Two Phases, One Seamless Experience
Running a photo or costume contest used to mean collecting entries by hand, pinning printouts to a board, and counting paper ballots. QR codes replace all of that with a two-phase digital process: first collect photo submissions through a survey, then run live voting through a poll. Participants submit from their phones, you approve entries from your dashboard, and the audience votes in real-time with results displayed live on screen.
Phase 1: Collect Submissions
Create a photo contest survey and share its QR code at your event or ahead of time. Participants scan, upload their photo, and optionally provide their name and contact info. You review all submissions in your dashboard and approve the ones that meet your guidelines.
- •Use the Photo Contest survey template for pre-built submission fields
- •Customize to collect participant names, emails, or other info alongside photos
- •Set submission deadlines or limit entries per person
- •Review and approve each submission before it enters the voting phase
Tip: Share the submission QR code early -- at registration, on social media, or displayed on screens at the venue. The more submissions you collect, the more engaging the voting phase becomes.
Phase 2: Run Live Voting
Once submissions are approved, a live poll is automatically created with all approved photos as voting options. Display the voting QR code on a screen at your event. Attendees scan to see all entries and cast their votes from their own devices. Results update in real-time on the display, creating excitement and energy as the audience watches votes come in.
Perfect For Any Contest
This two-phase approach works for virtually any voting event.
- •Halloween costume contests at restaurants, bars, or office parties
- •Photography competitions at community events or schools
- •Pet contests, talent shows, and art competitions
- •Employee recognition events with peer voting
- •Wedding reception games and party activities
Tips for a Successful Contest
Duplicate vote prevention is built in -- each device gets one vote. For additional security, you can require email verification. Display results on a large screen or projector to maximize engagement. Keep the voting window clear (announce when voting opens and closes) and build anticipation before revealing the final winner. The live results create a shared experience that paper ballots never could.