Yes, photo contests are for just about anyone-especially if you are:
A professional photographer.
An amateur photography enthusiast.
Someone with a keen eye for a great shot.
Someone who's just bored.
Unlike poetry or cooking contests (where there's a definite level of skill involved) almost anyone can start taking pictures with a camera. With digital cameras getting better and better, there's really not much you have to learn. Photography has truly become a 'point-and-click' affair.
What are the benefits of entering a photo contest?
That's a good question! Contests are a great way to:
a) Win prizes of merchandise or cash.
b) Show off your abilities. Your winning photo could be published in very high profile photography books or magazines.
c) Be judged by experts, critics, and peers in your field.
d) Receive opportunities to talk with editors, well-known photographers, equipment manufacturers and others.
e) Perhaps gain a little fame; certainly receive instant exposure.
The prizes for photographs range from minimal cash prizes to fully equipped photo studios from a few free rolls of film to exotic photo adventures.
Here is a short list of some prizes from current and past contests:
* Survey wolves, bears and chamois when you participate in a Biosphere Land Rover Expedition to Slovakia's Tatra Mountains.
* A three-week overland adventure in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar
* An $8,500 Grand Prize that includes a Nikon camera, lenses and flash system, notebook computer and printer, software and many other accessories.
* A $9,300 Grand Prize--Including a Nikon Digital camera kit and a trip to the Northwest Territories.
Apart from winning prizes, you also get a chance to develop your own real-world portfolio and depending on the contest, a win (or even a good finish!) can help launch your photo career.
Sowhat are you waiting for?
How To Get Started
Get started by selecting a contest. Then visit this extensive 'list of photo contests' (link to your website's photo contests page) at www.proofpositive.com. Here you will find dozens of on-going photo contests. The list is continually updated, so visit often.
Once you've chosen a contest, put the deadline date on your calendar. Either look through your existing photos or schedule a time to take the "winning photo." Be sure to read the rules, fill out the necessary forms, send in or upload your photo and wait for the announcement that YOU are the winner.
Winning Tips for Entering Contests
Every contest has unique rules and criteria. There are different eligibility requirements and varying rules and regulations to participate. One of the first things you have to do is determine whether or not you qualify to enter the contest. Here are some more helpful tips:
- Follow all the rules and read all the instructions! This is vital! Ensure that you know the theme of the contest (scenic landscape, people or animals, travel photos, etc. . .). It's surprising the number of people who submit a favorite picture of a beloved pet to a nature- or scenic-themed contest. Most contests limit the number of entrants and how many submissions each one can enter.
- Familiarize yourself with the published list of winners of past contests. It's a good idea to check the criteria, theme and style judges have used in the past to select winners. Photo contests aren't exactly professional sports; the judging is subjective (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?), and while they do their best to remain objective and open-minded, it's vital that you have an idea of what the team of judges considers
- Carefully read the terms and conditions of participating for each contest you decide to enter. Some contests require you to give up the copyright to your work or photo just by entering the contest. Why would you showcase your work if you don't retain legal right to it? Make certain you read all the fine print before you submit your entry!
That's it. Register, show off your work, and collect your prizes!
A professional photographer.
An amateur photography enthusiast.
Someone with a keen eye for a great shot.
Someone who's just bored.
Unlike poetry or cooking contests (where there's a definite level of skill involved) almost anyone can start taking pictures with a camera. With digital cameras getting better and better, there's really not much you have to learn. Photography has truly become a 'point-and-click' affair.
What are the benefits of entering a photo contest?
That's a good question! Contests are a great way to:
a) Win prizes of merchandise or cash.
b) Show off your abilities. Your winning photo could be published in very high profile photography books or magazines.
c) Be judged by experts, critics, and peers in your field.
d) Receive opportunities to talk with editors, well-known photographers, equipment manufacturers and others.
e) Perhaps gain a little fame; certainly receive instant exposure.
The prizes for photographs range from minimal cash prizes to fully equipped photo studios from a few free rolls of film to exotic photo adventures.
Here is a short list of some prizes from current and past contests:
* Survey wolves, bears and chamois when you participate in a Biosphere Land Rover Expedition to Slovakia's Tatra Mountains.
* A three-week overland adventure in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar
* An $8,500 Grand Prize that includes a Nikon camera, lenses and flash system, notebook computer and printer, software and many other accessories.
* A $9,300 Grand Prize--Including a Nikon Digital camera kit and a trip to the Northwest Territories.
Apart from winning prizes, you also get a chance to develop your own real-world portfolio and depending on the contest, a win (or even a good finish!) can help launch your photo career.
Sowhat are you waiting for?
How To Get Started
Get started by selecting a contest. Then visit this extensive 'list of photo contests' (link to your website's photo contests page) at www.proofpositive.com. Here you will find dozens of on-going photo contests. The list is continually updated, so visit often.
Once you've chosen a contest, put the deadline date on your calendar. Either look through your existing photos or schedule a time to take the "winning photo." Be sure to read the rules, fill out the necessary forms, send in or upload your photo and wait for the announcement that YOU are the winner.
Winning Tips for Entering Contests
Every contest has unique rules and criteria. There are different eligibility requirements and varying rules and regulations to participate. One of the first things you have to do is determine whether or not you qualify to enter the contest. Here are some more helpful tips:
- Follow all the rules and read all the instructions! This is vital! Ensure that you know the theme of the contest (scenic landscape, people or animals, travel photos, etc. . .). It's surprising the number of people who submit a favorite picture of a beloved pet to a nature- or scenic-themed contest. Most contests limit the number of entrants and how many submissions each one can enter.
- Familiarize yourself with the published list of winners of past contests. It's a good idea to check the criteria, theme and style judges have used in the past to select winners. Photo contests aren't exactly professional sports; the judging is subjective (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?), and while they do their best to remain objective and open-minded, it's vital that you have an idea of what the team of judges considers
- Carefully read the terms and conditions of participating for each contest you decide to enter. Some contests require you to give up the copyright to your work or photo just by entering the contest. Why would you showcase your work if you don't retain legal right to it? Make certain you read all the fine print before you submit your entry!
That's it. Register, show off your work, and collect your prizes!
About the Author:
Entering photograph contests can yield cash, photography equipment and other rewards. For a comprehensive list of photo contests, visit the Proof Positive Photo Contests Page. You will find dozens of active photo contests accepting submissions and the contest list is updated regularly.
