One of the easiest ways for photographers to get their work in front of a bigger audience is through photo contests. Over the past few years, we’ve started entering more of them, and I’ve become a big fan.
Not just because of the exposure (though that’s always nice), but because the process itself is so valuable. Submitting makes you pause and really look at your work with fresh eyes. You ask yourself: Which photos feel the strongest? What categories or genres does my work fall into? How does it stack up against what others are creating around the world?
We don’t always win. In fact, most of the time we don’t. A lot of contests end with those “thanks for submitting but…” emails. But every now and then, something amazing happens.
Because of contests, we’ve had our photos shown at Art Basel and Berlin Photo Week. One of our images was even plastered on the side of Abbey Road Studios in London, and we got to attend the coolest awards party inside the very studio where the Beatles recorded. (Still surreal.) One time, we actually won a camera. So yes—there are some pretty fun surprises sprinkled in among the rejections.
Don't be afraid of the NO's because every now and then there is a YES that will totally surprise you.
One of my favorite contests to enter every year is the International Photography Awards. It’s a global contest, with categories spanning advertising, fine art, landscapes, and more.
Usually, I submit multiple photos, but this year I only entered one. That’s why I was so excited when the news came in: our photo placed 3rd in the Special Effects category and was named a jury top 5 selection (aka one of the jurors’ top five favorites across the whole competition).
There’s no prize for 3rd place, but we’re still celebrating. It feels good to have the work recognized, and I think it’s important to make space for those “small wins” along the way.
This image was one we shot while filming an episode of Lindsay Adler’s Learn+ last October. You might remember the subway set we built for that shoot.
If you’ve never entered a photo contest before, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s such a great way to grow, reflect, and maybe even land an opportunity you never expected. You truly never know what could happen.
If you’re ready to give it a try, I’ve pulled together some of my best photo contest advice and tips in [this post]. Definitely check it out before you submit your first entry!
