• Step 1: Sign up and complete the skills form.

• Step 2: Team assignments revealed on the day of the event.

• Step 3: Collaborate to create an editorial based on the theme.

• Step 4: Submit final images within a week.

• Step 5: Winners are featured and receive prizes.

• Every session is fast-paced and on-the-spot. Creatives share skills, think critically, and make something from nothing together. Think Chopped—but instead of cooking with random ingredients, you’re working with a theme and a brand-new team.

• Each team creates a fully realized editorial in guerrilla style—shooting in the city, out in nature, or even inside a local business.

• Everyone brings their own gear, wardrobe, and tools. Photographers deliver 1–5 final images within a week.

• Participants sign up in advance and complete a quick skills form.
  

• Team lineups are revealed the day of—keeping things fresh, flexible, and ready for any last-minute swaps.
  

• Organizers curate balanced teams (2–10 people) that always include at least one photographer. Roles may include art director, stylist, makeup artist, hair stylist, models, and assistants.
  

• The $25 participation fee goes toward the seasonal prize pot and production costs.

• Energy: Fast-paced, collaborative, creative chaos. Each session is filmed, with highlight recaps released on Beacon’s YouTube channel.
  

• Spotlight: Finished editorials are published across Beacon’s digital platforms (website, social, and more). Select features may even appear in Beacon’s hardcover book series.
  

• Judging: Winners are decided through a mix of social media polls and a panel of industry professionals—making each session both community-driven and professionally recognized.
  

• Themes: Every month brings a new theme inspired by negative idioms—playful prompts that invite reflection on identity and culture. Open to interpretation and not limited to fashion.

The Edit Lab happens monthly, leading up to a celebratory end-of-season showcase + party where the top editorial is crowned, winners take home the cash prize pot, and their work is spotlighted on Beacon’s platform.

Each session begins at a central meeting spot where participants gather to meet, get assigned into teams, and review the rules. After a quick Q&A, teams disperse into the city, nature, or local businesses to bring their editorials to life.

To qualify for prizes, teams must:

• Work respectfully, stay kind, and collaborate in good faith.

• Sign an IP agreement granting Beacon ownership of all content created.

• Sign a release consenting to being filmed or photographed for promotional use.

• Sign a liability waiver acknowledging that participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

Please review our Terms of Participation – click here to read in fullbefore completing your registration form.

Who can participate?
Anyone with a creative skill can join! Roles include photographers, stylists, hair & makeup artists, models, art directors, and assistants. Professionals, hobbyists, and the creatively curious are all welcome.

Do I need professional experience or a portfolio?
Not at all. The Edit Lab is designed for all skill levels—from emerging artists to seasoned pros.

Can I sign up at the door?
No. All participants must pre-register, sign the Terms of Participation, and complete the skills form before the event.

What should I bring?
Bring your creativity, essential tools, and an open mind. Teams are revealed the day of, so be ready to collaborate.

Is The Edit Lab suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The team-based format makes it a great learning and collaboration experience.

Can I attend more than one session?
Yes! You can join as many Labs as you’d like. Teams are always curated anew at registration and revealed the day of, even if themes repeat.

DURING EVENT

When and where do we meet?
Your official meet-up time and location will be shared in your ticket confirmation email. If anything changes, updates will be sent directly to your inbox.

What if it rains or the weather changes?
We meet rain or shine at the central location listed on tickets (unless the city advises otherwise). Teams may need to adapt creatively, but organizers provide guidance and flexible solutions.

How are teams formed?
Teams are curated in advance by organizers to balance roles, skills, and experience levels. You’ll discover your team the day of the Lab.

What happens during the Lab?
Each team is tasked with producing an original photo editorial inspired by the monthly theme. Think of it like Chopped for creatives: the “mystery ingredient” is the theme, and your team is revealed on the spot.

AFTER EVENT

How do submissions work?
After the Lab, each team submits their final editorial for judging and publication.

• Deadline: October 5, 2025 (for the 9/28 Lab)

• Format: 1–5 JPG or PNG files

• Who submits: Only one member per team needs to upload on behalf of the group

• Where: Through the password-protected submission form (link + password provided in your confirmation email)

How does voting work?
Submissions are reviewed and celebrated in multiple ways:

• Community Voting: Features on Beacon’s social channels for audience engagement

• Panel Judges: Industry professionals and guest judges evaluate creativity, originality, and execution

• Other Factors: Bonus activations may be introduced throughout the season—stay tuned!

What prizes are awarded?

• Teams compete for cash prizes up to $5,000

• The prize pool scales with participation—the more creators who join, the bigger the payout

• Prizes are split among winning team members (teams can be up to 10 members)

When are winners announced?
Winning team(s)—and possibly runner-ups—will be revealed at the Fall Season-End Party 🎉

• Virgin Hotel NYC

• Early December (around the Winter Solstice)

• Expect a night of celebration, networking, and creative recognition

Rules & Agreements

Do I have to sign any forms?
Yes. All participants must agree to the Terms of Participation, which include:

• IP agreement granting Beacon ownership of all content created

• Media release for photography/filming

• Liability waiver acknowledging voluntary participation

• Code of conduct to act civilly and respectfully

Where can I read the full Terms of Participation?
👉 Read the Terms of Participation here