There are a huge number of photographic competitions that go on about the country, and if you live and sleep with your camera, you’re probably longing to submit your own entry in one of them. We’re listing three great choices here, and this selection offers you the chance to decide whether to salute the colorful hustle and bustle of Sydney, concentrate on a given theme each month, or just pay homage to the beauty of Australia. Let’s take a look:
Art and About Sydney
City of Sydney Events comprises collaborators who have worked since 2002 to paint the creativity of local artists all over the face of Sydney and produce an annual event that captivates the attention of all Australians. Both professional and amateur photographers are invited to enter their favourite work evoking some aspect of life in Sydney. The photo can depict something that happens on a regular basis or a unique occurrence, and the judges will also look for the photographer’s individual cultural expression.
Each artist can submit up to two entries, and the work of 22 finalists will be displayed at the Art & About Sydney festival from 21 Sept ember through 21 October 2012. All selected finalists will receive $500, and the recipient of the Sydney Life prize will earn something valued at $10,000. You can enter every month until you win; visit the website at http://www.australianphotography.com/ and click on the Competitions tab.
You can learn more about this annual event and contest by visiting the Art & About Sydney festival website at http://www.artandabout.com.au/about. The deadline is 29 June 2012.
Australian Photography
For the glory of a place in your portfolio—and for a valuable piece of photographic equipment—try your hand at this monthly competition, with a different topic each month. For June the theme is the colour green; look at the world around you to see what brings out your inner artist. You’ve got to actually live somewhere in Australia to qualify, and the prize cannot be negotiated for cash. The website adds a great bonus with access to very informative reading for the photographer.
Australian Explorer
Published for the tourist visiting Australia or a native who wants to explore parts of the country where he’s not been, Australian Explorer awards prizes every six months. Each contest runs for six months, and whilst the judges deliberate for three months over those entries, a brand new contest begins. That means if you enter now but don’t win, you can try your luck again without too much delay.
Anything of beauty that you capture with your lens makes a possible entry. Take a look at the current crop of photographs posted at http://www.australianexplorer.com/competition/C1017/index.html to see the wide range of subjects—from wildlife to sunsets to lightning and even cityscapes. Prizes are an Australian Explorer ‘Experience’ of your choice, valued up to $500, and options include private photography tuition, a Queensland professional photo shoot, car hires, feng shui for your home or just about anything your heart desires.
Keep Entering Competitions…
No prize can equal the experience you gain from entering your favourite work in these various competitions. Granted it’s difficult to see somebody else’s name mentioned for a prize you thought you had a certain chance of winning. However you will not only learn quite a bit from the organizations or entities offering the contests, you will also familiarise yourself with other up-and-coming photographers on the Australian scene.
