Are you a photographer?  Do you want to improve your photography?  Then I’ve got quite the solution for you.  Consider entering a photo contest.  I know just how crazy that sounds, especially if you’re a bit new to photography.  However, you might be surprised at the results.  So, that’s what we’re discussing today: why you should consider entering a photo contest.

I didn’t believe that advice when I first read it somewhere else myself.  It feels counterintuitive.  However, it was just what I needed to improve my photography.  Here’s why.

Entering a Photo Contest Drives Competitive Spirit

For those of you who enjoy competition, even on a low-key friendly level, you really should consider entering a photo contest.  You’ll be competing in a contest of skill (and some luck).  You’ll feel that drive to achieve and be the very best you can be.  If you do well, then you’ll feel that amazing feeling of winning and conquering.  If not, then you’ll feel the drive to do better next time.

This drive can direct you into improving upon mediocre gear, researching new (to you) techniques, researching the judges, researching the competition, and more.  Just don’t let your competitive spirit consume you.  If you apply your competitive spirit properly, you’ll improve your photography.

You’ll See Where You Need to Improve

If you choose to enter a photography contest, you’re likely not the only entrant.  You’ll have plenty of other photographers to compare yourself and your work against.  While yes they are your competition, you might find someone else who can inspire you with a new technique, location, or something else.  You can also see how your work compares with the rest.  Perhaps you’ll see that you’re about middle of the pack.  In which case, you see room for improvement.

Given the wide variety of subject matter in photography, I can’t tell you where all you might need to improve.  I still need to improve myself.  However, through studying your competition, you should see some areas where you could improve your photography.  You learn and grow as a photographer when you take time to improve your work.  However, one of the best ways to find areas for improvement is to compare your work to that of the winners, runners-up, and finalists.  If you work hard on your objectivity, you might find what you seek becomes much more apparent much quicker.

Potential Opportunity for Feedback

Once a photo contest is over, then you might have the opportunity to ask the judges where you could have done better.  Not every photography contest will offer this opportunity.  However, in the absence of a mentor, a photo contest judge may elect to give you pointers to improve your photography.

Please keep in mind that not every contest will tell you who the judges are.  If that’s the case, then you’re out of luck.  Even if the contest identifies the judges for you, not every judge wants to offer feedback.  You’re free to ask.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  But be prepared for the judge to decline your request.  If the judge accepts, then you’ve hit a feedback goldmine.  You’ll hopefully receive feedback tailored to your needs as a photographer.

How You Feel When You Succeed

Every photographer eventually seeks validation for their efforts.  It feels really good when you finally receive that validation.  While there’s several ways to receive such validation, one of the best ways is by doing well in a photo contest.  Placing well in a photo contest boils down to someone who knows photography granting recognition to your photo work.  Even being included in the finalist circle counts as validation.  You might even see it as a level of “arriving” or being accepted.  Still, however you view it, doing well in a photo contest feels really good.  I know.

These photos displayed above were finalists or better in a couple of the many photo contests I’ve entered through the years.  It really felt good to see how well they did.

If You Win, You Get the Prize

Ok, I’d better include the obvious reason for considering entering a photo contest: the prize.  If you weren’t interested in the prize, you wouldn’t consider entering the contest to begin with.  The sponsor or host advertises the prize to attract entrants like you.  You’ll know if you’re interested in the prize.  You’ll enter the photo contest because of the prize.  If you win, then you receive the prize.  That’s a good reason for entering a photo contest.

Conclusion

So, I listed several reasons for you to consider entering a photo contest.  Not every reason (except the prize) will be an option for you based upon the contest rules and your personality.  However, entering a photo contest might inspire you to improve your photography.  I know I improved mine off of entering several contests over the years.  In summary, most of the reasons why you should consider entering a photo contest involve self-improvement as a photographer.