Photography Contests?

[Thorpeland]

I am often tempted to enter my work into various photography contests such as THIS one by Popular Photography, or THIS one by National Geographic. I mean who wouldn't like a shot at winning some of their great prizes and some nice recognition.

The only thing that makes me hesitate is they want entry fee's for each photo submitted. I feel at $12 to $35 PER photo I might as well just mail them a check and no photo given the amount of entries they receive.

Is anyone also put off by these contests? Or are they really worth entering?

[kenw]

the fees are intended to discourage every person with a camera from flooding them with 30-40 pics of the dog in a tutu. It will encourage the serious entrant to pre-select their BEST pic.

If you think you have a chance, go for it. Someone WILL win. However, also look around for some more contests that you think might be more in line with your experience level. Lots of contests are mentioned here on TPF.

[Thorpeland]

True i can see the need to discourage people flooding the contest with every picture they've taken. I am not so worried about my experience level as I am with the feeling that im buying a photo lottery ticket. haha

I think if they were truly worried about people sending in 30-40 photos, they could just cap the entry at 3 per person. The fee feels like being taxed.

Oh well.

[snidow]

Many contest has such limitations, I always figure it pays for all the storage and stuff they need to manage the contest. I am always a bit more concerned with statements such as these:
By entering this Contest and/or accepting a prize, you agree to allow Sponsor to use your name, city and state, voice and image in connection with publication of your winning entry and for promotional purposes (except where prohibited), without review, notification or approval.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by kenw

the fees are intended to discourage every person with a camera from flooding them with 30-40 pics of the dog in a tutu.

Whatever...

[Thorpeland]

Originally Posted by snidow

Many contest has such limitations, I always figure it pays for all the storage and stuff they need to manage the contest. I am always a bit more concerned with statements such as these:
By entering this Contest and/or accepting a prize, you agree to allow Sponsor to use your name, city and state, voice and image in connection with publication of your winning entry and for promotional purposes (except where prohibited), without review, notification or approval.

Yes, that is a bit concerning also. Those terms almost sound like people are paying the contest and its sponsors AND giving them great stock photography to use.


@ Rich - hahahaha Thats awesome!

[kenw]

Originally Posted by Thorpeland

Yes, that is a bit concerning also. Those terms almost sound like people are paying the contest and its sponsors AND giving them great stock photography to use.

bingo. therein lies the reason for the contest in many cases.

[Double H]

Yep, the fine print in every "contest" I've seen gives those running the contest virtually all rights to any picture you submit.

RM

[Thorpeland]

Originally Posted by Double H

Yep, the fine print in every "contest" I've seen gives those running the contest virtually all rights to any picture you submit.

RM

"Contests! Where even the winners are losers." Should be the motto. lol

[studiocygnet]

Originally Posted by Rson

Whatever...