Photography Contests :)

[iKokomo]

I am wondering what good photo contests there are out there to join. I know there is a good one here on the website! I am always looking for a good excuse to go out and do some photos and learn in the process and have fun. So I was wondering what you all recommend! Thanks!

 

[Orrin]

Look for a local camera club that may hold competitions. Those where I have belonged, generally hold monthly competitions.

 

[KmH]

Many, many online "photo contests" are really just rights grabs that require you to give away all your rights to photographs you make.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any photo contest you are considering entering.
Photo Attorney
Musician s Photo Release is a Rights Grab Photo Attorney

 

[unpopular]

Art shouldn't be a spectator sport.

 

[nerwin]

I don't enter photo contests anymore, half of the time the judging is fixed. I entered a photography contest put on by a local magazine and they were giving away a $800 camera for first place and second place a Leica p&s camera and for third a Manfrotto tripod and on top of that your photo is on the cover. Pretty good prizes right?

The contest was farming and so I entered the perfect picture, spent time and money finding the right location. When the winner was announced I was disappointed because the winner had one of the worse photos that had been entered, it was taken with a phone, it was washed out, horizons wasn't straight..just looked like he pulled over on the side of the road and took a snapshot and won. Did some research on this guy and found out he works for the magazine. No wonder why he won. The people who won second and third place were never mentioned.

Also entered one where I didn't win, but they used my photo anyways. You just need to be careful, do some research and read their terms and conditions and then make an informed decision.

I'm sure some contests out there are 100% legit and not bias. I prefer contest where public votes instead of judges. But I don't bother entering them anymore, I just enjoy shooting.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Besides the one on here, I'd agree with trying camera clubs, or local fairs, etc. Too many online contests seem to just want submitted photos to be able to use and sublicense etc. etc. and make a profit.

Absolutely read thru the Terms & Conditions so you know what you're getting into. I usually watch for terms like sublicense, reproduce, etc. with no specific time frame (meaning the photos can be used from now on) and don't use sites with those kinds of terms.