Photo Contest Tips

Over the years, we've judged lots of photo contests including some very large and prestigious ones, such as the annual Ritz Big Print "Capture Your World" Photo Contest, which features $40,000 in prizes. Many of you have read our continuing series of Contest Tips featuring our suggestions on how to successfully enter and win photo contests. For those of you who have missed the opportunity to read these articles, or for anyone who simply wants to brush up on contest etiquette, we're making a selection of some of our previous Photo Contest Tips available here.

You'll find suggestions on how to locate contests; what kinds of pictures to enter; how to avoid unscrupulous contests, even ways to insure that the judges give your entry a fair shake.

Picture Perfect Halloween! Photo Contest

Read more about this contest sponsored by FujiFilm and Sprint in our article plus get some great tips on what to enter. This is one you won't want to miss!

Parenting! 17th Annual Photo Contest

There's not a lot of time left to enter this contest –entries must be postmarked on Oct. 30th–, but that shouldn't be a big problem for most parents. After all, who doesn't have photos of their adorable kids. So, gather the best pictures you have and send them to Parenting! Magazine and you could win a digital camera or other great prizes. For entry forms visit http://www.parenting.com/parenting/photo/contest/0,26287,,00.html.

Smithsonian Magazine's Fourth Annual Photo Contest

If you've taken some great photographs in the last three years, why not enter them in Smithsonian Magazine's annual photo contest? You could win some great prizes such as a trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Enter your pictures by January 4, 2007 in the following categories: Americana, The Natural World, People, Travel, and Altered Images. Learn more at http://photocontest.smithsonianmag.com/.

EPIC The Environmentally Aware Photographic Image Competition

The goal of the Environmentally Aware Photographic Image Competition (EPIC) is to help divers increase their awareness of fragile freshwater and saltwater environments by awarding prizes to underwater photographers whose images promote environmental sensitivity. Categories include Sharks, Video, Wide Angle Saltwater Slides, Macro Saltwater Slides, Fresh or Brackish Water Slides, Creative, Conservation, Coral Reef Parks Slides and Digital. To determine whether your photo is eligible to submit to this contest, read the rules and requirements found at http://www.epicphotocontest.org/. The deadline is February 15, 2007.

State of Colorado Department of Agriculture 2006 Photography Contest

If you happen to have a photo that in some way deals with agriculture in Colorado, then here’s a contest for you! Categories you can enter are People, Livestock, Crops and scenes from Farmers’ Markets, all of which must, of course, be taken in the State of Colorado during 2006. The deadline is December 31, 2006, so for complete entry information visit the official Web site at http://www.ag.state.co.us/mkt/Photocontest/2006/photocontestrules.html.

Nikon 31st Annual PhotoContest International

The theme of this year's competition is the "Heart of the Image." and the entry period is from Sept. 1, 2006 until Nov. 30. 2006. Nikon's annual contest is one of the most popular contests — last year they had over 30,000 entries, so it won't be easy to win. However, winners will take home great Nikon cameras as well as other prizes. Check out the rules and other imporant info at http://nikonimaging.com/global/activity/npci/npci2006-2007/index.htm.

Lake Superior Magazine 12th Annual Amateur Lake Superior Photo Contest

The subject of this photo contest is Lake Superior so all pictures entered must be of this Great Lake or taken within the Lake Superior region. Winning pictures will be published in the February/March 2007 issue of Lake Superior Magazine. There are cash prizes too! Deadline for this contest is October 23, 2006. You'll find the entry form on the magazine's Web site at www.lakesuperior.com/news/contest.html.

Tamron "It's A Wild World" Photo Contest

Looking for new lens? If you win this photo contest, you just might get one for free. Tamron, the lens manufacturer, is sponsoring this photo contest which is looking for images that feature animals prominently. So, head on over to your local zoo, wildlife refuge, petting zoo or aquarium and start taking some animal photos. The winner will receive a new Tamron lens and get their image published in Tamron's Viewfinder magazine. Find out more by visiting Tamron's Web site at www.tamron.com/enews/archives/contest.asp. The deadline is October 31, 2006.

The "Real" Oregon Coast Photo Contest

If you've been to Oregon recently, perhaps you've taken some pictures that illustrate what makes this state's costal region distinictive and unique. If that's the case, then you'll want to enter this contest sponsored by Oregon Coast magazine. The deadline is September 1, 2006 and there are four categories: The Coast in Transition, The Natural World, Communities in Place, and Coastal People and Communities of Interest. Cash prizes will be awarded plus the winning photograph will be published in the magazine. For entry information visit http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/photocontest.html.

–Sharon Gumerove