Entering photos in contests, especially when they’re themed, you get a chance to test your skills, but there are a lot of other benefits. Whether you’re a full or part time professional photographer or just aspiring to create better images, nothing helps you grow more than entering images in competition. Years ago I, Skip Cohen, entered my first print in WPPI’s 16x20 print competition. There was no ViewBug then. Now, along with WPPI and other live hands-on print competitions, you’ve got ViewBug and the ability to not only submit and share your work, but build your online portfolio with stunning images.…and, if you actually win now and then it’s just the icing on the cake!
These are some of the top reasons why I love photo contests (you can browse the free photo contests here):
@wildlifemoments
1. Expand Your Creativity.
The excitement of a good contest gives you a chance to push the edge of the envelope by shooting images specific to the contest's theme. You know when you look at one of your images if it’s really good or only loved by your parents! When you’re thinking about what you’re going to enter, you photograph differently than if you were just shooting to document something for yourself or even a client. You’re in it to win it and there’s no room to compromise.
@arpandas
2. Learning Discipline. Be sure to upload your best shots!
It’s the first thing I love about a contest. Just like working with a client in the real world, you’ve got a specific topic and a deadline. If you were ever active in sports in high school or college, then you know the value of warming up. Well, a great contest helps you warm up for the images you’re creating for the real world.
@mm767cap
3. Growth And Competition.
If you’re a tennis player than you know that playing tennis with somebody better than you helps you become better. The same is true in golf, scuba diving and just about every sport. You push yourself a little more and your game gets better. You’re not just an individual contributor, but part of a community with similar goals.
@marekrajchert
4. The Value Of Real Feedback. Browse hundreds of free Peer Photo Challenges!
Whether entering in competition offers direct feedback or not, your image is going to be displayed and shared. It’s a chance for you to hear from people outside your normal network. Nothing beats a little criticism to help you fine-tune your skills.
@alessioputzu
5. A Channel For Global Collaboration.
I’m a big fan of ViewBug because of the ability I have to look for a specific theme and then see the variety of work that’s entered. The participants are global and often I’ve noticed, my definition of something is totally different from an artist on the other side of the world.
@AndyHowePhotography
Skip Cohen is president of Marketing Essentials International, a consulting firm specializing in photography projects. He is past president of Rangefinder Publishing Inc., where he oversaw Rangefinder and AfterCapture magazines, the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) Association, and the WPPI trade show. He is founder of Skip's Summer School, the Akron Photo Series, and co-founder of GhostRighters.com and GoingPro2011.com. Skip has co-authored six books on photography.
