Entering Photo Contests

Since the Sarnia Photographic Club is holding their annual photo contest, I thought it would be a good time to repost a tip I did on entering contests back in February.  

I also want to add that any time you have a chance to enter your image into a contest, is a great opportunity to build up your photographic skills.  Contests are also fun because once the images are open for display it gives you a chance to compare your photographic ideas with others.

The Sarnia contest has two categories “Nature” and “People”.  In the Nature category they want you to show images of Wildlife in their natural settings, this can be Plants, Animals, Landscapes, Seascapes or Skyscapes.  In the People category they want your best shot of people in Action, Sports, a Portrait, Individuals or Group Settings.  This contest offers many avenues to be creative.

Stan C. Reade Photo is also a submission location, and you can drop off your entires at the shop and we will get them to the folks at the Sarnia Photographic Club.  I have also included the contest info below the tip, click on it to enlarge and reade the details.

So once again, here are the tips on entering a contest I wrote in the tips section in February.  Good Luck, and I look forward to seeing your entry.  Doug -  Stan C. Reade Photo.  

There is nothing better for the morale of photographer than to win a photo contest or photo print competition.  Many photographers have a competition to thank for getting them started in the photography business.  Here are a few tips to remember when entering a photo contest.

1.  Come up with an original image, you want it to stand out, and only enter your best work.

2.  Read the rules very carefully, there is no point in putting a major effort into shooting a subject if it does not fit the category.

3.  Same as above, take your images specifically for the competition and begin working on your ideas as far as possible in advance.

4.  Only enter contests or competitions that appeal to you, that way you will have a true passion for the subject.

5.  Teach yourself to ignore your first ideas, as they might be to obvious, keep shooting or testing your idea until you have something you feel is really original.

6.  Your image should be well composed, exposed and in focus.

7.  Be original, try to come up with something that no one else would think of.

8.  Make sure you images have a good impact, for example, creative use of colour, expressions, shapes and humour.  

9.  Test your entry against similar photos, place it in a line of up of several images of similar content and see if it stands out, better still ask other opinions.

10. Don’t be discourage, if your first efforts don’t succeed, study the winning photos, pick up new ideas, be creative and try again.

Most competitions are run in a pretty honest fashion, but you want to check the rules very carefully to make sure the contest does not affect copyright, which should always remain with the photographer.  Have fun and please share with us in the forums any of your winning photos - Doug, Stan C. Reade Photo