I consider myself a decent photographer. Not as good as my 14 year old (who got his first magazine credit at 8!), but passable. Every year, we enter our local county fair’s photography division. They judge strictly, because amateurs and professionals are in the same category. I won four years back in the photo essay division, shooting pictures of our A&W’s classic car show. Two years ago, my now 12 year old took Best of Show for Youth for a photo of a covered wagon. He’s a little varmint, one of those that has the golden touch. Last year, my 14-year old took Reserve of Show for spiders being born. That was a pretty interesting photo, really. I haven’t really taken the time to shoot any good pictures in a few years now, and I’m sure I’m rusty.
It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about Staples’ Hometown Views Photo Contest. It’s free to enter and open to all US citizens. I have no illusions that I’ll win the grand prize (a trip to Iceland), but every entrant gets a coupon for a free big color poster (12” x 18”).
I have just the shot of my daughter and her dad from their last musical that I’d like to have blown up. It’s a good incentive. Since the photographs are being accepted in electronic format (.jpg or .gif, 300 ppi or greater), there’s no cost to you except your time.
Staples is really very clever with this. They’ll end up paying out the grand prize and some small royalties for the forty finalists, but they’ll have a huge supply of stock photos to use for their promotions. At least for a year. Their right to use them runs out after that. I wouldn’t mind seeing my photo at my neighborhood Staples. Seriously, how many times have you passed pictures at the photo place in the mall and thought, “I could take a better picture than that!” or “My kids are way cuter than that photo.” This is your chance to show that it’s true.
You have until March 15 to enter. So read Tracy’s blog entry for tips on taking great pictures, shoot a hundred (or two!), and choose the one that best represents your hometown. I’d love to be a fly on the wall during that judging!
Link to Staples Hometown Views Contest
Related Blogs:
6 Tips for Great Pictures
Taking Great Pictures Outdoors
How to Get a Great Photo