I have had mixed results with photo competitions and entries,
some years I do well and others I,
not so much.
The things that won did not necessarily shock or suprise me that they won.
What did?
That they were able to collectively grab multiple judges attention in order to propel themselves above other extremely worthy entries and notable photographer names in their respective field.
This is always an honor as well as some luck in finding that symbiotic vein in a completely objective and intangible quality that somehow elevated your work above 1,000's of other entries. No one knows how to win an art contest all the time, at least in photography.
The things I felt were going to do well and ascend me to the dizzying heights of the art world, however, once again not so much....
Also, these competitions are not cheap, make sure the ones you enter justify the cost. Typically the ones offering cameras and gear or cash as well as fame are great, if you win.
The best are all about the notoriety that the competition will bring you alone.
Most photography friends of mine already know this, but for the others that do not, if you are interested in these things, Communication Arts Photo Annual and L'urzers Archive seem to have the most broad appeal and viewership by those that hire photographers for commercial work based on editorial or competition entry work. Otherwords, these are the 2 big dogs for Art Buyers and Creatives at the places you want to work for. PDN while a fantastic mag, appeals to photographers not necessarily the people that hire photographers, some do, not all.
Well, the article below is a pretty comprehensive guide to read before you decide to throw that $80 at your next submission:
