Photography Tips on how to win photo contests

If it is your first time to deal with a digital camera or you are fairly adept with handling a digital camera, you would definitely like to join a photography contest. Of course, the thought is quite scary. Imagine submitting your "work of art" and have someone judge its merits. It could be devastating or discouraging especially if you thought you did a fine job. This is especially scary if you are a beginner. So, most beginners do not even dare imagine joining a contest. What they do not know, however, is that they could win a contest.
When you're a beginner, you probably do not even want to talk about photography contests. Photograph contests may seem intimidating for most photographers. Winning a contest validates your skill and makes all your efforts worth their while. You have to take the chance and leap. Perhaps, you should get your hands on books about photo contests so you could prepare yourself before you actually send in your photo. Perhaps, you could start with this article.
How to Join Photo Contests
Joining a photo contest is nerve racking but it is fun and exciting. Once you submitted your entry, there's no turning back. You are at the mercy of the judges. So, before you reach that point, you should make sure that you have a good chance of winning. Here are some tips on how to join photo contests:

• Remember to follow photo contests rules. This is the crucial first step to winning. If you didn't comply with any requirement, you might end up getting disqualified. All contests have their own specific rules that you need to follow if you want to qualify. There are rules that may leave you scratching your head saying, "What is this? What does this mean?" Regardless of whether or not you understand the rules, make sure that you follow those rules to the letter. This is one of the first things you have to learn about photo contests.


• Consider and choose your categories carefully. The one thing you'd learn about photo contests is that there are a lot of categories that you can join. Before choosing any category or sending out your entries, make sure that you have carefully studied and considered all categories. You have a better chance of winning categories with lesser entries as long as your photographs are good enough.


• Conduct a research. Before sending in your entry. Look for the previous entries and winners. What kind of pictures work? What kind of pictures won the contest? This would give you an idea what kind of photos win, what quality is desirable and what subject matter attracts. Perhaps, looking at previous entries will give you an inspiration. So, the next time you go out and take a picture, you are directed by this inspiration.


• Do not join all categories. One thing you should know about photo contests is that judges frown at an overzealous contestant. You'd come across as unsure of your work so you have to bombard them with your photos. So, just pick your best photos and then hope for the best.

David Cross is a Photographer who runs the site: http://www.hobbyphotographytips.com, where he also posts regulary about kirlian photography http://www.hobbyphotographytips.com/2008/09/14/photography-backdrops-guide-and-some-good-tips-on-backgrounds/