General Competition Guidance

Shoot for the Competition!

The best pictures in a competition are often those that are shot especially for the competition in question. All our competitions have a theme and certain guidelines to be followed.

The Theme
This is the most important thing to remember. All our competitions have a theme or a specific subject that we want portrayed. For example, entering a dog picture for a landscape is a sure fire way of joining the rejection pile. In some instances shots are entered into competitions which, seen on their own merits are technically superb and artistically excellent. But, if the picture doesn't fit the theme then the judges have to reject the image.

Use impact in your entries
When you enter a competition just think how many others may or will be entering. Typically the number of images will be around 20 -25 on a normal club night but whatever the numbers your image must stand out amongst them. In order to achieve this the subject of your photo must have an eye catching feature or form of impact.

Landscapes, for example, are a popular subject for competitions. Everybody knows what a landscape is and can usually find a nice location not too far from home. But to stand out from the crowd you have to consider the impact, and with landscapes its all about the lighting. Sunsets are pretty, and can be spectacular but if the judges have seen hundreds of them then the sunset is very 'samey' as all the other sunsets and becomes mundane.

For other subjects for impact use colour, shapes or creative lighting, try unusual angles for shooting common subjects. You must find something that will make your image jump out from the crowd.

Technical ability
The last important aspect of your entry is purely technical. If the image is badly exposed, has washed out highlights for example or is out of focus or exhibits camera shake then the image will be rejected.

So with all the above in mind, good luck and just remember, shoot for the competition and go for impact with nice sharp well exposed images and you will increase your chances of winning those prizes.

Edited from an article by David Butcher Bsc.. LRPS