How to enter and win photo contests

PSA Journal, Feb, 2005 by Ken Deitcher

Rules I have used over the past 40 years are: 1. Don't submit similar images--if the judge doesn't like them you lose twice. 2. Submit images that will catch the judges' eyes and interests. If the image is too busy or complicated, the person judging will get confused and pass over your image. 3. Watch for large areas of highlights that take the viewer's eyes away from the main subject. 4. Do not submit images that are not clean or have a "flat" appearance. When viewed under the judges' lighting conditions, the image may lack snap.

Finally, don't get discouraged but keep trying. The photos we see at our club competitions are great, and many could win international awards. The only way to win is to submit your photos. You will accomplish nothing when all you do is read the periodicals and say to yourself, "I could have done that." Action speaks louder than words. Get moving! Start entering competitions! Good luck.