Entry Fee's for Photography Contests?

[summeresque]

I'm 6 months into my photography hobby and haven't yet entered any contests. I was just wondering if it is standard to pay a fee to enter a contest? I've seen a few contests online and all of them have entry fees.

[jdepould]

It's not uncommon, but personally I'd never pay to enter a contest. Just make sure they're not out to scam your credit card, and that you read the terms and conditions very closely before submitting (don't give away your copyrights).

[Sime]

I've seen a lot of contests where, if you read the fine print, don't offer the prize until they've reached a certain number of entries - i.e. enough paid entries to pay for the prize and give them some profit. It's interesting, but there's not a lot wrong with it.

[Dangelica]

Originally Posted by Sime™

I've seen a lot of contests where, if you read the fine print, don't offer the prize until they've reached a certain number of entries - i.e. enough paid entries to pay for the prize and give them some profit. It's interesting, but there's not a lot wrong with it.

I tend to disagree on this. A competition should be based on the merits of the entrants alone. Be it a cash prize, trophy, contract or merely recognition of the individuals talent, the prize should be set before entries are taken and not be a contributing factor in the judging decision.

If an entry fee is charged for a competition and must reach a set level before a prize can be awarded (on the condition that a profit is also achieved) Then it is merely a raffle. The profit is of more concern to the organizer than the quality of entry. The only exception to this would be in the event of a charitable organization charging a fee for entry that is donated in whole to the concerned charity and the prize being the opportunity for recognition.

[Sime]

Profit isn't a given... (It was my assumption) But it's an interesting concept... Let's take the last comp I ran here on dPS -- 4000+ entries, if we'd charged $1 to enter, we'd have been able to offer one hell of a prize, and we wouldn't have required a decent sponsor (Who gave us $2500 for the exposure we gave them) ...as long as it's clear that you're paying for your own prize, I think it's largely OK - - but you're certainly welcome to your own opinion :-)

[Dangelica]

Sime 0EV
Dangelica -2EV

Looking for a +2EV forum member for forum post HDR to make the ultimate in cool balanced and informative posts

[Sime]

LOL... no no no....

Sime f/5.6
Dangelica f/2.8

We need someone at 1/160th!

So, shall we start a comp where we charge everyone $1 and then buy doughnuts!! lots of doughnuts!!

[Dangelica]

Now you are on to something.....

[PotatoEYE]

I've tried both paid and free contests, never got anywhere in paid ones, got some recognition in free ones. That being said, the paid ones are usually filled with pro and semi-pro photographers with outstanding photos, my guess is they are drawn to the prizes, which are top gear related mostly. Free contests can't usually offer much in terms of monetary prizes, except for DPS of course I'd recommend trying free ones before going ahead wasting money on losing

[barrettfb]

Originally Posted by Sime™

So, shall we start a comp where we charge everyone $1

I actually don't think this is a bad idea Sime. Maybe have a limit of 5 photos submitted. They can submit, then pay via paypal (or some other service).

I think there'd be a lot on the forum who would/could enter that kind of competition.