Contest is closed.

Each month, The Hair Bow Company holds a photo contest through our website and Facebook. It has been wildly popular and we have seen some incredible photos throughout the time. We thought it was time to put together a little FAQ post about the contest since we hear some of the same questions over and over. If you have any further questions, leave them in the comments and we'll update the post with our answers!

What are the official rules?
The rules are easy! You can only submit one photo per month (yes, even if you have multiple children), you cannot submit a photo that has already been submitted, and your photo must feature at least one product that we sell. We once had someone submit a photo of their dog wearing a flower, that counts too! Show us your animals, your crafts, your bow holders. We love to see it all, just include our products! We upload all entries into an album on Facebook so that everyone gets to view them. Voting begins a few days before the end of the month.

Can my photo feature products from other boutiques?
Certainly, as long as at least one item is from our store. Our contest isn't just about seeing cute kiddos, it's about seeing our products ON cute kiddos!! We love to see how you style items, what you pair them with, and how you embellish them!

How do I enter?
The best way to enter is by emailing your photo to us. (Note: jpgs work best!) You can also upload your photo to our Facebook wall. If we comment on it, then it has been entered. You can include your child's name if you'd like, but we definitely don't require it.

I emailed you my photo yesterday but it isn't in the Facebook album. Why? How do I know if you have received it?
We aren't magical. I mean, sometimes it seems like we are, but I promise that we aren't!! We upload photos in batches every few days. We don't update them in real time because we don't want to bombard your Facebook feed, and we just don't have that kind of time on our hands!! If we have uploaded a batch of photos and your photo isn't included, check your email. It is possible that your photo didn't include one of our items or we had an issue with the file. If your photo isn't in the album and you haven't received an email from us, send it again! If your photo doesn't qualify for any reason, we will let you know. photocontest@thehairbowcompany.com

I uploaded my photo to your Facebook wall and it's not in the album. Why?
Only the emailed photos get uploaded to the album. Facebook tends to mess with that quality of photos, so when we save a file from our wall and the upload it again, it can look distorted. If you want your photo in the album, email it to us!

How and when are the finalists chosen? What criteria is used to choose?

A few days before the end of the month, our staff looks through all of the photos. Each employee writes down their favorite photos and submits them. The results are compiled and the photos with the most votes become finalists. We typically select anywhere from 5-7 finalists each month. It is NOT an easy task!

There is no specific criteria used to choose finalists, it is entirely up to each employee's taste. Some people love professional photos, some prefer quick cell phone pictures. Some people want to see newborn pictures, others prefer older girls. But one thing is certain, we LOVE seeing our products. Without a doubt, the photos chosen most often are ones that feature multiple THBC products. We can't help it, it's what we see every day so it is what we love seeing on your children!

How do I vote? How do I win?
When the finalists are announced on Facebook, voting begins. Just browse the Finalist Album and "like" the photo you want to vote for. You can vote for one photo, or all of them. The winner is the photo with the most votes at the end of the contest.

What about all of the "likes" on my photo in the first album?
The "likes" that your photo receives as a contestant don't count for anything. They are great and we love to see the interaction, but they don't count as votes. Our staff doesn't even see those likes when they select their favorites.

What do I win?
First place wins a $35 gift certificate and second place wins a $15 gift certificate. Not bad, huh?

Clear as mud? If you have any more questions, let us hear them!!

We absolutely love seeing all of your photos and we are thankful to each of you for letting us get a glimpse into your family. Your children are beautiful and your photos bring us so much joy!