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1. Register as an entrant
First, you need to register for an account on Wikimedia Commons, unless you already have one. This is the website that acts as a repository for photographs and other images that can be freely used on Wikipedia and elsewhere. It’s very easy to do, and you do not need to give your real name unless you want to.
To enter the competition, you must enter a valid email address, even though this is stated on the page as being ‘optional’.
Wikipedia and Commons use a shared login process, so your selected username and password will allow you to login to Wikipedia as well.
2. Activate your email – an essential step
Once you have logged in, on desktop look for the icon of a person in the top right of the page and select “Preferences” from the drop down menu. Click on that, and then on “Allow email from other users”. This will allow us and other registered users on Commons to contact you, but will not make your email address publicly available. If you omit this step, or if you don’t provide a valid email address, your entries may be disqualified.
3. Choose some UK buildings or sites to photograph
You can find local sites to photograph using the interactive map.
The map shows Grade I and II* listed buildings for England and Wales, Category A and B listed buildings for Scotland, and Category A and B+ for Northern Ireland.
You can still submit photos of scheduled monuments and Grade II (England and Wales), and Categories C (Scotland), B1 and B2 (Northern Ireland) listed buildings but this needs to be done manually. But there are instructions to help.
4. Take your photographs
You can find advice on how to take good pictures on this page.
5. Upload via the interactive map
That’s it! Your entry has been submitted.
For instructions on multiple uploads (experts only) see this page.
Questions? Having problems entering? Please leave a message on the FAQ page and we will be happy to help.