Entering Photograph Contests For Fun and Profit
Photo contests are generally for just about anyone who is interested in entering, whether you are:
A novice photographer.
A professional photographer.
Someone with a creative eye and a camera.
Someone who’s just bored.
Poetry, cooking and many other contests generally require a definite level of skill to qualify; almost anyone can start taking pictures with a camera. Digital cameras today are getting better and better, so there really isn’t much you have to learn. Taking pictures these days truly is nearly as simple as ‘point-and-click.’
What are the benefits of entering a photo contest?
I’m glad you asked that! Contests are a great way to:
a) Win money or prizes.
b) Showcase your skills - your winning photo may be published in very high profile photography magazines and books.
c) Be evaluated not only by your peers but also experts and critics in your field.
d) Receive wonderful benefits such as the opportunity to talk with editors, well-known photographers, equipment manufacturers and more.
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:
* A Land Rover Biosphere Expedition to the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia to survey chamois, wolves and bears
* A three-week overland adventure in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar
* A Grand Prize valued at over $8,500 that includes a Nikon camera and lenses, flash system, notebook computer, printer, software and tons of other extras.
* 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.
So why are you hesitating?
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.
The first step is selecting a contest. Then go to this comprehensive ‘list of photo contests’ (link to your website’s photo contests page) at www.proofpositive.com where there are dozens of on-going photo contests. The active contest list is continually updated, so check back often.
Insider Tips for Entering Contests
Every contest is different. There are different eligibility standards as well as different rules and entry regulations. One of the first things you have to do is determine whether or not you are qualified for the contest. Here are a few other tips:
- Follow the instructions! This cannot be over-emphasized. Ensure that you know what type of contest is being run (scenic beauty, human form, travel photos, etc.).. It’s amazing how many people submit their favorite picture of their cute puppy to nature or scenic themed contests! Most contests also place a limit on the number of entries you can submit.
- Scout the contest website for past winners, and take a look at the pattern with which judges select winners. Photo contests aren’t exactly 100 meter sprints; the judges are subjective (beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that), and while they do their best to be objective and impartial, it’s imperative that you have an idea of what they consider ‘winning’ material.
- Make sure that you agree with the terms & conditions of participating in each contest. There are some contests in which you forfeit your copyright to your photo / work just by registering in the contest. What’s the point of showcasing your work if you legally sign it over to someone else? Be sure to read all the fine print!
That’s all there is to it! Register, showcase your work, and collect prizes!