On the topic of Contests

I have always been on the fence about entering my work into contests; I also have always been my toughest critic. When it comes to Photography contests I used to shy away because I never felt like my work was worthy enough to win awards and that it was just a waste of time and possible heartbreak. This recently changed with my involvement in my University's Student Association of Photography, I also would like to credit my Photojournalism teacher, because he gave me confidence in myself and in my work. I recently entered two photos into a contest for a Art Festival that I'm attending with my Photography club, and I am a finalist in their Still Life category.

I named it 'Neural Pathways' because it reminded me of the neurons in our brains that connects part of our nervous system to another part. I honestly am surprised when I do win, or even chosen as a finalist. I've come to find that some of my favorite photos that I have an extreme attachment to are not the winners. This image was different though, while it isn't a personal favorite of mine, I do really enjoy the way this photo turned out.

For any photographers I have a quick tip for those that are interested in Macro photography; if you have a 50 mm lens you can turn the lens around and it becomes a Macro lens. This is how I achieved this photo, and it isn't easy because you lose all electronic function of the lens and you have to manually move your distance so you can focus. The other part that is difficult is that you have to hold the lens in place and keep the camera steady enough to not lose your focus that you probably worked hard for.

I want to end with some advice to others that may struggle with the same feelings that I struggle with. Have someone who has some experience with winning awards for their photographs or someone with more experience than you look over any photos you are thinking about submitting. This may be harder for some than entering the photos into the contest. The people you have look over your photos can give you great tips and advice, if they give you criticism don't think that it reflects poorly on you. We are constantly learning, and the best thing you can do is improve upon any criticism you receive. Lastly, try not to judge yourself too harshly if you don't win the first contest you enter. I know that I did, and I took it to heart but it only meant that I needed to improve and understand that every judge is different and one photo that loses one contest, may win at another. Just keep trying, keep learning. and keep improving yourself.