Photo Competition Tips and Ideas

Most beginners never thought of actually participating in a photo contest, they probably do not even think of it in the first place. Photography contests may seem very intimidating but it can really help newbies gain some experience by competing. You may face professional photographers and other photography adepts but photo contests could be won regardless of your title. There are many cases that popular picture contests were bagged by newbies, people don’t expect it but it can actually happen. So, I encourage you guys to take your chance and go for it. If you want to win a photo competition it is critical for you to have an eye on what the judges expect on a particular subject. This may be difficult but if you read the instructions carefully and use a little imagination, you might be able to nail the first place. So here are some excellent tips to help win photography contests.

Instructions

Reading the rules, criteria and the picture contest instructions should be the first thing you should do. Most of these instructions use photography lingo so you better educate yourself while reading on to grasp it all. Judges look for many other qualities that you must learn. While the instructions might be a bit confusing, it’s best to read them.

Choosing the Subject

I recommend subjects with character such as the streets, wildlife, sunsets etc. Still life photos are classic, most people appreciate the artistic value of this technique in photo competitions. You also have to apply the appropriate techniques when shooting your subject like the rule of thirds, lighting, composition and so on.

Be Spontaneous

The streets is a very good subject for everyday activity and candid shots. Keep your shots spontaneous and do not wait for your subjects to strike a pose. Its better to take their pictures while doing things they love most. For photo competitions, its nice to focus on the subject’s activity, not necessarily the person. Profiles make great pictures, but never take a picture of a person’s back.

Time of the Day

Always consider the time of the day to shoot your winning portraits. An early morning sunrise, a foggy coastline, or a child playing in a sunbeam make for unplanned, beautiful photography.

Artistic Eye

Judges will be digging up entries that exhibits a unique and powerful technique that can dazzle everyone who stares at it. What the judges want to see is how you work with your subjects. Do you pose them or frame them just like any other photographer or do you have your own unique viewpoint?