Why I Decided to Submit My Photos to International Competitions

30/11/2024

In just four years of photographing (the first two of which I did TFP work), countless dogs, horses, loving couples, and families have stood before my lens.

At the beginning, it was mainly about the joy of capturing beautiful moments and stories. Over time, however, I began to ask myself questions: Where is my photography heading? What do I want to convey with my images? And how can I tell if my work resonates with a broader audience? After careful consideration, I decided to submit some of my photographs to international competitions.

Participating in prestigious contests like the International Photography Awards (IPA) or the ND Awards also takes courage. You never know how your photographs will fare. Submitting images is a big step, as there is no guarantee of success. But that's precisely where the challenge lies. It's an opportunity to receive feedback and prove that my work holds value on a global scale.

What does this mean to me?

Thousands of photographers from around the world enter competitions like IPA or ND Awards every year. IPA receives over 14,000 photographers and more than 25,000 images, with only 5-10% making the shortlist. At ND Awards, thousands of photographs are submitted, and approximately 15-20% are selected. Entering such contests is not about an automatic win; it's a valuable experience and a chance to gain visibility.

For me, it was a significant achievement when my photographs received an Official Selection at IPA and an Honorable Mention at the ND Awards. These accolades prove that my work can resonate not only with a local audience but also with the global photographic community.

When a photo succeeds in multiple competitions

My success became even more rewarding when I learned that several of my photographs had been recognized in multiple competitions. This is a huge motivation because it means my work appealed to more than one jury. When a photograph succeeds in several contests, it's an outstanding achievement. It confirms that your work has a broader impact and resonates with different panels.

Success in two distinct categories

It was also an immense honor to receive an Honorable Mention in ND Awards in two completely different categories: Animal and Children. This recognition is particularly valuable because most photographers specialize either in portraits of people or animals. Winning awards in both categories is a remarkable achievement. The Animal category focuses on capturing the emotions and character of animals, while Children highlights the innocence and beauty of childhood. For me, it shows that my photos can tell powerful stories and evoke emotions, whether it's a picture of a dog or a family portrait.

Why this matters to me

Participating in these competitions has been an essential step in my artistic journey and personal growth. It allowed me to see where I stand and what I can still improve.

If you're looking for a photographer specializing in dogs, horses, or family portraits, these awards confirm that my work is moving in the right direction, focusing not only on technical quality but also on capturing genuine emotions.

In international competitions, emphasis is placed on images that evoke feelings and tell stories. These recognitions assure me that I'm continuing to grow in photography, striving to create not just technically correct but emotionally rich photos.

Key criteria in most competitions (Source: EPA):