How To Tell If A Photo Contest is Legitimate

If you run an online search using the terms such as free photo contests you will come across numerous search results. The challenge however for someone who is running such a search is determining whether a photo contest is legitimate can be a challenging task, especially with the abundance of competitions advertised online. Many genuine opportunities are available online but not all of them are made equal. You should know how to identify the difference so that you could save yourself from potential frustration.

Before entering any contest, look for the names of the individuals or companies behind the contest. You can confidently join the contest if you come across well-known organizations, established brands, or respected photography platforms. On the other hand, if the organizers are anonymous or difficult to research, this should raise a red flag. It is always worth taking a moment to investigate the contest’s history, previous winners, or even reviews from other photographers.

Are the terms and conditions of the photo contests very clear and provide a clear outline of what happens to your photos once you submit them. Be cautious of contests that require entrants to sign over full copyright ownership or grant unlimited usage rights for free. Pay close attention to the usage rights. If it is your first time, you are likely to overlook this factor. You should know clearly whether you are asking for limited usage rights to promote the contest or showcase winners, they should not demand complete control over your work without adequate compensation. Do not take your intellectual property rights lightly, take time to understand the terms and conditions fully before you sign up for your photo contest. Always weigh the cost against the potential rewards and legitimacy of the competition.

Judging is a crucial element of any photography contest, and how it is handled can reveal much about the contest’s credibility. Similarly, promises of “exposure” as the primary reward should be approached with caution unless the organizers can demonstrate how this exposure will benefit your career, such as being featured in a respected publication or gallery.

The contest’s online presence and reputation can also provide valuable clues. If your organizers have a website, take the time to check the details in the website. You should also check the social media presence of the organizers. Look for signs of credibility, such as past winner showcases, testimonials, or partnerships with well-known brands or organizations. If the organizer has a strong online footprint, then you could consider the contest. If they do not have any strong online footprint then it may not be worth your time and effort.

How responsive is the organizer? This is an important factor to consider because communication from the contest organizers is another indicator of their legitimacy. You will know that you are dealing with a legitimate organizer based on how swift they are. You will get swift responses from genuine contest organizers. If it is not a genuine contest, you cannot get swift response.