August 23, 2013 -- "There are many talented people in the building industry with varied interests and viewpoints of the built environment. The RCI Foundation U.S. is looking for a few striking digital images to enhance its website illustrating the RCI Foundation mission of research, education, and the dissemination of information to the industry." Foundation Development Officer Ann Hess said.

Photographs should speak to the importance of the building envelope by highlighting one or more areas of the Foundation's mission. The content is open to one's imagination, and photos may be in black and white or in color. Photos created by the contestant must not contain any elements that are protected by someone else's copyright or otherwise be subject to third-party proprietary rights, including privacy and publicity rights. Submissions must be suitable for a global, public audience. By submitting a photo to the contest, the contestant affirms that he or she has obtained written consent from all individuals whose images or likenesses appear in the photo. The contestant further affirms that he or she has obtained the necessary rights, licenses, consents and permissions to use all material in the photo.

All submitted photographs will become property of the RCI Foundation and may be used to promote the Foundation. The contest begins on September 1, 2013 and closes at 3 p.m. EST on October 25, 2013. Details for submission can be found on the RCI Foundation's website, rcifoundation.org. Prizes will be awarded in four areas:

• Originality: Is your photo original, fresh or inventive?
  
  
• Creativity: How imaginative is your photo? A creative photo breaks from traditional methods of presenting ideas and messages. For example, you could take the photo from an unexpected angle or focus on a detail that is usually ignored.
  
  
• Effectiveness: Does your photo clearly address part of the Foundation's mission? An effective photo will feature one or more of the identified mission areas (i.e., research, education, dissemination of information).
  
  
• Photo Quality: Is your photo aesthetically pleasing? A quality photo is well put together and has a clear focal point.

The winners will be contacted and announced prior to November 15, 2013, and all winning photographs will be posted on the RCI Foundation website by November 15, 2013. Prizes include a complimentary copy of an RCI Foundation monograph of the winner's choosing.

The role of the RCI Foundation is focused on financially supporting activities that advance knowledge in the building industry. These projects may take the form of publications, educational programs, or research. Because of its focus and restriction on activities, the Foundation has gained approval from the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization committed to education and research. For more information visit rcifoundation.org or call 800-828-1902.