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Loading ...Photography contests, like fashion, come in all varieties. There are the truly professional photography contests that define clearly the types of photographs that can be entered in a contest. These generally will supply various categories that are acceptable, i.e., landscape, portrait, flora, fauna and eclectic. They give a range of photo styles eligible for entry. The more specific the photography contest sponsor is, the more likely it is worthwhile.
Who Judges Photography Contests?
The best photographers enter contest by the most recognized photographers who judge contests of worth. If a photography contest is judged by non-photographers, that’s a red flag that it is less a contest than it is a marketing or sales ploy. Generally, these types of contests are based random judging of photo submittals and the winner is offered a course in photography instruction paid for by the “winner”. These are easily recognized by doing a bit of research into the sponsor’s qualifications and background.
Photography Winners
Photographers who win contests may pay a small fee to enter if judges are also paid professionals who require a stipend for their judging services. These fees may also protect photographic rights to ownership in the event photos are not previously copyrighted. Often, the fees pay for return of photographs. This should be clearly stated in contest rules.
To Enter or Not To Enter….That is the Question
If, after doing a bit of research on the photography contest’s sponsor and finding the contest to be worthy of submittal of photographic genius, there is another question to answer before putting that photo online or in the mail: Will This Contest Promote My Photographic Talent Adequately? If prestige is the only reason for entering a contest, the value of the effort is menial. Instead, photographers who love their work and respect their talents will enter contests that place them in the company of professionals from whom they can learn and enhance their own skills, talents and experiences.
Photography Contests Abound
Photography contests take place in many various scenarios: colleges, libraries, art museums, even a professional photo studio may chance running a portrait studio contest in hopes of finding a good photographic assistant. But, for the very best and most comprehensive photography contests, look for a Photography club or organization that has the sponsorship of well-known photographic authorities, nationally or internationally. These contests offer the best possible opportunities for photographic work to receive acclaim.
