Photography is a wonderful hobby and can even become a satisfying career to the person with the skills and gifts of an artist. For either person, a hobbyist or a professional trying to launch a career, photography contests are a great way to showcase work, get critiques, and feel the satisfaction of seeing one’s work on display.

Finding A Contest

With the advent of the internet and digital photography, there are literally hundreds of online photo contests on any given day. An internet search for keywords like photography contest will bring hundreds of results.

But delve a little deeper to find even more opportunities. For example, many online newspapers such as the BBC regularly showcase readers’ photos. Visit the websites of magazines and newspapers and look for their contests. Some blogs even have photo contests. Visit established blogs about your specialty subjects: sports, architecture, or anything else and check for photography contests.

In the mortar and bricks world, photography contests may not be as ongoing, but photographers are sure to receive feedback from judges and perhaps even win a prize.

Again, newspapers and magazines often sponsor contests. The local municipality, county fair or art gallery may also hold amateur contests. The best way to find out about local opportunities is to join a group of local hobbyists to network and hear all the local buzz.

Why To Sign Up

Joining contests really inspires people improve their photography. Even if a picture does not place, the judges and other contestants will never be mean; in fact, they will offer helpful suggestions. Seeing the other entries at a photography contest and meeting other participants also are a creative stimulus.

Many photography contests have categories with different rules: subject matter, film speed, or some other condition. Learning to take pictures with new rules and objects make people stronger photographers.

Photography contests are a good way for artists to show off their work if they are thinking of making a career or moneymaking hobby out of photography. If professional judges keep praising someone’s work, chances are it is good enough to make a little money.

Photography is also a good hobby for kids and there are contests just for young photographers. Kids get all the same benefits as older photographers: a chance to see their own work on display and meet other people with the same hobby. Besides that, kids’ contests often give everyone a ribbon to hang on the wall at home.