Do you dream of entering and winning photography contests? But lack the information on how to begin, which contests to enter (and which to avoid), or even which images to pick? This article will give you some ideas on how to get started and enter your first contest.
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Getting started – Which contests to enter and which to avoid!?
Okay now let’s get you on your way to entering your first contest. There are a few things I recommend looking for in a good contest and a few things you want to watch out for and avoid.
Note: Keep in mind a photography challenge or theme isn’t the same as a contest. Those are great too but a real contest or competition is one that is judged based on the image quality and merits – either by your peers or by one or more experts.
What to avoid?
First, these are the things I recommend you AVOID at all costs.
Contests which do not specifically outline the terms and who owns the copyright. You don’t to find out later that you have a winner and they now own the copyright to your image.
Likewise, avoid any that require you to sign over your copyright, read the terms and conditions of all contests carefully. Note that allowing them to use your image for promotional purposes is NOT the same thing, and they do NOT need your copyright to do so – just your permission to use it for certain things. Signing over copyright means they will then have the right to sell your image as stock and make a profit from it and you CANNOT! Basically, they own it and can do whatever they want with it, including making money – and you don’t own your own image anymore, and they could actually sue you if you use it. This is a big one – hunt for the terms if they are hidden and if it’s not clear – RUN!
Contests with hefty entry fees, particularly if they charge for each image entered. Try and find some good free contests to enter at the beginning or ones with really low entry fees (under $20 total). You don’t need to spend a lot of money on this – get some experience first.
Contests that allow professionals to enter the same categories. When you are just beginning you don’t want to go head to head with the pros. If there are separate categories for pros and amateurs that’s the contest you want. If not, find another contest.
What to look for in a contest?
Ones with good prizes. This is a given, but enter contests that offer prizes you’d be happy to win. If you shoot Canon and the prize is a full frame Nikon, keep looking. Sure you can sell it but why have the hassle when there is probably another contest that offers something you do want.
Contests that show past winners. You want to make sure there are actually winners and they do award the prizes. Also by scrolling through the past winners, you can see the caliber of work being entered and see how you feel about going up against those photographers.
Start small. Look for contests that offer smaller prizes and have fewer entries. You’ll have a better chance of winning one or having your image get recognized.
Get feedback. Look for contests where either the judges or other entrants offer comments and feedback on the images entered. This is helpful so you can see what you can do to improve for next time. Perhaps just cropping an image tighter could make all the difference.
Shoot for yourself, nobody else
This is the most important one! Remember at the end of the day you want to take photos for yourself, that you love! So it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of your images if you love them. Try not to take it personally (it’s hard I know) if you get what you perceive as a negative comment or you don’t win. Think about why you do photography – hopefully just because it gives you joy. Keep doing that no matter what!
