The Break Free Program
The Break Free Program is a three-month, hands-on experiential that gives young and emerging photographers both tools and mentoring to help them complete their passion projects.
Whether you want to document the flora and fauna in your corner of the world, search the night sky, or discover big details in the miniature world of macro photography – Olympus wants to help you fulfill your creative dreams.
How Do I Apply to The Break Free Program?
To apply, simply complete and submit the application form from the following link prior to the Application Deadline: https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/the-break-free-program
Applicants will share information about their proposed photo projects:
- What is your inspiration for this photo project?
- What is the story you are looking to tell?
- Why is it important to you?
- Which Olympus cameras and lenses would you use for your project, and how would they help you achieve your creative goals?
- How long have you been a photographer?
- What gear do you currently use for your photography? This could be a smartphone, point and shoot, or DSLR camera.
Applicants will share their top three choices for Olympus Mentors, and why they believe that these mentors will help them grow as photographers and complete their photo projects.
Applicants are encouraged to share existing work or a video element with their application submission to help Olympus evaluate their talents and skill.
The deadline to receive applications for the Program is September 13, 2020 ("Application Deadline"). If you have questions about your application, please reach out to social@olympus.com.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
Application is open to residents of the US and Canada, with a minimum age of 15 years. Applicants under the age of 18 require permission from their legal guardian.
How are Program Participants Selected?
The Program will be limited to only Up to ten (10) Program Participants (each a “Program Participant” or collectively the “Program Participants”).
Olympus will select Program Participants based on the following:
- Creativity of their idea for a photo project
- Photographic skill of the applicant, based on photos shared as part of application
- Project’s fit into the “Break Free” brand values of Olympus.
Program Participants will be selected within one (1) week after the end of the Application Period. They will be notified by email from Olympus. All potential Program Participants will be asked to reply with their acceptance to the Program within three (3) days of notification. Failure to reply may result in the forfeiture of your participation, where Olympus reserves the right to select another applicant to fill the space. If potential Program Participants are under the age of 18, consent from their legal guardian will be required with their acceptance.
What Will Olympus Provide During the Program?
Participants will be provided Olympus equipment to use throughout the Program, including appropriate instruction periodically during the Program on how to use and care of the Equipment, in addition to receiving photograph “tips” and photo evaluations. To this end, the Participants will each have at least one (1) mentoring session per month from their chosen Olympus Mentor.
What are the Requirements for Program Participation?
- Program Participants will be required to deliver a minimum of 10 photos as part of their photo series.
- Program Participants must be willing to share three monthly blog articles:
- Blog 1: Share the idea behind their project, the gear they’ll use, and who their mentor is.
- Blog 2: Share an update on the project.
- Blog 3: Share how they feel about their completed project.
- Program Participants may also have the opportunity to perform social takeovers on Olympus social channels.
What Happens at the End of the Program?
Program Participants’ final projects will be shared in an online gallery and promoted to Olympus social followers and email subscribers.
Any Additional Requirements?
Yes. Participants will be requested to sign an agreement that will outline Olympus’s commitment to such Program Participant as set forth above, in addition to Program Participant’s commitment to Olympus as set forth above.
In the event Program Participant elects not to sign the agreement, Participant will forfeit his/her position in the Program, where Olympus may select an alternate Program Participant from applications Olympus has received.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY:
All applications submitted, and any attachments thereto, shall be the property of Olympus, where Olympus may delete or otherwise dispose of the application as it sees fit, according to applicable law. Program Participants and applicants agree to release, indemnify, discharge and hold harmless Olympus and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising and promotion agencies, and the respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents and representatives of the forgoing (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and all injuries, liability, losses and damages of any kind to persons, including death, or property resulting, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from applicant’s submission of an application to the Program, or Program Participant’s participation in the program. .
GOVERNING LAW:
The application process for the Break Free Program and the Break Free Program is being offered and managed by Olympus America, Inc. This application process, and any matters related thereto, shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regards to its conflict of laws rules.