Because we're concerned for the potential for misuse of our private messaging system, you can only receive messages from members you follow. In situations where you are about to message someone who cannot respond (because you are not their follower) we display a message cautioning you of this fact.
When Photo Friday sends account-related messages to your personal email address, we nearly always save a copy of that same message on site, to your private message inbox. The exceptions are for situations that require confirmation of receipt at your email address, such as when you might want to change your email address.