Winning Photo Contest Entries

When entering photo contests many photographers ask "what does it take to win?" It is quite simple- your image must achieve the ultimate photographic quality, communicate the goals and message of the contest and stand apart from the rest of the entries in the judges' eyes.

A contest winning photograph must be of high image quality with razor sharp detail, stunning color and contrast. Image sharpness is a result of a photograph made with high quality optics. Proper use of shutter speed to stop action, f-stop for depth-of-field and focus are required to achieve high image quality as well. There is no substitute for a properly focused, properly exposed image made with a pro quality lens. Contest winning photographic color and contrast are a result of high quality film and processing. Your choice of quality settings in a digital camera or use of professional film and superior film developing and printing are the most important steps to achieve an outstanding result. More contest entries are rejected because of poor quality printing that any other reason. Double check your entry for critical sharpness and fantastic color before you make the submission.

You contest entry must support the goals and message of the contest. If you carefully read the entry form you will gain insight into "what the judges are looking for." For our Easy Reader “Picture the South Bay” photo contest judges are looking for images which capture the spirit of our home region… showing the natural beauty, the fun “beach cities” lifestyle and the uniqueness of living and visiting our Southern California area. In the LA Zoo Photo Contest the judges are looking for images which highlight the zoo's collection of plants and animals, portray the animals and the zoo in a pleasing light and capture the look of a "safari" while in the zoo. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy contest is soliciting images which highlight the natural beauty and “wild” aspects of live on the Peninsula. A local magazine or newspaper's contest may have goals. Remember that most photo contests are designed to gather photos for a magazine issue, calendar or advertising campaign. Your images must be appropriate for the desired medium. Bottom line: capture the spirit of the contest in one image. Tell the "complete story" with your photograph and you will be successful.

A winning contest entry is an image which is clearly superior to or different from the rest. The judges must see your image for its quality and uniqueness. An average photo contest involves hundreds of images. What can you do to make your image special? Capturing a unique moment in time, shooting a beautifully backlit or sidelit subject or photographing an unusual subject are most often critical in producing a winning image. A photo anyone can make at any time will not generally win. The technique, subject or treatment must be beyond the ordinary to make your image "jump out" in the judge's mind.

To win a contest you must produce a fantastic image with the spirit of the contest but also you must capture the judge's eye and set yourself apart from the competition. As a photographer you must use your skill, cunning and artist's eye to produce the winning image. Look for light, color, expression and composition when selecting your image for submission. Most importantly, enter. If you do not submit any entries you are guaranteed not to win!