How To Win Photo Contests

Read The Instructions

All too often, people hoping to win photo contests fail to read the contest instructions. They assume that any photo will do as long as the photographer deems it good. Judges look for many other qualities that you must learn. While the instructions might be a bit confusing, it's best to read them.

Often, the guidelines target professionals who have a good grasp of the lingo. Phrases you might find confusing are "balanced composition", "rule of thirds", "artistic eye", and "soft focus".

Let's go over each of these.

Balanced Composition

One common mistake people make when taking photos is to put the subject in the centre of the frame. To win photo contests, you must understand the term "balanced composition".

Think of your viewfinder as having a grid. If you put your subject in the bottom left, you'll need to compensate by balancing it with something in the top half of your image. That something doesn't have to be another subject. It can be a darker color, clouds or a river. This will prevent your photo from becoming bottom heavy.

This will be clearer when we talk about the rule of thirds.

Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is quite simple. Imagine that when you look through your viewfinder, you see a grid of nine squares. In other words, mentally draw two lines across your camera view spaced at equal distances apart. Do the same with two horizontal lines. The spot where any two of those lines cross is the best place to put your subject.

This is important if you want to win photo contests.

Artistic Eye

You don't necessarily need an artistic eye to win photo contests, but judges will certainly be looking for creativity. They'll want to see how you work with your subjects. Do you pose them or frame them just like any other photographer or do you have your own unique viewpoint?

Soft Focus

You'll read a lot about how important it is for your images to be in focus. Oddly, there actually are occasions where you can get away with them being not quite in focus, also called soft focus. The key is to use it deliberately to enhance your photo or to achieve a certain "feel". The purpose of your photo being out of focus must be evident to the judges.

You can win photo contests with images that set the tone. A perfect example of soft focus is a photo taken on a foggy day or in the mist of Victoria Falls. In those instances, the soft focus can have a dramatic impact on our final photo.

Concentrate on these few points and you'll have a much better chance to win photo contests.