Seven tips for entering photography awards and competitions

Although submission tips for photography competitions may seem obvious, each year we receive images in the wrong categories, outside the date range, and images which could have been tweaked to be a little stronger. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when entering The Capture Awards 2024 or other photographic prizes.

1) Put submission deadlines into your diary

We often get a surge of images on the final day of the competition, which is great, but it also shows us that people (often like ourselves) leave things to the last moment.

The art of time-management can be complicated, but one tip is to add some 'stepping stone' reminders in your diary leading up to the actual submission deadline. You can think of these as 'soft-deadlines'.

This approach gives you ample time to consider which image(s) are your strongest, gather feedback from others, and make any final adjustments in post-processing.

2) Seek feedback
Before submitting your photo(s), seek feedback from peers or mentors. Fresh eyes can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism can be instrumental in refining your work and increasing its impact.

Also consider WHO is giving you feedback. My mum for some (bias) reason loves ALL my photos. If you seek out feedback from people that work in the arts, or media for example, they may give you more appropriate reasoning behind their opinions.

3) Understand the rules and guidelines
Before submitting your work, thoroughly read the competition’s rules and guidelines – this can be boring, yet necessary.

We see people submitting images to the wrong category – such as entering a portrait into a Wedding & Event category when it should go into the Portrait & People category. We also receive a few great images that are sadly out of the specified date range. In our Mono Awards (a B&W competition) we've even received colour photos!

There are also some laws that must be adhered to such as CASA drone rules. We've had 'illegal' images submitted where the drone is flying over crowds of people, or wildlife animals, or in obviously restricted airspace.

Pay close attention to the themes, submission requirements, file formats / sizes, and deadlines. Each competition and category has specific criteria, and failing to adhere to these can result in disqualification.

4) Have you perfectly graded or brought out the best of the image in post?
Ensure your photos are technically proficient. This includes proper exposure, sharpness, and colour balance. High-quality post-processing can enhance your image but be careful not to overdo it. Judges appreciate subtlety and attention to detail.

Over processing images can be a distraction, but also under processed can also work against an image. We often get images that are 'flat' and lack contrast.

Of course, low contrast may suit an image, but if in doubt about the post-treatment of an image, create several versions, and either ask for feedback from others, or 'sleep on it' and look at the image with fresh eyes after a break.

5) Pay attention to composition
Strong composition is key to a successful photograph. Ensure your photo has a clear focal point, balanced elements, and effective use of lines and shapes. Mastering composition techniques, such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry, can enhance the visual appeal of your image.

In the past we have given feedback to photographers who have submitted images for a gallery exhibition, and with a little bit of cropping, it has made the final submission a much stronger image.

Also, old-school photographers were taught to always keep the original ratio of their photos i.e. 3:2 or 1:1. Of course, a series of images may look more uniform if they are all the same ratio, but for single images, cropping to suit the image, no matter what the ratio can lead to a stronger, less cluttered image.

6) Consider the image title and accompanying text
Although Capture de-identifies and will 'data-strip' all metadata of the images we send to the judges, the finalist images will still appear with the photographers’ names, original image title and accompanying text.

In fact, the finalist images and accompanying text will be well publicised – appearing in Capture Magazine Summer edition, as well the Capture website and various social media.

So having an interesting title, and a story behind the image isn't necessary, but it definitely adds flavour and impact to the image in the competitions last phase – the big reveal! 

7) Last tip – put your name and image title into the submitted file.
Surprisingly, even from established photographers, we get images that are called for example IMG_69428.jpg.

We have a system in place to track everything from the beginning to the end of the competition, including names and titles. However, for your own peace of mind, try to get into the habit of proper file management.

This will help you in the long run with locating files and remembering what you titled the image that you submitted. It will also help in Google Image ranking and search. For example, John Smith_Green Tree_Capture Awards 2024.jpg