By Adrian Klein
I recently thought about the fact that I have entered very few photography contests these days as my email seems to be filled with more and more contests to enter. I rarely go a week without at least a handful it seems. I remember looking for every opportunity to submit work to photo contests a number of years back. Now days I care less which is the result of a number of factors ranging from not seeing the overall value and many contests being about amassing their own stock photography collection.
Don’t get me wrong it can be rewarding to do well whether it’s local or international and I still occasionally enter them. I have been fortunate to do well a few times in the past yet I feel that has less to do with my photography and more to do with timing of the right judge(s). Photography is very subjective and what makes one judge say “WOW” does not mean another will think the same. Even though in Photo Cascadia we have very similar tastes I guarantee there would be differences with all of us sitting on a judging panel together.
Assuming you are interested in entering photo contests here are some areas to consider to ensure it’s worth your time and finances.
Reasons to Enter…
Prizes: Many contests provide prizes albeit you pretty much need to get first or grand prize in most large contests to walk away with more than a small reward of cash or prizes. Then you have to see if the prizes really are of interest to you. Getting another camera bag may be of little value if you have half a dozen already. One prize I won a while back was a several hundred dollar rugged portable hard drive. I actually still use it today; that contest turned out worthwhile for me.
Prizes can be trophies or awards too. I have a few that I have kept from photography. The satisfaction of having your name engraved on something tangible does not stop after finishing that youth season of snoopy soccer league while getting handed a trophy at the local restaurant end-of-season celebration.
Fame: By fame I really mean recognition. This is likely the biggest reason the majority of photographers will enter a contest. We all want our 10 minutes of fame. Doing well in a contest and getting a pat on the back by your peers is never a bad thing, it certainly can feel good and can give a barometer on how you are doing amongst other photographers. Additionally if it’s a juried gallery show you might get additional exposure.
I think this is where the expectations should stop for the fame reasoning. Photographers that believe winning a contest will also translate into selling more prints or stock of their work should think again. I am not saying there won’t be any residual affect yet the orders are not likely to come pouring in.
Supporting a Cause: Entering a contest because a significant portion of the money goes to a cause that you believe in is a good thing. I would say these are few but they are certainly out there. Many might give a very small portion to an organization or cause yet it likely won’t be a healthy percentage.
There are a couple I have entered that fall into this category, more like cash donations because the majority of the entrance fee goes to support the cause.
The Fine Print: Although not really a reason to enter it’s something that should be paid close attention to. Most of us won’t take the time to read 15 pages of terms and conditions when installing the latest version of Photoshop on our computer yet there some sections for photo contests you should always read
- Categories and Costs: Should you do well you want to make sure you are submitting under the correct category and paying accordingly. The price can range quite a bit from student to professional submissions. Most common categories; student, amateur/hobbyist, professional. Some contests may state that making any money in photography you are consider a professional even if you do not consider yourself as one, read the fine print.
- Usage Rights: This is a big one and I feel is the reason a lot of professionals I know are very selective about the contests they enter. For many contests simply entering your photos gives the company(s) running the contest licensing rights to them and their affiliates or subsidiaries. If it’s just using the image to promote the contest that is not giving up much yet if it’s giving it up in many other ways and for many years to come it should cause you to pause and decide if it’s worth it.
Contests to Enter: These are merely some suggestions that I have entered at one point or another that I feel are worthwhile. There are certainly others too.
http://www.naturesbestphotography.com
http://www.photooftheyear.net
http://www.pdnonline.com/contests.shtml
http://icpawards.com
What is your take on photography contests with the number of amazing photos out there today and the plethora of contests, are they worth it or not so much?
Location: Portland, OR
Website: www.adrianklein.com
Adrian Klein has a passion for the outdoors and landscape photography that is endless. He has traveled the parks, shorelines and wilderness capturing images that represent each area through his own artistic eye from the curbs to the far off trails.
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