Entering a Competition

[RichardMorgan]

Hey, first post here. I've been a lurker for quite a while and just finally got around to registering. (Hopefully this is the right place for this thread -- SYS and critique didn't seem right.)

I'm thinking about entering an amateur photo competition at work, and I'm curious whether I should even bother. I don't expect to win, by any means, but I just wonder whether the photos I have are the type that really belong in competitions (even fun, casual ones).

Here are some of the ones I like:

Street Entertainer, Key West, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Pre-Spill Pelican, Key West, Florida on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Conrad Treasury Casino, Brisbane, Australia on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I think what's bothering me is they don't evoke much emotion.

The first one may not be the best shot, but I think the faces in the background help bring out something that the others lack. None of these were edited, and I have the 12 MP originals, so I'm guessing they would print well.

Can I get some advice? What is it that makes a photo a good entry? I still have a week or two before the deadline, so I still have time if I can figure out what it is I'm trying to capture.

Thanks!
Richard

[Rshookphoto]

Hi Richard,

While I'm no expert on contests - I would ask what is the subject matter for the competition or are there categories? You have a variety of images, I personally like the city scape & pelican. I have enter a few contests, didn't win but it's just fun to see other peoples work and learn and compare for yourself. Good luck!!

[SuperDan]

Where do you work that there are photo competitions? hmm

but, yes, without knowing what the parameters are for the contest its hard to tell you which and what pics to go at...

Good Luck anyways!

[RichardMorgan]

Sorry for the late reply, I assumed I would get an email from the forum if anyone responded to this thread!

That's part of what makes it hard--the category is "amateur color photographs". That's as specific as it gets.

It's part of a broader regional talent show/competition, and it seemed like it would be fun to enter, but I was just wondering if these types of images were appropriate or if it's even worth the effort! If I enter a picture of a bird and everyone else has sophisticated portraits or landscapes, it's going to look really out of place. Lol.

This might sound dumb, but I was just wondering if there was a "type" of photograph that was more suitable for competitions in general!

Thanks for the feedback.

[Rshookphoto]

If it's a general/ open theme then I would go with the photo that speaks to you the most. I'm not aware of any "type" that is better than another for this. Best of luck!

[Norvi]

I took part in a photography competition/workshop last year and I had a lot of fun. I learnt that my camera could take low-light pictures, motion blurs, etc. I won two mugs with two of my photographs on them (aka I did not go throuhg to the final round)

I would strongly suggest entering. For topics, take a photo that you enjoyed taking. The shot that they liked the most was one I took for my own amusement and ended up entering since we had to submit 4 photos.

[SnapItToMe]

I think everyone should read articles like this written by DPS before entering any kind of photo competition.
How to Win a Photography Competition

In fact I think this article should be sticky at the top of this forum.

[theArchitect]

If you're happy with the terms & conditions of the competition (i.e. the rights you're granting), then you've got nothing to lose.

In my experience, small scale competitions run by non-photo related organisations are quite arbitrary in their judging criteria and sometimes even choose poor photos as others may appear "too professional".

[Troy_Schwaller]

Heya.

While I have never actually entered a contest (Besides the weekly assignment on DPS), I do know what pics bring out the most feeling. In both me and my audience. Its the ones where they can pick up my emotion. Can see what I saw when I took the picture. I hope this helps.

So if you have a shot you think is good, and the terms of the contest are acceptable, I say go for it!

Troy

[spinview]

I'd look at it this way: if you were an amateur runner, would you only enter a road race if there was some certainty that you would be competitive or a contender for a prize? No, most people who run enter a race for the experience, the goal of completing something that is a challenge, or simply to have FUN.

So, if you want my opinion, do it. Enter the competition. After you've gone through the experience and you find the whole thing is not enjoyable, then there's your answer...

And no matter what the outcome, get back out there and keep shooting!