Photo contests

[trut_maluglist]

What can others share about photo contests?
In what cases do you give up rights to the photo which you submit?
Should you be wary of photo contests which require you to pay a fee to enter your photo?
Other than the monetary reward, what are the advantages of winning a photo contest?
Other than looking at previous winners of a particular contest, how can you get a good sense of how well your photography shapes up against other entrants?
Any other questions which can be answered will be greatly appreciated.

[paulbrian]

I will try and answer these questions based on my own experience. I’m sure others may be able to answer them with more knowledge.

I have entered a few photo contests and typically by entry you sign over full usage rights to your pictures to the owners of the contests and their affiliates.
If the contest requires much of a fee it could be trouble or just a scam to generate revenue. Watch out for contests that want to “publish” your photo only to try and sell the photographers books of their own photographs. The book is usually $50.00-$75.00 and can take up to 12 months to be published.

I do not see much of an advantage to winning a photo contest other than bragging rights.
I have found photography is like many other “arts” the beauty often rests in the eye of the beholder, I quit comparing my photography to others years ago because everyone has such a difference of opinion on what they think is a good photography or a great shot. This of course is if your technical aspects are spot on, obviously blown highlights or blurry images are a non looker for most anyone.

Hope this helps…

By the way I looked over your galleries and you have some great shots. I really like your Ghost town collection.