A Travel Photo Competition to Win Your Next Holidays

If you are that person who is never without your camera, or who others count on to photograph get-togethers, a travel photo competition may be just for you. Turn your love of snapping pics into an opportunity to win a holiday or another great prize, as well as all the accolades and recognition that go along with winning.

Consider these tips to help you take your photography to the next level and increase your chances of winning photography competitions.

Know the Rules

Before submitting that favourite image, it is imperative you read the contest rules very carefully and then read them again, ensuring no detail is missed. Many entries unfortunately end up being disqualified because they do not meet all the requirements, sometimes due to a simple detail being overlooked. Don’t let this be you!

Contest Guidelines

Every photo competition will state guidelines for photographers to follow. Know what’s expected regarding image size, shape and editing rules to guarantee your photo is accepted for judging. If anything at all is unclear, such as the technical requirements, contact the publication holding the contest for clarification. It would be a shame to miss out on the chance to win a holiday because of an overlooked detail or misunderstanding. Some competitions allow for more than one photo to be submitted, so go ahead and submit as many as you’d like to increase your chances of winning. And don’t forget to take note of the deadline!

Most photo contests will have a theme, whether it be landscapes, people, sports, or another. Make sure your photo fits the theme without question, because if the judges get down to deciding between two photos and one "kind of" fits the theme while the other is spot on, the photo that clearly conveys the theme is most likely going to be selected. Photo Tips

Most times you do not have to be a professional photographer to enter and competitions will be open to novice and experienced photographers alike. To help you get a leg up on the competition to win a holiday or cash prize, as well as the exposure and recognition for your skills, know that generally a DSLR camera is going to produce better quality photos (provided you know how to use it). It may be worth your while to invest in a good camera if this is a hobby or possibly even a profession you are serious about.

Further, take the time to get to know your camera. If you’re not a very technical person by nature, there are plenty of online courses available to teach you about your equipment and what it can do. Better yet, if you have a photographer friend, or a neighbourhood camera store, ask them if they’ll take you through your camera’s features.

To have photos that stand out from the rest, choose images that evoke emotion or tell a powerful story, as this is what people, including the judges, will connect to. Learn how to take photos with good composition and how to use lighting to your advantage. If your subject is people, establish a rapport with the person or group before snapping away and try to catch them at a natural moment.

Photo competitions are a great way to profit from a knack for photography. Not only can they provide you with the chance to win a holiday or any number of other fantastic prizes, the process will expand your creativity, improve your photography skills and motivate you to keep getting better with a goal of winning.

Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in global single trip and annual travel insurance policies. Besides offering great deals on travel insurance, Patrick also collects and shares the best free travel competitions, to help clients' chances to win a holiday and get the most out of their experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.