When I first started freelancing, a local photographer whom I have a great deal of respect for agreed to meet for coffee and to give me advice. One of his biggest suggestions was that I immediately join the National Press Photographers Association if, for no other reason, than to allow me to enter the monthly clip contest as a means of getting my name out there. And so I promptly did.
And it turned out to be a great suggestion—and a great learning experience. Yes, contests are contests and not necessarily indicative of the quality of the photos. On the other hand, I’ve submitted solid photos—1A above the fold dom photos—and they’ve failed to place. Why? Because shooting solid, 1A above the fold dom photos is something that all of us are expected to be able to do. But the question is, how do you go beyond that? And so, if nothing else, the monthly clip contest has exposed me to a lot of really strong photography—as well as kept me humble.
However, I have managed to land a couple of podium finishes during my brief time competing. If you haven’t seen them, they’re still new to you: