HOW TO CREATE KICK-BUTT IMAGES FOR PRINT COMPETITION Part One
Awards are only a publicity gimmick.”
~Tony Randall ~
….starting with her email
I decided to enter my first competition prints this year at the provincial
APPA…I am struggling a bit with the rule of thirds. If I follow the rule, the
image is not centered/symmetrical with the background and I feel it may look
weird and “off”.
I have attached 4 images, and hoping you could take a peak? Don’t be afraid
to tell me how it is, I have a box of kleenex handy and will get over it
I’d love any input. Kinga.”
excellent. For competition I’d lose the baby and the bride looking at the camera.
Nice, mom would love this, judges would yawn…..btw, rules of third aren’t etched in stone. some images need to go in the center whenever that’s what works….
One of the easiest ways to get free publicity is by winning awards at print competitions. Throughout the years I’ve won my fair share of ribbons and plaques and have a wall plastered with them. I received a lot of publicity and here’s what I’ve discovered works in print competition…
First off, print competitions are rarely a reflection of the real business world of running a studio. It is a universe unto itself and the rules are unique. Think about other competitions in other areas such as the academy awards or dog shows or figure skating or karate tournaments or horse shows or whatever, where the guidelines are based on unrealistic and sometimes bizarre views, and the only thing that matters is how technically correct the presentation is.
If a hunting breed takes top ribbon at a dog show, does that mean he’ll do well in the field under realistic conditions? No guarantee. If a photographer pulls off many first place ribbons, does that guarantee him or her business, success, satisfied clients, or great looking photographs under realistic circumstances? Not a chance.
The rules in competition can seem very odd, strict and a true antidote to creativity, however, they are set up with solid intentions and you will benefit immensely if you go in with the right mindset. But recognize them for what they are: an aspect of your photography career that ought to be given your utmost attention, but not the end all be all.
You can’t take ribbons to the bank or have them create clients for you. But you can get some media attention and this, (besides the great training you will receive photographically, and the fact that you will be tempered by the critiques and “toughened” up by the mean old judges when they score your prints less than what your babies deserve…) and media is a great way to position yourself as a respected artist in your community.
