Photo Contests

[jjeling]

Just curious, there are some local photo contests going on here in town and I was wondering how people go about figuring which pictures to enter. It is giving me a big headache with so many to choose from, its hard to narrow it down. Sooo, how do you pick yours?

[kat]

Ones you don't plan on ever selling.. :P

[jjeling]

Forgive my ignorance but why do you say that?

I know when you win the contest you essentially give the contest the right to what they want with the pictures. After looking through the details of the contests, most of them seem to be royalty free, and you retain the ability to sell them for a profit. Although they seem to be able to use them for their own promotional purposes, you retain the copyrights of the images.

Feel free to correct me. I am a newbie to image rights.

[kat]

Oh..I say that not becuase of rights..although one must be aware of that when entering contests.

For me, personally, I've entered two contests and the second one just left a bad taste in my mouth. I entered, at the time, some of my best shots. Photos were displayed for all to see and somehow..with that..I feel like it lost value. Those shots never got the same appreciation as the average shots I've taken. Never even sold one of them.

I just say that from my experience.

It's a great way to receive reconition. Just make sure you are comfortable with the shot you enter.

[jjeling]

Thats no fun. Well, Im in a bit of a different situation. I have never sold a picture. Although I would like to, I really dont even know where to start with that. It is really what is holding me back right now. With that being said, I have no problem entering pictures in to contests. Figured it was a good way to get some exposure, and of the few I have entered, they have all been successful.

Wish I were in your boat though, Id much rather be selling pictures than worrying about contests.

P.S. - Im aware of stock photo sites and what not, and thats no go for me.

[kat]

I've looked at stock but wasn't my key. I just couldn't see selling my photos that way.

Get some prints, do a portfolio. Bring it in to some coffee shops, little local restaurants, places like that..they may put them up on display for you. Get you started.

I haven't sold many, haven't been pushing lately either. I need to get a new set of images and feel a good new energy with my photography!

good luck