At the moment I’m getting lots of similar questions from lots of ‘togs: ‘Do you think I’m good enough to enter a competition?’ How the heck do I answer that? I guess the only thing I can do is draw on my own experience and offer a little advice based on what’s out there. But I think the first question has got to be, ‘Why do you want to enter a competition?’
Now I’m not going to answer that for anyone…I just put it out there because it seems to me that’s the first question we should ask ourselves…why? The only thing I would suggest is that you give it some serious thought.
Next question I think we need to ask ourselves is, how well do I deal with disappointment and criticism? I think that if you don’t deal with these things well then don’t put yourself in a position where you may get disappointed and your work will get criticised. Do you really need this in your life?
So…here goes folks.
There are hundreds of photo competitions out there ranging from International to domestic. From specific genre to general subjects. Many of the top comps carry an entry fee whereas lots of local ones are free to enter. So why do Photo comps exist in the first place?
Photographic competitions are events where photographers submit their work to be judged, sometimes by a panel of experts and at other times by non-experts based on certain criteria and themes. The purpose of photographic competitions is to showcase the talent and creativity of photographers, to reward them with recognition and prizes, and to inspire them to improve their skills and explore new genres. Photographic competitions can also raise awareness of important issues, such as environmental protection, social justice, or cultural diversity.
There are many different types of photographic competitions, each with its own focus, rules, and prizes. Some are open to all photographers, while others are restricted by age, nationality, or experience level. Some are free to enter, while others charge a fee. Some are annual, while others are monthly or quarterly. Some are online, while others are physical exhibitions. Some are general, while others are specific to a genre, such as wildlife, landscape, or portrait. Some are sponsored by brands, magazines, or organizations, while others are independent or non-profit.
You need to consider your goals, interests, and budget. You also need to research the reputation, credibility, and quality of the competitions, as well as the judges, sponsors, and previous winners. You can search online to discover some of the best photography contests to enter in 2024.
Now, it’s not for me to discourage folk from entering comps but there are some reasons why you might want to think twice before entering photographic competitions. Here’s a few:
- They can be expensive. Some competitions charge hefty entry fees, which can add up quickly if you enter multiple contests. You also have to factor in the cost of printing, framing, and shipping your work, if required. And don’t forget the taxes you might have to pay on your winnings, if any.
- They can be subjective. Judging art is not an exact science, and different judges may have different preferences, biases, and criteria. You might think your work is brilliant, but the judges might not agree. Or you might get unlucky and face stiff competition from other talented photographers. You can’t control these factors, and they can affect your chances of winning or getting recognition.
- They can be stressful. Entering competitions can put a lot of pressure on you, especially if you have high expectations or invest a lot of time and money into them. You might feel anxious, frustrated, or disappointed if you don’t win or get positive feedback. You might also compare yourself to other photographers and feel insecure about your skills or style.
- They can be distracting. Focusing too much on competitions can take away your attention and energy from other aspects of your photography, such as learning, experimenting, or enjoying the process. You might also lose sight of your own vision and creativity, and start chasing trends or pleasing judges, rather than expressing yourself.
Of course, these aren’t the only reasons, and they might not apply to everyone. Some ‘togs might find competitions motivating, rewarding, or fun. But I still go back to my first point: ask yourself why you want to do it.
A word of warning…be wary of judges who have little or no experience of creating images and usually respond with things like, ‘I know what I like’, ‘It’s a question of whether or not I’d hang it on my wall’ and, worse of all, those so-called judges who have little or no judging experience and refuse to listen to anyone’s voice except their own! Oh! and the last one…the, ‘I’m not interested in the technical side’. That’s probably the biggest downer of them all, especially after you’ve spent valuable time ensuring your images are ‘technically’ correct.
C’mon folks, who’s driving all this? We’ve built up years of experience and spend countless hours trying to get things right, never being totally satisfied with what we create and always striving for that perfect image. And then, after all this hard graft, we lay ourselves down at the feet of some virtually unknown so-called Judge and are expected to hang on their every word? Gimme a break!
Happy snappin; folks
Meter The Light 