Tips On Photo Contests

I am no stranger to photo contests. I create and enter them regularly at Pixels.com (also known as FineArtAmerica.com). I enter local contests and international contests and I've placed in a few. Based on my experience, entering a contest helps you look at your work with a critical eye.

Here's some tips on entering photo contests.

PIXELS.COM is for members only. There's no entry fee, just like there's no fee for basic membership on the site. (Full disclosure: I use Pixels to successfully sell my artwork). The contests are fun. Most times the prizes are just a resounding "Kudos", but the bigger prize is exposing your work to customers. I've sold artwork which the customer saw in a contest.

Sometimes the prize is stupendous.The top prizewinners in the annual Billboard Contest have their art advertised on a billboard. (Unabashed solicitation; I would love your vote; go to https://pixels.com/contests/billboard-contest-2022.html?tab=vote&artworkid=39611243 to vote).

If you choose to create a PIXELS contest, I recommend a narrow focus. A contest for "Architecture" will potentially have 1000+ entries. "Skyscrapers" will have a more cohesive look and appeal to customers perusing the contest. As a contest administrator, I look at every entry in my contests. This develops my own eye for exceptional composition and appeal.

RIGHTS: Whenever you enter a contest, read the fine print in the rules. Do you retain the right to your work? What permissions are you giving to the contest administrator? (you always retain rights to your work at Pixels). I declined to enter one contest when I saw that the company running the contest could sell my work on cards and calendars, with no compensation to me.

COST: Many contests have entry fees (but not Pixels). Fees can range from $15 for 3 entries to $35 per image--or more. Run a mental cost benefit analysis. Ask yourself: What are the prizes? What exposure do I get to potential customers? Does this a contest promote me in the way I want to be seen? Are the answers to these question worth the monetary outlay for the entry? Only YOU can answer these questions.

LOCAL or INTERNATIONAL: Contests run by local nonprofits, businesses, cities, or small circulation magazines have fewer entrants and give you a greater chance for winning, and most importantly, exposure. Contests on a national or international scale by entities such as National Geographic, Sony, or The Nature Conservancy have tens of thousands of entries. Winning gives you incredible exposure. Look hard at previous year winners to know if you need to up your game to be competitive. And, yes, your art IS GOOD ENOUGH to win. ;-)

JURIED OR POPULARITY: Juried contests are typically judged by accomplished photographers. More often than not they have entry fees. One of my favorites is LensCulture.com where I have the option to get my work critiqued. I am pleased with the critiques I received and I think it has made me a better photographer.

The flip side of juried contests is what I call popularity contests. These contests depend heavily upon entrants advertising their entry on social media for votes (kindly reference my solicitation above!). For someone like me who has a low profile on social media, these contests are rarely worth my time. For someone fully engaged in social media, these contests are terrific for exposure and translating into sales.There's also a combination of the two -- votes via the web will narrow down the field for the jurors.

Consider the above points when you consider a contest. As you enter more contests, you'll develop your own standard for what is worth your effort.

Oh, and did I mention I'd love your vote? https://pixels.com/contests/billboard-contest-2022.html?tab=vote&artworkid=39611243