A Winning Shot
Digital photography has made it easy not only for people to take photos, but to share them as well. This has turned a lot of everyday picture takers into photo-buffs. Photo magazines have helped fuel the fire by hosting free digital photo contests.
Digital photo contests usually occur every month to follow the magazine schedule. Usually, the contest is broken into a variety of visual categories (best sports shot, best landscape shot, etc.). The prizes offered can range from photo trips to cameras and equipment. To enter, just follow the instructions in the magazine or on magazine¡¯s website (usually just sending an image in). On top of winning prizes, the winning photos are usually posted in the magazine.
*If you do have to send in actual digital photo prints remember that in most cases the contest won¡¯t return the photo, so make a copy.
Contest for Companies
Digital photo contests exist in the professional world too. They are usually created for the image-based industries like advertising, journalism, etc. Submissions are usually open to all companies.
If your company enters a digital photo contest, keep in mind that there is usually some sort of fee to participate. Also, agencies that win don't care as much about the prizes as they do about the pride. After all, a win in any of these contests is great for a company resume¡ªthey earn the right to say they are an award-winning agency (which can be a big attraction for perspective clients).
Enter to Interview
Digital Photography contests aren¡¯t just in magazines¡ªyou can find these contests hosted by websites, photography associations, companies, and even museums. No matter how different they are, they all help in the same way.
Theses contests give digital photographers (trying to break into the biz) a chance to show off their work. So, if you are serious about working in the digital photography field this might be your ticket in. Winning any of these contests is a great thing to add to a resume (even if you don¡¯t win, but make it to the later rounds you should still mention it¡ªat the least, it could be a nice icebreaker on an interview).
The Contest Catch?
Digital photo contests give everyday photo fans a chance to see their digital photos in print and win prizes. Though, like anything else that's opened to the public, there are always rules attached. Before you enter remember to read the fine print.
Some contest rules state that once you enter a contest your image becomes their property (meaning they can post it where ever and whenever they want). Some contests that aren¡¯t totally honest might claim 100% ownership of your picture so they can then sell your digital photo and take all of the profits. So, be careful about the contests you enter. And, if you do have to sign anything make sure you understand what it is your signing.
Photo Creation Contests
Not only do magazines host digital photography contests to find the best digital photos, but they also have contests for other related areas. One of the more popular contests deals with photo editing. These digital art contests are usually free to enter and have a number of different categories (like best morphs, best photo art design, etc.).
If you do enter by email remember to check the specs of the contest. As magazines might request a specific type of file format or file size¡ªif yours does not match you could be eliminated the moment you send it.
Contests Without Cameras
Smile for the¡phone? There are all kinds of digital photo contests out there. Some of these contests don¡¯t even want you to use a regular digital camera.
To call attention to new camera phone models, cell phone companies will create their own version of a digital photo contest. Instead of cameras, however, people are asked to use their camera phones. Before entering, be aware that these contests differ from the standard digital phone contests because of the fact they want you to use their product. So, before you enter, make sure not only that your type of phone is acceptable, but also the model.