Unveiling How To Submit Sunday Today Mug Shots: What Really Happened

Want to see your adorable pet, your family vacation, or that hilarious moment on national television during the Sunday Today show? Submitting a "Sunday Mug Shot" is a fun way to potentially share your photo with millions of viewers. This guide breaks down the process, covering everything from prerequisites to troubleshooting, making it easy for anyone to participate.

What are Sunday Mug Shots?

Every Sunday, the "Sunday Today" show features a segment called "Sunday Mug Shots." Viewers submit photos of themselves, their families, friends, pets, or even objects – all holding a "Sunday Today" mug. The mug itself is often the focal point, and the photos are usually lighthearted and visually appealing.

Prerequisites:

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

  • A "Sunday Today" Mug: This is the most crucial requirement. You can often purchase these mugs on eBay, other online marketplaces, or occasionally directly from NBC's online store when they are available (though availability is limited). The mug is typically branded with the "Sunday Today" logo.

  • A Camera (or Smartphone): You'll need a device capable of taking clear, high-resolution photos. Most modern smartphones will suffice.

  • A Computer (or Smartphone): You'll need a device to access the internet and upload your photo.

  • An Email Account: You'll need a valid email address to submit your photo.

  • Creativity and a Sense of Fun: The best mug shots are creative, visually interesting, and showcase a sense of humor or joy.

    • Tools:

  • Photo Editing Software (Optional): While not mandatory, basic photo editing software (like Adobe Photoshop Express, GIMP, or even the built-in editing tools on your smartphone) can help you enhance your photo. You might want to adjust brightness, contrast, or crop the image for better composition.

  • Good Lighting: Natural lighting is often the best. Avoid harsh shadows or overly bright sunlight.

  • A Stable Surface (or Tripod): To prevent blurry photos, especially in low light, consider using a tripod or placing your camera on a stable surface.

    • Step-by-Step Instructions:

    Here's a detailed guide to submitting your Sunday Today Mug Shot:

    1. Plan Your Shot:

  • Concept: Brainstorm ideas for your photo. Consider incorporating a theme, a special occasion, a beautiful location, or a funny situation. The more creative and visually appealing your concept, the better your chances of being selected.

  • Composition: Think about how you'll frame the shot. Ensure the "Sunday Today" mug is clearly visible and prominently featured. Consider the rule of thirds and other basic photography principles to create a visually balanced image.

  • Location: Choose a location that complements your concept. It could be your backyard, a local park, a vacation spot, or even just a well-lit corner of your home.

    • 2. Take Your Photo:

  • Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting. Avoid shooting directly into the sun, which can cause harsh shadows and glare. Overcast days often provide excellent, diffused lighting.

  • Focus: Make sure your subject (and especially the mug) is in sharp focus. Tap the screen on your smartphone to focus on the desired area.

  • Multiple Shots: Take several photos from different angles and with slightly different compositions. This will give you more options to choose from later.

  • Resolution: If possible, set your camera to take high-resolution photos. This will ensure your image looks sharp and clear on television.

    • 3. Edit Your Photo (Optional):

  • Basic Adjustments: Use photo editing software to adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.

  • Cropping: Crop the image to improve composition and remove any distracting elements.

  • Sharpening: Apply a slight sharpening filter to enhance detail. Be careful not to over-sharpen, which can create a grainy effect.

  • Avoid Filters: While filters can be fun, it's generally best to avoid using heavy filters that drastically alter the natural look of your photo. The "Sunday Today" show prefers authentic-looking images.

    • 4. Prepare Your Submission Email:

  • Email Address: The official email address for submitting Sunday Mug Shots is SundayMugShots@nbc.com. Double-check the spelling to ensure your email is delivered correctly.

  • Subject Line: Use a clear and concise subject line, such as "Sunday Mug Shot Submission" or "Sunday Today Mug Shot."

  • Body of the Email: Keep the email body brief and professional. Include the following information:

    • * Your Name: State your full name.
    * Location: Mention the city and state (or country) where the photo was taken.
    * Description (Optional): Briefly describe the photo and the story behind it. Keep it concise and engaging. For example: "This photo was taken during our family vacation in Yellowstone National Park. We woke up early to catch the sunrise with our Sunday Today mugs!"
  • Attach the Photo: Attach your photo to the email. Ensure the file size is reasonable (under 5MB is generally recommended) to avoid delivery issues.

    • 5. Send Your Email:

  • Review: Before sending, double-check that you've included all the necessary information and that your photo is attached.

  • Send: Click the "Send" button to submit your email.

    • 6. Wait and See:

  • Confirmation: You likely won't receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your submission.

  • Patience: The "Sunday Today" team receives a large volume of submissions, so it may take several weeks (or even months) to see if your photo is selected.

  • Tune In: Watch "Sunday Today" every Sunday morning to see if your mug shot makes an appearance!

    • Troubleshooting Tips:

  • My email bounced back: Double-check the email address and ensure you have a stable internet connection.

  • My photo is blurry: Ensure your camera is focused correctly and that you're using a stable surface or tripod.

  • My photo is too dark/bright: Adjust the lighting or use photo editing software to adjust brightness and contrast.

  • I haven't heard back: The "Sunday Today" team doesn't typically respond to submissions. Keep watching the show!

  • My photo was rejected: Many factors can influence selection, including photo quality, composition, creativity, and the overall theme of the show. Don't be discouraged; try submitting again!

    • What Really Happened (Behind the Scenes):

    While the process seems simple, here's what's likely happening behind the scenes:

  • High Volume of Submissions: The "Sunday Today" team receives thousands of mug shot submissions each week.

  • Curated Selection: A team of producers and editors reviews the submissions, looking for photos that are visually appealing, creative, and relevant to the show's overall tone.

  • Technical Considerations: The team also considers technical aspects, such as photo resolution, clarity, and lighting.

  • Thematic Alignment: The selected photos are often chosen to align with a particular theme or topic that the show is covering that week.

  • Luck and Timing: Ultimately, getting your mug shot featured is a combination of creating a great photo and a bit of luck.

Summary:

Submitting a "Sunday Today" mug shot is a fun and potentially rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of seeing your photo on national television. Remember to prioritize creativity, good lighting, a clear focus, and a well-composed image. While there's no guarantee of selection, the process itself is a great way to express your creativity and share your joy with others. Good luck!