FAQ

For Live Labs in NYC:

What’s the registration deadline?
The final day to register for the October Labs is Thursday, October 23 at 11:59 PM EST. After that, team assignments are locked, and no new signups or refunds will be accepted.

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 come 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.

Can I submit if I’m not in NYC?
Yes, via open submissions.

Can I use my own team?
Yes—but only for remote entries.

During the Event

When and where do we meet?
We’ll meet under the Washington Square Arch for both October Labs (10/25 and 10/26).

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 will 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 the Event

How do submissions work?

• Deadline: November 3, 2025 (for October Labs)

• Format: 1–5 JPG or PNG files

  • Each under 10MB

  • Minimum resolution: 2000px on the long edge

  • Recommended: 300 DPI for possible print selection

• Who submits: Only one member per team uploads 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

• 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 runners-up—will be revealed at the Fall Season-End Party 🎉
📍 Virgin Hotel NYC
📅 December 12th

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

For Remote Submissions

Does every person on the team need to pay $25 to Beacon?
Yes. Anyone listed in the credits must pay the $25 participation fee. A portion of that fee goes toward funding the grand prize.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people allowed on a team?
Nope! Team size is entirely up to you. Just note:

• Only the individuals you list will be credited

• Your signed participation form makes you responsible for the credits submitted

Would you want behind-the-scenes content?
That would be super fun, and it's something we’d potentially love to share! That said, it’s totally optional. We'd need to think through legal logistics if we were to use it officially, especially since Beacon is a monetized platform—things can get tricky quickly.