7 Expert Tips for Winning Photography Competitions

Are you tired of submitting your photos to competitions and coming up empty-handed? Checkout these tips for winning photography competitions to stand out. You’ve strained your every nerve but still can’t figure out what it takes to win contests. Then fear not, my friend! As we've got the secret sauce to help you make a splash in the photography world and win those coveted awards. Think of photography competitions as a high-stakes game of chess. It's not just about capturing a beautiful image, but it's also about playing the right moves and making strategic decisions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, put down your lens cap and give this article a read. With these tips in hand, you'll be whipping up award-winning shots easily. So, no more playing second fiddle to other photographers. It's time for you to take center stage by implementing these tips for winning photography competitions and become the paparazzi of the photography world.

Enter the Right Contests

Imagine you won a contest, but what if the rewards aren’t worth your time and effort in the first place? Or the worst, they were just scams, designed to take your money and run. You don’t want this to happen, right? So you have to play your cards right and enter the best contests. But how do you pick the right contest? Simply research. If you want our pick though, we suggest taking a look at The Artist Gallery.  Their selection process is top-notch and their judges are legit. Not to mention their prize money and social media promotion will make it worth your time. As a bonus, if you don't win, they'll also provide feedback so you know exactly where you stand and how to grow as a photographer.

Research the Competition

Selecting the competition is just the start. You've got to dig a little deeper and find out what it takes to win that competition. It's like stacking the deck in your favor - why wouldn't you want to do that? First things first, take a look at last year's winners. Don't get any crazy ideas about copying them, but see what kind of shots caught the judges' eyes. And if the competition is run by an organization or has a big sponsor, make a mental note of that. It could give you a hint as to what they're looking for. Here's a little secret for you - check out the judges. If their names are published, take a few minutes to get to know their work. What's their style? What do they appreciate? It's like knowing your audience before giving a speech, it can make all the difference between hitting the bullseye or missing the mark. Trust me, putting in a little bit of extra effort can go a long way in increasing your chances of winning that photography competition. Don't leave it to chance, take control and give it your best shot!

Stick to the Theme

[caption id="attachment_5000" align="alignnone" width="936"] https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-woman-holding-dslr-camera-1264210/[/caption] I know, I know, you might have this amazing shot of your cat doing a handstand, but if the theme is landscape photography, then that shot is going straight to the trash bin. It's simple, if the judges can't see how your shot fits into the theme, then it's game over! But don't think that sticking to the theme means you can't get creative. Actually, it's quite the opposite! The theme is like a starting point for your creativity. It's a blank canvas, and you can paint any picture you want. Just think about all the different ways you can interpret the theme, and then let your imagination run wild. So don't be a one-trick pony, but make sure you’re following the theme. Mix it up, and show the judges what you're made of. Trust me, if you play by these rules, you'll be the belle of the ball at that photography competition.

Shoot Something Different

[caption id="attachment_5003" align="alignnone" width="936"] https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-waterfalls-1385474/[/caption] In the photography world, uniqueness and creativity are the keys to the kingdom. Especially, to win a contest, you need to be truly original and not just another copycat. Because judges will be making a quick pass through hundreds and thousands of entries. To grab their attention, your photo must be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that makes them stop for a second. But how do you become unique and creative with your camera? Just be original, be daring, and be unique. Find your own style and stick with it. And don't be afraid to try something new and let your creative juices flow. Who knows, you might just create the next masterpiece!

Tell a Story

Being human, it's natural for all of us (yes, even the judges!) to have a fondness for a captivating tale. So, why not take advantage of that in your photography? When you're entering a competition, don't just snap a pretty picture, tell a story with it. Make the judges feel something when they look at your pic. It doesn't have to be a long, detailed story like a novel, but it should make them feel like they're in the moment with you. Think about what you want the viewers to feel and what message you want to convey with your pic. Is it about love, happiness, sadness, or courage? Whatever it is, make sure it's evident in your photo. And don't be afraid to get a little cheesy with it. A picture is worth a thousand words, so use that to your advantage! If you can make the judges feel something, then you're one step closer to winning that competition. So, go ahead, spin a yarn with your pic, and leave the judges with a tale they'll never forget!

Give a Finishing Touch

[caption id="attachment_5004" align="alignnone" width="936"] https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-on-screen-silver-macbook-air-on-wooden-desk-56759/[/caption] Editing is your secret weapon in this photography game. It's like a magic wand that can transform your photos from meh to OMG, this is amazing! So let your personality shine through and give your photos that "wow" factor. That's the secret to winning these competitions. Think of it like cooking up a delicious meal, you add just the right spices to make it taste amazing. In the same way, you add the right edits to your photos to give them a perfect finishing touch. For that, use color correction to make the colors pop, exposure to brighten the mood, and sharpness to bring the details to life. But hold your horses, don't go overboard with the editing. Too much and your photos will turn into a garnish mess, too little and they'll be as bland as plain rice. You gotta find that sweet spot where your photos look their best and still retain their natural beauty.

Get it Reviewed

If you want to take the cake in photo contests, you got to listen to both your inner and outer critics. Getting a second opinion can be a real game changer, especially if you're not feeling super confident about your shots. Let's be real, it's always better to hear the bad news from someone you trust before the contest judges do. Find yourself a photography buddy, or even a family member, and show them your shots. Ask them what they think, what they love, and what they don't love so much. And don't forget, their opinions are just that - opinions. You don't have to take everything they say as gospel, but it never hurts to get a fresh perspective. So, before you hit that submit button, take a deep breath, get a second opinion, and make sure your shots are top-notch. It could be the difference between a winning shot and one that gets lost in the shuffle.

Final Words

Winning a photography competition isn’t just a game of luck. You win them by knowing the competition's theme inside out, bringing something new to the table, and telling a story through your lens. If you're on the hunt for a competition worth your time and effort, The Artist Gallery is the place to be. With top-notch judges and a fair selection process, you'll get feedback that'll take your skills to the next level and the prize money is worth the hard work. So, forget the lens cap and let your imagination run wild. Show the world what you've got and don't miss your chance to be crowned the king of the photography world by entering The Artist Gallery's contest.