How to Enter Photo Contests, Some Ideas to Consider

Should you or shouldn't you? Can you trust the person on the other side of the Web who is taking your images and money? Are they going to use your images for the show only?  Do you retain copyright? Are your images protected if displayed on the Web?
First only apply to shows you know. Many photo groups, such as CoPA and the Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, have regular shows run by photographers. Also look for arts organizations that might have shows. Professional Artist magazine also lists shows, galleries and ways to display your work.
If you are considering joining an online contest, look for information about the group first, read their application information, and choose reputable sites such as Fine Art America and Upstreampeoplegallery.

How do you choose which images to enter? That can be difficult if you don't regularly display your work somewhere and get feedback. Try to review what's been selected for the contest before. This is only helpful if you know the same judge will be jurying the show. Look up the judge to see what kind of work is preferred. Are they nature lovers? photojournalists? portrait photographers? Black and white or color? Alternative process?


How does your work compare? Do you have friends or colleagues who can review your work for you? What do you think they are looking for at the show? Strong composition, emotion, message? I once entered a contest with the theme LOVE. I sent in this image.

It was chosen for the show, but didn't win a prize. The contest was juried by an arts group from Illinois. 
Here are the winners.

If the contest is free to enter, what do you have to lose? Usually you pay to enter a contest. (Please submit 3 jpgs for $30.) You can go broke entering contests. Just choose carefully I've entered several contests over the years and had some success: CoPA members' juried show, Northern National Art Competition, Rhinelander, Fine Art America, and others. Good Luck!