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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Enter Contests to Help Your Business?
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07/27/2010 12:49:37 PM · #1
Three months ago, I moved to Africa to finally start building up a really professional portfolio of travel/documentary/environmental portraiture. I've been blogging and marketing myself heavily through various methods, like sending query letters to publications I'd like to work for. I've already gotten published once, so it's working ok, but I want to get noticed by bigger publications.

I've been reading a lot about building a photography business and marketing a photography business. Most of what I've found has been geared towards portraiture/weddings/baby/etc studio photography, with very little being specific to the type of photography that I'm specializing in.

One thing I did read was that an easy way to get noticed by some of the big people in the industry (photo editors, art directors, and the like) is to enter contests judged by such people. The problem is that many of these kinds of contests cost a lot of money to enter. One costs $35 per image, and since one of the categories I would enter is "Photo Essay" (requiring 6 images), that's $210 just to enter (unless, of course, I enter multiple categories, in which case that number would grow much larger). The grand prize for that one is some fun trips, camera gear, gift cards, and publication in one of the major publications in the industry. The publication and getting noticed by those judges/industry biggies sound very attractive, but the entrance fee is daunting.

I really think my images are good, but I've only put myself up against some of the best in the business a few times and never with this type of work.

So my questions to you are: Is it worth it? Is entering contests judged by these kinds of people really a viable, albeit unusual, way of getting noticed?
07/27/2010 06:29:36 PM · #2
Not sure if its the best way - I would say your work is of a high standard - some great portraits and reportage work on your blog.

Maybe just sending work directly to photo editors etc - or even see if you can run an exhibition of your work at a gallery. Not sure as this certainly isnt my area of expertise.

However, love this shot of yours - great work!

07/28/2010 04:13:57 AM · #3
I have won several competitions and can honestly say that I have never had anyone want to commission me for anything because of the wins - Some have been international comps - Yet I have work published all over the world all the time - My advice is save your money - Enter the free comps and use the money saved to go and visit editors and making phone calls.
It's hard to get that foot in the door but once you do it's worth it!
07/28/2010 11:33:08 AM · #4
Thanks jblaylockrayner. I'm glad you've had the experience so you could share with me! Since I'm so far away, the in-person meetings will have to wait a little bit. I'm planning on spending the next 3-6 months shooting as much as I can so I can have a stellar portfolio once I'm back the the States and Europe having meetings with people in person. Not entering all the contests will definitely make a difference when it comes time to buy all of those plane tickets : )

Simms, it's really wonderful to hear compliments from you, especially since I'm a fan of your work as well. Because of my current location, I've been sending my work to editors, publications, and anyone I can think of. I'm sure these people all get hundreds of email each day, so I'm not expecting to get responses from all of them. I'm hoping I'll get more responses from in-person meetings in a few months. I'm also hoping to do an art show. Any thoughts on which month/time is the best for a show? I'd probably start in either New York, London, or Milan (I actually have contacts in the art world in those three cities).
07/28/2010 07:45:13 PM · #5
Originally posted by jblaylockrayner:

I have won several competitions and can honestly say that I have never had anyone want to commission me for anything because of the wins - Some have been international comps - Yet I have work published all over the world all the time - My advice is save your money - Enter the free comps and use the money saved to go and visit editors and making phone calls.
It's hard to get that foot in the door but once you do it's worth it!


NOW THAT IS THE WEIRDEST FRICKING THING EVER!!!!!

OK, when I posted my original reply the one person who I thought was best qualified to answer it was Jeff. Now check this - I visited his profile last night (UK time) and saw he hadn`t joined in on the forums for over 22 months. Jeff knows I am a fan of his work. I even visited his website last night to see what he has been upto in the interim period (great work by the way mate).

THEN HE ONLY GOES AND ANSWERS THIS THREAD.

Seriously freaking out here.I am being 100% dead serious about the above - I swear on my life that was how it happened. Insane.

07/28/2010 07:49:55 PM · #6
PS. Welcome back Jeff.
07/28/2010 08:43:52 PM · #7
Thanks Simms!
Yes very odd indeed - I always check back from time to time and love looking at the winners page - I just thought I might be able to add a little something to geinafets question that could have been some help and save them money! I have been soooo busy this past couple of years but in a good way. I now have partnered up with a journalist and run a news agency out of LA with an office and staff - Seems to take all hours to run it but it's a great challenge - I recently got another friend interested in DPC and we are going to make a big effort in starting to take part in challenges again!
I look forward to being on here a lot more again - The work as ever is always brilliant
Cheers and speak soon
Jeff

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