Entering a contest can feel like such a daunting task. You are basically putting your work out there for scrutiny and sometimes the critics are not kind. However, there is are some positives that come with submitting your content in a competition setting. Photo contests are in no short supply out there. You can easily subscribe with a few forms and you are in. Additionally, there are free ones as well but you are probably wondering how these will aid your skill or your business. Here are some five reasons you should pursue these competitions.
- Free feedback
It is often said that if you want to be successful, you cannot afford to let opinions bog you down but rather use them for your betterment. When you sign yourself for one of those free photo competitions you are guaranteed that you will get feedback. This feedback will come from all quarters – experts in the field, your peers and even amateurs. Feedback does not get any better than this kind of 360-degree input from various sources.
- Originality
The other thing that you will get from photo contests is a drive to pursue originality. You will be exposed to a lot of other people’s work and if you are one of those people who seek to be the influencers rather than followers, you will value the fire for originality that photography competitions spur.
- It becomes more than just click and flash
For many photographers who are just starting out, the trade is just about a pose, a click and a flash. As you advance, you will find that there is more to it than just you and your camera taking random pictures. Photo contests are renowned for pushing this agenda actively. You will start telling stories with your photographs. You will be able to interpret photography themes and making other people’s ideas turn to a reality.
- Capture attention
You can easily get notice through a photography competition than if you hide your work in a cabinet somewhere in hopes that one day you will have a massive exhibition. There are the paid competitions, and these can be pricey for most people. Be that as it may, there are the free photo competitions on platforms such as Fan Art Review for you to consider. Put your content out there for others to see.
- Contribute to the field
Competition is a very healthy thing by the way – unless there is malice. Putting your content up in competitions is not only good for you as the photographer but also great for the photos themselves (they get noticed), it is good for other photographers who are looking for inspiration and overall great for photography as a discipline. People get to learn where to improve, where their strengths lie and of course the inspiration as well.
There is no need to mention that there might be prizes as well. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that there are some competitions that may con you out of your work. It is not recommended to sign up for competitions that ask you to trade in your rights.
