13 Lucky Tips to Help You Win Your Next Photo Competition.
Let’s be honest, entering photo competitions can be a wild ride. It’s a mix of excitement, anticipation, and the occasional face-palm moment when you realize you accidentally submitted a picture of your cat to the “Majestic Landscapes” category. We’ve all been there (or at least know someone who has). That’s why we’re here to offer some friendly advice on what not to do if you want to increase your chances of winning. Consider this your survival guide to the photo contest jungle – complete with 13 helpful tips (because who needs superstitions, right?).
1. The Rule Book: A Novel You Haven’t Read: Those contest rules? They’re not just there for decoration. Think of them as a treasure map leading to photo contest gold. Ignoring them is like setting sail without a compass – you might end up in a very different place than you intended. Like, say, disqualified. Did you know some contests have specific rules about file size, format, or even the type of cheese you can have in the background? (Okay, maybe not the cheese part, but you get the idea.)
2. Category Confusion: Is This a Dog or a Cat?: Submitting a landscape to a portrait category? It happens! Just double-check those categories before you hit “submit.” Unless, of course, you’re going for the “Most Creatively Confused” award. We once had a submission for “Urban Life” that was clearly a picture of a squirrel burying a nut in someone’s flowerpot. Artistic interpretation? Perhaps. Winning material? Probably not.
3. Image Quality/Over-Editing: From Blurry to Blingy (and Back Again): We all want our photos to shine, but sometimes, too much shine can be a bad thing. Make sure your images are crisp and clear, but avoid over-editing that makes them look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Think less “enhanced” and more “authentic.” Unless the theme is “Photos That Look Like They Were Taken on Mars,” in which case, go wild. Finding that balance between “just right” and “whoa, too much!” is key.
4. Copyright Catastrophes: Is That Your Photo?: Using someone else’s photo without permission is a big no-no. It’s not only unethical, but it could also get you disqualified faster than you can say “copyright infringement.” Make sure every element of your photo is something you created or have the rights to use. Borrowing a background image from the internet? Probably not a good idea. Using a model without a release form? Definitely not. Think of it this way: if you didn’t create it, don’t submit it.
5. Clichés: The Photographic Equivalent of Small Talk: Sunsets are beautiful, kittens are adorable, but have we seen them a lot? Try to find your own unique angle, unless you’re aiming for the “Most Comfortably Familiar” award. Originality is key, folks. Think outside the box (or, you know, inside the camera bag).
6. Theme? Is That a New Type of Coffee?: If there’s a theme, embrace it! Think of it as a creative challenge. Don’t just submit any old photo and hope for the best. Unless the theme is “Photos That Have Absolutely Nothing to Do With the Theme,” you might want to rethink your submission. Imagine entering a photo of your grandma’s prize-winning zucchini in a “Motorcycles of the World” contest. Yeah, not gonna happen.
7. The Forgotten Metadata: Your Photo’s Secret Identity: Metadata is like your photo’s secret identity – it contains all sorts of valuable information, including your name, contact details, and even the story behind the shot. Judges often look at metadata, so make sure it’s complete and accurate. Leaving it blank is like showing up to a party without introducing yourself.
8. Presentation: Because Details Matter: “IMG_0047.jpg” isn’t exactly the most inspiring file name. Take a few seconds to name your files properly and write thoughtful captions. It shows you care, and judges appreciate that. Think of it as the cherry on top of your photographic sundae.
9. Deadlines: The Silent Enemy of Photographers: Procrastination is a universal struggle, but when it comes to deadlines, it can be a real killer. Mark those dates on your calendar and set reminders. Don’t let a missed deadline ruin your chances. Because nothing’s worse than having that perfect shot and realizing you missed the deadline by five minutes.
10. Proofreading: Because Typos Happen to the Best of Us: We’ve all been there – a typo slips through, and suddenly your caption looks a little…off. Proofread everything before you submit. Your future self will thank you.
11. Feedback: The Gift You Didn’t Ask For (But Should Accept Gracefully): Feedback can be tough to hear, but it’s also incredibly valuable. Try to see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Even if you disagree, consider the perspective of the person giving the feedback. They might see something you missed.
12. Contest Compatibility: Finding Your Photographic Soulmate: Not all photo contests are created equal. Some focus on specific genres, styles, or even camera types. Entering a black and white portrait in a contest for “Underwater Macro Photography” might not be the best strategy. Take the time to find contests that truly align with your photographic strengths and interests. Think of it as finding your photographic soulmate.
13. The “I’ll Never Win” Blues: Embrace the Underdog Spirit: We’ve all been there – staring at a contest entry form, thinking, “What’s the point? I’ll never win.” But hold on! Don’t let those negative thoughts hold you back. Every photographer starts somewhere. Embrace the underdog spirit, give it your best shot, and who knows? You might just surprise yourself. Even if you don’t win, you’ll gain valuable experience, learn from others, and maybe even make some new photography friends along the way. So, ditch the self-doubt and go for it!
So, there you have it – your guide to navigating the wacky world of photo competitions. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to photographic glory (or at least avoiding disqualification). Now go forth, and may your photos be ever in your favour!
