I see where some of you enter local competitions (newspaper contests, state fair competitions, & stuff for local publications). I guess I'm just trying to feel out the odds, but . . do a lot of professional photographers enter these contests, or is it more for amateurs? The contests that I'm looking at are small with no cash or large prizes involved (basically just a 'Yay, we printed your picture in this tiny publication that no one reads!'). It states that it's open to both pros & rookies and I plan to enter either way, just to get the experience. Can some of you share your experience in these types of things? Thanks!
I see where some of you enter local competitions (newspaper contests, state fair competitions, & stuff for local publications). I guess I'm just trying to feel out the odds, but . . do a lot of professional photographers enter these contests, or is it more for amateurs? The contests that I'm looking at are small with no cash or large prizes involved (basically just a 'Yay, we printed your picture in this tiny publication that no one reads!'). It states that it's open to both pros & rookies and I plan to enter either way, just to get the experience. Can some of you share your experience in these types of things? Thanks!
it depends on the prominence and the prize money, a local paper/publication isn't going to generate a huge draw for professional photogs simply becuase of their inability to market to the pros, but a state fair might. i wouldn't sweat it, just becuase they are pros doesn't mean they can take a better picture than you. enter away.
hint, if its online voting, post the link here and so we can heavily vote in your favor :).
Sadly, the judging is all done by board members of the publication. I kinda figured there would be less pros entering, just because, if they're pros, they don't have time to devote to small-time stuff like this. Thanks for the heads up. :)
It never hurts to get your name out there (as long as it is consistent with how you want to be viewed) as much as possible. I have sent in a few things to local publications so far. Nothing in print but have had a few on the news website.
No entry fee, and I retain all rights & ownership. I do grant them license to reproduce, etc. in conjunction with the contest. The photograph will be cited as mine in publication.
I was planning to enter, just to get more practice with my camera. I really appreciate all the advice!!
I entered into a local contest for the paper once...I did win, not the grand prize though. I think I got $50 or so from a local camera store, and a print in the paper. The funny thing is I entered two shots, and I was pretty sure which one when I was notified I had won. Of course, it was the other one! :)
I have entered and won several local and regional contests both in newspapers and in regional magazines. Sometimes the prize is a picture in the paper and sometimes it is monetary, but it is always fun to see your images published. The thing I have found useful in order to do well and get published is to study the work that is currently in the periodical and determine what style fits in best - and submit images that fit that criteria.
Things to consider include how much or little editing to complete (some papers/ magazines don't like it 'over the top' with oversaturated skies etc), figure out the best crops for the media (landscape may work well inside but portrait is best for a cover, etc), and what are the subjects that get published. These are the images that will likely do well.
I have entered and won several local and regional contests both in newspapers and in regional magazines. Sometimes the prize is a picture in the paper and sometimes it is monetary, but it is always fun to see your images published. The thing I have found useful in order to do well and get published is to study the work that is currently in the periodical and determine what style fits in best - and submit images that fit that criteria.
Things to consider include how much or little editing to complete (some papers/ magazines don't like it 'over the top' with oversaturated skies etc), figure out the best crops for the media (landscape may work well inside but portrait is best for a cover, etc), and what are the subjects that get published. These are the images that will likely do well.
Good luck.
Excellent advice! In one of the contests, there are rules to minimal editing and cropping. I will go back and review the past winners though! Thanks!
