can I edit other people’s images to demonstrate suggested editing changes?

Please do not edit people's images unless it's okay with them - ask first.

Can I tag instructors in the community to ask for feedback before the challenge deadline?

Since we are also judging your submissions, we cannot provide feedback on your potential challenge images before the deadline. We can however give you some feedback on any changes that you have made to your image, or replacement images, after the challenge deadline.

Are there any styles of image that are not allowed?

Images where the safety of the dog is threatened or images that promote unsafe practices may not be posted in the community or submitted to the challenge. This includes but is not limited to: dogs on railways tracks and powder images.

I’m a Premium Member, so can I just post my challenge images inside the Premium Members area of the community for feedback instead?

Please post your images in the challenge-specific group in the community, to ensure your image is seen by other challenge members (who may not be Premium Members) so they can give you relevant feedback.

I'm a Premium Member, so can I submit my potential challenge images to the Live Calls for feedback?

Yes - this is one of the perks of being a Premium Member! You are welcome to submit your potential challenge images to Photo Lab calls for help with shooting and editing.

What happens to the community group at the end of the course?

At the end of the course, the interactive components of the course are removed from the community group. Image submissions will no longer be open, however your final set of images and any Top 10/20 badges will still be available to view and download. The feedback archive page will remain and discussion area will also stay open.

Image Submission

What image specs are required?

It is very important that your images meet all the submission criteria.

When you submit your challenge images they must be:

Created after the start date of the current course (or during a previous enrolment in the same course)
Resized to 4000 pixels on the long side at 72 dpi
Using sRGB colour mode
High quality JPEG (90-100%)
Including all metadata

You can watermark your images, but this should be discreet (we suggest in one corner).

Why does the image need to be 4000 pixels on the long side?

So we can provide useful feedback on your image, we need to be able to see the image in detail to check for sharpness, quality and attention to detail. Anything smaller than this makes it difficult to effectively view and evaluate.

Why does the image need to have the full exif data / metadata included?

In order to give you the most helpful feedback on your image, we need to see the camera, lens and exposure that the image was shot with. We also need to see that the image was captured after the start date of the course, to make sure it’s eligible. To find out how to manage and export your image so the full metadata is preserved, see the instructions on the Prepare page.

How do I save or export my image to make sure all the criteria is met?

Please visit the Prepare page for detailed instructions, and to download the instructions in PDF form for quick reference.

How do I check that the image I am about to submit meets all the criteria?

We have created a video for you, showing how to check your image in Photoshop to make sure it meets all the submission criteria, and it can be found on the Check page.

How do I submit my image?

Head to the Submit page and follow the instructions there. If your image does not meet the criteria, you will receive an error message after you choose it for upload.

How do I make sure my submitted image has been received?

After submission, the page will reload and your image will appear on the Submit page. You will also receive an email confirmation.

Can I update/change my challenge image after I upload it?

You are welcome to upload a new image, or new version, using the form on the Submit page at any time. Your most recent upload will always overwrite your previous submission, and will be the image that appears on the Submit page under the challenge title.

Do we get to see everyone's submissions?

Yes! The full set will be added to the challenge community group after the challenge deadline for everyone to view.

Feedback

How does the feedback video and Top 20 / Top 10 process in Embark work?

After the deadline, we load the images into Lightroom and get together online (or sometimes in person!) to create the feedback video. The image order is randomised, each image is reviewed, and if the image meets the brief, constructive feedback is provided. If the image is deemed potential Top 20 and Top 10, it is flagged to add it to the “shortlist”.

After reviewing all the images, the shortlisted images are brought up together in Lightroom. Images that do not make the Top 20 (often for reasons already mentioned in the review process) are removed, to give a final Top 20.

The Top 20 images are then viewed together, and the Top 10 chosen from these.

What makes a Top 10 image?

Watching the entire feedback video will help you to understand what we are looking for in a Top 10 image. It must firstly meet the brief. But it must also be a very well captured and edited image.

If you’d like to find out more about what kinds of things we are looking at, we have a resource in the Unleashed Education Premium Membership called Unleashing the Secrets of Professional Pet Photos. You must be a member to access this, but we have made the PDF “checklist” associated with this resource available to non-members. You can download that from the Prepare page.

My image was not included in the feedback, even though I submitted it in time. Why was it not included?

If you have already received feedback on an image during a previous running of the course, it will be removed from the feedback and not eligible for Top 10 selections.

Where can I watch the feedback video?

The video is recorded and uploaded to the community on the Feedback page.

When will the feedback video be available to watch?

The feedback video will usually be available a few days after the challenge ends. To find out the exact time and day, please check the Schedule page. Please note, the feedback publish date on that page is in Australian Eastern Standard Time, so you may need to use a time zone converter to find out the time and date in your own time zone.

You'll also receive an email notification with a direct link to the feedback video when it is available.

When can I find out the Top 20 and Top 10?

You can either watch the feedback video to find out, or check on socials and in the community to see the Top 20 album, which is published at the same time the feedback video.

At the same time, if your image received a Top 20 or Top 10 placing, you'll see it listed at the bottom of the Submit page, along with a badge that you can add to your image and share on socials.

The Top 10 will be published on our blog and shared to Instagram after the feedback video is published and Top 20 announced.

The feedback video is so long, do I need to watch the whole thing?

We know they are often long videos, but we don’t like to be stingy with our feedback!

The video is time-coded so if you wish, you can refer to the timecodes underneath the video, then skip to just the part where your own image is reviewed.

However, we have noticed a definite trend where people who watch the entire feedback video end up getting the most out of the course.

Watching feedback on other people’s images is a highly valuable exercise, as it can highlight issues that might not be present in your image, but might still be relevant to you. You can also see the attributes we highly value in images, so you can work on incorporating those aspects into your own work.

Any tips for watching the video more quickly?

Yes! You can change the speed of the video to 1.5x or even 2x to get through it quicker! Just click the little cog icon at the bottom right of the video to change the speed.

My image didn’t meet the brief, but it’s such an awesome image - why was it not shortlisted?

To be considered for the Top 20 or Top 10, the image must meet the brief. It can be the most amazing award-winning photo in the world, but if it doesn’t meet the brief for the challenge, unfortunately it won’t be shortlisted. It’s very important to refer to the brief as you are planning, shooting and editing your image.

My image met the brief perfectly - why was it not shortlisted?

Meeting the brief is the first stage of our assessment. If the image does meet the brief, we then move onto the next stage which is critiquing the image. We look at a huge range of criteria relating to how successfully the image was captured, to how well the image was edited.

My image made the Top 20, but then didn’t get considered for the Top 10, even though there was nothing negative said about it. Why didn’t it make Top 10?

If your image made Top 20, it means you have done a fantastic job, so well done!

When considering images for the Top 10, we often choose those that have something a bit special - an amazing expression or pose from the dog, flawless editing, a great story, excellent colour harmony or precise attention to detail.

There’s not necessarily anything “wrong” with your Top 20 image. It might just be that other images have that little something extra - that special sauce or icing on the cake that elevates them. The best thing you can do is take note of what we say about the images that do make it into the Top 10, and strive to include some of those aspects into your work.

My image received a Top 20 placing! Where will it be shared?

Your Top 20 image will be shared on Facebook by the Unleashed Education page, and also in our community. If you have provided your social media links, your Facebook page will be tagged when the image is shared. Personal profiles cannot be tagged.

My image received a Top 10 placing! Where will it be shared?

Your Top 10 image will be shared on Instagram in a carousel post on the Unleashed Education Instagram profile. If you have provided an Instagram account, your account will be tagged in the post. We highly recommend swiping to your image and then sharing the post as a Story on your own Instagram profile, so you can share your achievement with your followers.

Your Top 10 image will also be shared in a blog post on the Unleashed Education blog. The blog will link to your website URL if you have provided one. The blog post will be shared on the Unleashed Education Facebook page and in the community.

How should I share my Top 20 or Top 10 achievement?

When an image is awarded, it will appear in the table at the bottom of the Submit page, along with a PNG file format badge. Simply right-click on the badge to save it to your computer. The badge can be shared separately, but we recommend placing the badge on your image in one corner (you’ll need to do this in Photoshop) when posting the image to social media or sharing it on your website.

You’re also more than welcome to link to our Top 10 blog post, and share our Top 10 posts on Instagram in your Stories.

Is there anything I am not allowed to share in my social media or blog posts?

We ask that you don't share screenshots or video screen captures of the feedback videos.

We also ask that you don't share the actual brief for the challenge, or any of the instructional video content.

You are welcome to share any written feedback we have provided if you have made the Top 10. You may also share any comments we have made on the feedback video, either exactly or summarised accurately.

Who should I tag when posting about my challenge achievements on social media?

Please tag us at @unleashed.ed when sharing your achievements, so we can feature you on our social media accounts.

Based on feedback, I am going to make changes to my Top 20 or Top 10 image and resubmit it. Can I apply the badge to the resubmitted image?

To display an authentic result, badges may only be applied to the original image that was submitted and judged in the feedback video. The badge should not be applied to resubmitted images.

I missed the challenge deadline, can I still get feedback on my image?

If you miss the deadline, your image will unfortunately not be included in the feedback video, and will not be considered for the Top 20 and Top 10. You are still welcome to share your image in the community group for feedback from your fellow challengers and instructors.

Am I allowed to get feedback on my challenge images in the Live Calls in the Premium Membership?

Yes! You are definitely welcome to submit potential challenge images to Photo Lab calls in the Premium Membership, for editing assistance and critique. This is one of the perks of being a Premium Member!

If I missed the challenge deadline, should I still submit an image?

Definitely! As long as you submit the image before the final course deadline, it will count towards your final portfolio.

Resubmitting Images

I received some feedback about my image, should I make some changes to it, then resubmit it?

Yes, definitely!

We assess your full portfolio after the final deadline. We choose an overall winner, along with a second and third place. If you miss out on a top three placement, you may still receive a highly commended award for your portfolio.

When assessing your portfolio, we check to see if you have responded to the feedback provided, fixed any errors or made any of the suggested improvements. If you have, that shows you have consolidated the learning and improved - and that’s ultimately what we want to see!

Should I resubmit the same image with edits, or submit an entirely new image?

This really depends on the feedback you received about the image. If the feedback was mainly related to editing, a re-edit is probably the best option. If there was critique given about image capture – such as not meeting the brief, camera settings, lens and focal length, lighting, shooting angle or sharpness - it may be best to choose a different image that addresses these concerns. Make sure you consolidate any editing feedback into your new submission as well.

How soon can I resubmit after watching the feedback?

You can resubmit at any time, just as long as it’s before the final deadline.

How do I resubmit?

Just upload a new image for the challenge. It will replace your previous submission.

What’s the latest date I can resubmit images for all challenges?

The final deadline can be found on the Schedule page. This will be a hard deadline and there will be a countdown timer available via email reminders leading up to the date.

Embark Awards

What format is the Embark Awards at the end of the course? How do I attend?

The Embark Awards is usually held around a week after the last challenge ends. Since we’re from all around the world, it takes place online. You’ll need to register for the call, then join the call live when it starts.

How do I find out the time and date of the Embark Awards?

Can I join the Embark Awards live even if I haven’t finished the course, or submitted all my images?

Yes - everyone currently enrolled in the course is invited to attend live.

Should I dress up? Is there a dress code?

We always do, so we would love for you to join us! But however dressed up or down you decide to be, we’re just happy for you to join us on the call. You don’t need to have video or audio on, but we do love seeing all your faces!

Is the Embark Awards call recorded?

Yes - it will be recorded and posted here in the community on the Feedback page.

What happens during the Embark Awards?

We don’t want to spoil the surprise too much! But in brief, we’ll be recapping the Top 20 and Top 10 images for each challenge, announcing a winning image for each challenge, celebrating all the completed portfolios and announcing the overall winner, second place, third place and any highly commended portfolios.

Will you be re-judging the Top 20 or Top 10 for the individual challenges, based on resubmitted images?

No, the Top 20 and Top 10 placings for each individual challenge will remain as they were when determined during the feedback video.

Will the winner of each individual challenge be chosen only from the Top 10?

Not necessarily! We want to reward challengers who respond to feedback and resubmit improved images, so the winner of each challenge is more of a wildcard competition.

The winning image is often chosen from the Top 10, but occasionally there will be a new image submitted after the deadline, or an image re-submitted with changes, that wins the individual challenge.

We hope this provides motivation to make every single one of your images the best it can possibly be!

Can one challenger win multiple individual challenges?

Yes, this is definitely possible!

What do I get if I win an individual challenge?

You will receive a digital badge, certificate and $25 USD voucher to use in our Unleashed Education Merch Store.

What do I get if I complete all twelve challenges?

Completing all twelve challenges by the final due date gives you a chance to win overall first, second or third place, or you may receive a highly commended award. All participants who complete their portfolio receive a completion certificate and a montage of images with a digital ribbon overlay to share on socials.

What do I win if I receive a first, second or third overall placing for my final portfolio?

If you win first place, you will receive a cash prize of $500 USD. Second place receives $250 USD. Third place receives $100 USD. All place winners and highly commended portfolios receive a digital certificate, along with a montage of all images with winner’s ribbon overlaid, for sharing on socials.

Will I need to make a speech if I win something?

You don’t have to, but we will give you the opportunity to speak if you are on the call. You are very welcome to pass though, we know what it’s like being put on the spot!

Completing the Course

How do I complete the course?

To be eligible for the final judging and awards, all challenge images need to be submitted by the final deadline, which you can find on the Schedule page. Images do not necessarily need to be submitted by the individual challenge deadlines (though we do encourage this so you can get feedback on your work).

What happens if I didn’t submit images to all the challenges by the final deadline?

Unfortunately this means you did not complete the course, and you will miss out on having your final portfolio of images assessed and considered for prizes. You will still be eligible to win individual challenges.

Will I have access to the course content after the course finishes?

Yes, you have lifetime access to the Embark course so you can access all the course content, including instructional videos, downloads, tips and behind the scenes videos.

In the community, you will still have access to the feedback videos, Embark Awards replay and discussion area, and you will still be able to view your final submitted images and download any Top 10/20 badges.

You will no longer have access to the interactive components of the course including the schedule, rules and image submission.

What are my options if I didn't complete the course?

If you have submitted and received feedback only on one or two images, or if there are extenuating circumstances (health or personal issues) making it impossible for you to complete the course, you may be eligible to re-enrol at a reduced rate next time the course runs. Please contact us to find out more.

To complete the course again with feedback, you'll need to re-enrol in the course and pay the full enrolment fee, to allow for the interactive components of the course.

The other option is to switch to Self Paced mode to complete the challenges and earn your completion certificate in your own time. There is no charge for this option.

Further information will be provided about these options after the course finishes.

Support

I am not sure how something works, who can I ask?

First, make sure you’ve thoroughly read the Rules and also this FAQ. If you still have questions, please reach out to us directly by either sending us a private message, or emailing us.

I am having issues with saving or exporting my image to meet the image specs, who can I talk to?

We are happy to help you troubleshoot, however please make sure you have thoroughly read the Prepare, Check and Submit pages first. If you are still experiencing issues, please reach out to us directly by either sending us a private message, or emailing us.

I am having issues with another participant in the course, what can I do?

Please reach out to us directly by either sending us a private message, or emailing us.

I am having a different issue or just a question that's not listed here, should I post it in the community or contact you directly?

Always contact us directly please!

FAQ