Recently a former student wrote me:

Hi Davis,

Quick question – what’s a reasonable fee to show in a contest? I’ve seen them range from $15 to $50 per piece…However, some contests appear to be a way to raise money from hopeful artists. ~Jon

Jon’s note got me to thinking.

There are literally hundreds of photo contests advertised annually and many of the offers find their way into my in-box. I’m more and more selective with entering contests. However, when I do, these are the criteria I use.

Four questions guide me in my selection of an appropriate contest:

1. Who are the judges?
2. Does my work fit with what I know about the judge’s proclivities?
3. What’s the venue for exhibiting the work?
4. Will the award/honor/inclusion benefit my career?

Who are the judges and does my work jive with what I know of their interest?

I have juried many photography contests often with one or more  jurors.  I am very open-minded when it comes to photographic images. I’m accepting of new ideas, approaches, styles, subject matter. It’s been my experience we, the judges,  know exceptional images when we  see them; however, given the choice between a genre that doesn’t resonate  and one I love, I’ll lean toward my love. Often this is unconscious motivation but I’ve observed it in myself and others.

As a general rule, if I see  a juror whose passion I know to be, say, “wildlife in the Arctic”, it’s unlikely I’ll submit images of botanicals or portraits (two of my interests). Unless the portraits are of Inuit’s photographed within the Arctic circle or botanicals of the deep freeze variety.

I also note whom the juror represents. If it’s someone or an institution I’ve wanted to review my work. This might be a way to make a connection without going through the normal channels.

And I will try to follow up with a thank you note to the juror. They’ve taken time away from their duties for the contest and I do appreciate the effort, winner or not.

What’s the Venue?

It’s important to me where or how the work will be seen. I once considered entering a contest that would be on display for four weeks at a community arts center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Not exactly my demographic (I live in Seattle) but it is my hometown. I would have entered but then noted one had to be a Louisiana resident to participate.

Outside of a museum or important gallery, I think inclusion in a well respected art magazine is perhaps the greatest venue for display. These magazines are seen by tens of thousands of people and tend to hang around for months or years, establishing an historical record of the event and your work.

How might the contest benefit my career?

A few years ago, I entered an international contest for botanicals. I wasn’t familiar with the judges, the contest was fairly new, but the pay off was a group exhibition in a well known Paris gallery. I entered and as it happens came in first place with my work. There was a fun opening night, and my first Paris exhibit. This honor led to a gallery noting my work and picking up my photographs. In the end, I believe a good contest choice.

It’s important to note, even with my process my work often is not included among the final selection…Contests are extremely subjective.

Oh yes, and nearly all contests are offered to make money…