Why I don't enter competitions.

It could be because first, if I win, it's "Well, he's a pro. He should win. What's he doing here in the first place?"
Second, if I don't win, then it's, "He's a pro, but not a very good one. What's he doing here in the first place?"

But the real reason that I don't enter competitions is because, when I look at the winners, I realize that I've deleted everything that has a hope of winning?

For instance, look at the winners in a local gallery here, specifically the 2nd image ""Bowie" Best of Show by Eliza Ollinger", who I suspect doesn't know where her delete button is but seems to have a talent for coming up with a catchy title.

Opinions?

I never delete anything, I am sure I could find a few "winners" if I looked hard enough. This is what happens when hipsters take over the judging. Regarding "Bowie, Best of Show" maybe that wasn't a catchy title, but given Ms. Ollinger's skill level, it actually was her best photo from the show.

Whoa.

After looking at that I can fully understand your dilema Frank...............ge​ez!

The trick is to enter the correct shows. The ones where you know the judges and you know that what they like to do lines up with what you like to do.

There is a philosophy amongst certain critics and judges that values different over anything else. Its hard to know what might appeal to them.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15816899
There is a philosophy amongst certain critics and judges that values different over anything else. Its hard to know what might appeal to them.

Not really. If you know them and know their work. I'm entering one soon where I know the judge - as in personally. So I know his style and what he likes.

Numenorean wrote in post #15816940
Not really. If you know them and know their work. I'm entering one soon where I know the judge - as in personally. So I know his style and what he likes.

Sure when you know the judge. My comment was more to when you dont know the judging panel in advance.

Having been a juried judge for photo competitions I don't feel the need to enter competitions. Unless I am being paid to shoot I am only competing against myself.

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #15816953
Unless I am being paid to shoot I am only competing against myself.

This.

Couldn't agree more, Frank.

After all, how exactly can anybody "judge" art?

It's not like ice-skating, where an extra double toe-loop gets more points.

Nor is it like pole-vaulting, where an extra 5mm makes you the winner.

For me, if my clients like what I take for them, I get more clients...
...I certainly don't need an "art judge" telling me I've "won" first prize for me to know I can take photos.

Regards,

Simon

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #15816953
Unless I am being paid to shoot I am only competing against myself.

This is a great point of view - challenge yourself to shoot better instead of passing that responsibility off to someone else.

That's quite a collection Frank. I did like the "Iron, Steel and Steam" photo a lot.

I entered one, won some money. I bought a bunch of wine with it.

Most reason for not entering any competition of any form is the fear of rejection.

But no mater what they say, if I don't enter a competition its only to respect the other participants and make sure their feelings will not get hurt

actually, i ilke the period feel of "Bowie" ... almost like an oil painting in sfumato