How to Win Photo Competitions

Posted by Martin Streelman on January 12th, 2017

One way to train oneself as a photographer is to regularly participate in photo competitions. If a photographer feels adequately seasoned having taken many photos, it’s time to show the world what he or she has got. Being in a competition sharpens one’s focus and solicits a new and demanding fan-base. Being in a photo competition also gives one a chance to see what other peers in the profession are up to.

Different things motivate people to participate. It may be simple love of photography, a prize that is up for the taking or bragging rights. But the greatest reward that the photographer gets is the same as what the photographic paper gets; exposure.

Some of the easy ways to know what competition to join are:

- Choosing a competition that is in line with your lifestyle .

- Choosing a competition organized by the manufacturer of your camera.

- Choosing a competition whose deadline is attainable.

- Choosing a competition that you may already have some stills to present.

Having participated before in a contest does not bar one from competing again. Neither does having a photo submitted in a different competition.

Working within your means and skill level eliminates the frustration out of photography. It then becomes a joyous festival of images and techniques. The voters of online photo contests are looking for something different or something that is timeless. A photo may win a competition because it is iconic or because it is surreal. It may win because it was dressed or because it was random, because it has color or because it is stark.

Photography inspires people differently and is a language without words. Sometimes the audience may be expected to vote for something that is politically correct. Instead they may vote for a photo that has shock value. Just like painted art, photos help people to reflect on their own attitudes. The photographer may have a message to spread or may be simply a messenger of the cosmos.

However, before a submitted photo makes it to the voting booth, it must go through a rigorous committee. It must fit within the theme of the competition and must be worthy of the limited slots available.  The audience are accustomed to very good photos and set a very high bar. They expect tight competition among the entries.

Photographers tend to concentrate on their strengths and equipment at hand. Some photographers are good at ad hoc shots while others are masters of photo studios.Informal settings are not the only hot-spots for photo-taking. There is absolutely no profession from which photo opportunities cannot be derived. Both outdoors and indoors scenarios are game. Photos of nature may have an advantage as many people are trying to get back in touch with it.

Many award-winning photos depict something about the human condition. It may be positive or melancholic or simply frivolous. As long as it resonates a universal feeling or aspiration of humans, it stand a chance of winning. It is of course a very subjective domain of perceptions. In the end every well-taken photo is a winner in its own right.

Contact:

Online Photo Contests
1350 Church St, Georgetown, SC
29440
United States
Phone     (843) 546-2495
Fax     (843) 546-3212
contests@online-photo-contests.com

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Martin Streelman

About the Author

Martin Streelman
Joined: January 12th, 2017
Articles Posted: 1