Nov 29 2007
Entering Photography Competitions
Have you ever taken a photo that you think is just wonderful and excitedly send it in to a photo competition, only to have it come back as unsuccessful, and have no idea what was so special about the winning photo?
This has happened to me a few times, but I’ve also had some successes. Much of the reasoning behind the judges decisions often seem pretty odd, but that’s how it goes.
In Australian Photography magazine there is an Image Doctor section at the back of every issue that critiques photos people send in. Generally, the photos are cute examples of people’s animals or children. Some are posed, while others are candid.
Overwhelmingly, the comments are about composition, but also about what’s in the background of the photo. One of the funniest comments I’ve seen related to a photo of a lake surrounded by mountains. The water was like glass, it was sunset, and a bird sat on the edge of an old wooden row boat. The bird was looking off into the distance, and the comment made was that the photo could have been improved if the bird was looking at the camera.
It just goes to show that art is, after all, very subjective. I thought the photo was lovely - perhaps a little underexposed, but then that also added mood.
There are many different types of photography competitions - ones in photography magazines, travel magazines, professional photographic competitions, and small (or large), community organised competitions.
Depending on which type of competition you’re entering, the one thing that holds true for all competitions - make sure you abide by the requirements and guidelines!
Tailor your image to the genre of the organisation sponsoring the competition. Check out past winners, if you’re really serious about submitting a strong contender.
I generally submit a 5″ x 7″ print, as I prefer that size over the standard 4″ x 6″. It’s up to you. Bigger is not always necessarily better, so I don’t tend to go much larger than this. Plus, most guidelines will actually specify the largest size they will accept.
One thing I’ve noticed is that your image doesn’t have to be incredibly different or artistic. Make sure it’s exposed correctly, is sharply focused, and has exudes some ’emotion’. You don’t necessarily need much post-production editing, the judges will pick up if you’re trying to make a not so good photo, into something it isn’t.
Above all, the most important part is to enter the competition! Thinking about the above, just enter as many competitions as you can!
