Photography Conests & Giving up my Copyrights...

Not that I am really complaining, but just wanted to strike some conversation on the topic of entering photography contests for both the prizes but mainly for the recognition assuming you win...

I see a typical trend with photography contests is that you give up or transfer the copyrights of the photo you entered. I can understand why they do this, and if you want to play their game and win its just the nature of it. But what happens if you do win, and they own the copyright now.

Am I still allowed to print that photo and hang it on my wall? Can I still display that photo on my smugmug and say, HEY! That's the winning photo? Does the fact giving up the copyright discourage you from even entering in the first place?

Just wanted to get your thoughts.

I think "Yes" X3, but you really should read all the rules.
I stay away from them, but might consider something by Kodak, Canon, etc, & they usually don't ask for all the rights.

I have only entered a few contests in my life and before I do, I read the rules very very carefully. In some cases I think it is just a way for a publication or organization to get a whole bunch of images for their use for the cost of running the contest.

At any given time there are lots of contests to be found on the internet. So let's say that you do enter a contest for, as you put it, for the recognition. What does that recognition gain you. I don't begrudge anyone for entering a contest with that as their prime objective but I don't want the masses to think that this recognition is going to get them additional work.

Whatever your objectives are read carefully. I have not seen many that want you to relinquish your ownership of the image but they do want an open license for its use without further compensation.

ssim wrote in post #3025685
In some cases I think it is just a way for a publication or organization to get a whole bunch of images for their use for the cost of running the contest.

Bingo! Cheaper than microstock!

Well, I see a lot of ads for "Award-winning photographer ..." Whether or not that generates more business, I don't know.

Certainly those who run such contests (such as magazines) need some sort of license so they can publish the winning entries. But if they want transfer of copyright, I would run away fast.

Well, for information sake, I wanted to enter into this contest.

http://visit.theflower​fields.com/

Go to photo contest and the rules are right there. They have one every year, and it seems to be a very popular local thing to do. Sponcered by Canon.

Let me know if you see anything you dont like. I really just want to enter it for fun, not really worried about Copyrights and stuff like that, I just want to see how well I might do.

From The Website:

9. Winning photographs and all rights in them (including copyright) become the property of The Flower Fields®, Carlsbad California. Each winner will be required to supply the original negative or digital file of the photo, plus releases from all recognizable persons pictured sufficient for The Flower Fields®, Carlsbad California or its licenses to use the photograph in any way.
10. Winners will be notified by mail and are required to sign and return within 21 days of notification an affidavit of eligibility, release of liability and assignment of rights in the photo, together with the original negative or digital file and subject release. Winners may also be required to consent to use their names, likeness and biographical information for advertising and publicity purposes without further compensation. Failure to comply with all of these conditions may result in prize forfeiture.

Seeing as they don't even have an idea of what the prize is going to be I wouldn't be willing to sign away copyright.

I went to the flower fields and they gave me a flier for the contest. I asked what the first place prize was and I think it was a $50 gift certificate at the nursery.
I think it's a super cheap way for them to get a lot of photos to use for giving away some of their flower and stuff.

Here are my shots from there.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=302441
I've never entered a single contest, too lazy I guess, but don't like printing and mailing my print and/or file in for them to keep and use as they wish for the possibility of a small little prize.

Thornfield wrote in post #3026528
Seeing as they don't even have an idea of what the prize is going to be I wouldn't be willing to sign away copyright.

Last year the price was really sweet, but I got lazy and didnt enter. It was something like a stay at the hotel and a gift card to Carl Straus.

I dont think you have to sign away a copyright unless you win, atleast thats how I read the rules page...

Tee Why wrote in post #3026581
I went to the flower fields and they gave me a flier for the contest. I asked what the first place prize was and I think it was a $50 gift certificate at the nursery.
I think it's a super cheap way for them to get a lot of photos to use for giving away some of their flower and stuff.

Here are my shots from there.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=302441
I've never entered a single contest, too lazy I guess, but don't like printing and mailing my print and/or file in for them to keep and use as they wish for the possibility of a small little prize.

Ill see how it goes, im going there regardless, so i might send in an 8x10 or two just to see my luck (or skill) lol.

Hopefully the prize was better than $50 for flowers.