Famous Arctic photographer Sergey Anisimov talks about the benefits of participation in photo contests and one small minus.
“Why participate in contests? Many people ask that question to themselves. And why? Everyone probably has their own answer. I will give you an example from my life how photo contests helped me to go from amateur to professional (probably, I can already call myself that).
About seven years ago I started to get some pretty good photos, in my opinion. I took part with them in a local amateur photo contest and exhibition. But for some reason, I did not win anything out of 10 photos brought to the contest. But I got 90% of the vote. There was an urn in the hall where you could throw your choice. This was one of the first contest exhibitions that puzzled me.
Do I shoot worse than the professional jury appreciates me? So I started looking for a place where I could be objectively judged. At first, it was a couple of sites, and then I submitted my work to several magazine competitions, where I naturally did not win anything. I have these photos in my archive and I look at them now with a smile.
I started to look more closely at the photo winners and analyze them. Gradually it led to more demanding work and I also started to go and shoot more. As a result, a year later, I submitted my works to 4 international competitions and, to my surprise, received awards everywhere, including 1st place in one of the nominations for TPOTY (Travel Photographer of the Year).
The first conclusion I made was that my works became much more interesting and my level as a photographer rose. The second conclusion is how nice it is to win competitions. It is also not clear what became more important for me. Any victory gives confidence that you are on the right track. I believe that every photographer should have a certain number of victories. There’s no way without it. The more you win and the more prestigious the competitions, the better you are treated.
The rating of the photographer increases, customers start to turn to him, which brings material security and moral satisfaction. So, after winning the TPOTY, the American magazine National Geographic approached me with a proposal to publish my photo and offered me a fee of $4850 for it. Well, that’s no way to say no. After publishing this photo in all countries, there were private orders for this photo. Which has brought me a good amount?
The third conclusion – sometimes the victory in competition gives financial support. During the last two years, I have received 5 times the winning sums, including 5000 euros. When dozens of victories were behind me, I was invited to the jury of many international competitions. I remember judging at the Al Thani competition in Qatar, one of the most expensive in terms of the number of awards and prize funds. And I was paid for my flight and accommodation. It’s nice to feel like a pro!
Conclusion Four: The contests helped me promote my projects. I am not talking about numerous exhibitions where I started to exhibit after participating and winning in competitions. The name started to work for the author. I am already used to the fact that I am often greeted by a large number of people I do not know. And sometimes they take an autograph…
And memories for life and photos are sometimes not perfect. You think this picture is gonna win and… bang! and fly! And sometimes it’s the other way around. If my photo won 5 times in different contests like Man and the Sea, then I like it and will go to the folder “masterpieces”, and then the exhibition.
Conclusion five: competitions help to objectively evaluate my work.
The only disadvantage of international contests is their payment. But the system is such that everything works without sponsors. On the received money, organizers buy medals, diplomas, awards, conduct refereeing, final exhibitions, publish a catalog. And there is no need to swear money from anyone. Usually, participation is from 10 to 30$. Rarely, when more expensive. I do not think that a photographer who cares about his name can not earn that amount within a month. But rewards, good mood, and self-confidence are more expensive”.
