Photo contests are generally for just about anyone who is interested in entering, whether you are:



A novice photographer.

An amateur photography enthusiast.

Someone with a camera and a creative mind.

Someone interested in expanding a hobby.

Unlike poetry or cooking contests (where there's a definite level of skill involved) almost anyone can start taking pictures with a camera. With digital cameras getting better and better, there's really not much you have to learn. Photography has truly become a 'point-and-click' affair.

What are the benefits of entering a photo contest?

That's a perfectly legitimate question, Photograph Contests are a great way to:

a) Win prizes of merchandise or cash.

b) Showcase your skills - your winning photo may be published in very high profile photography magazines and books.

c) Be judged by your peers, experts and critics in your field.

d) Receive wonderful benefits such as the opportunity to talk with editors, well-known photographers, equipment manufacturers and more.

e) Get your '15-minutes of fame' or at least receive instant exposure.

Photograph contest prizes from nominal cash prizes to fully equipped photography studios or from free rolls of film to exciting photo adventures.

Here is a short list of some prizes from current and past contests:

* Survey wolves, bears and chamois when you participate in a Biosphere Land Rover Expedition to Slovakia's Tatra Mountains.

* A three-week overland adventure in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar

* A Grand Prize worth over $8,500, including a Nikon camera, lenses, flash system, notebook computer, printer, software and loads of other goodies.

* A $9,300 Grand Prize--Including a Nikon Digital camera kit and a trip to the Northwest Territories.

Besides winning prizes, you also have an opportunity to build your own real-world portfolio and depending on the contest, being a winner (or even finishing near the top!) can launch your photo career.

So what's stopping you?

How to Begin the Process

The first step is selecting a contest. Then go to this comprehensive 'list of photo contests' (link to your website's photo contests page) at www.proofpositive.com where there are dozens of on-going photo contests. The active contest list is continually updated, so check back often.

The first step is selecting a contest. Then go to this comprehensive 'list of photo contests' (link to your website's photo contests page) at www.proofpositive.com where there are dozens of on-going photo contests. The active contest list is continually updated, so check back often.

Tips for Entering Contests

Every contest is unique. There are different eligibility requirements as well as different rules and entry regulations. One of the first things you have to do is determine whether or not you meet the criteria for the contest. Here are a few other tips:

- Follow the instructions! This cannot be over-emphasized. Ensure that you know what type of contest is being run (scenic beauty, human form, travel photos, etc.).. It's amazing how many people submit their favorite picture of their cute puppy to nature or scenic themed contests! Most contests also place a limit on the number of entries you can submit.

- Familiarize yourself with the published list of winners of past contests. It's a good idea to check the criteria, theme and style judges have used in the past to select winners. Photo contests aren't exactly professional sports; the judging is subjective (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?), and while they do their best to remain objective and open-minded, it's vital that you have an idea of what the team of judges considers

- Carefully read the terms and conditions of participating for each contest you decide to enter. Some contests require you to give up the copyright to your work or photo just by entering the contest. Why would you showcase your work if you don't retain legal right to it? Make certain you read all the fine print before you submit your entry!

That's it! Just register, get exposure for your work, and collect great prizes!