Getting Recognition for Your Photographic Work

Awards are great ways to get your work noticed

Getting recognition for your photographic work upon completing your studies is vital in order to make the move into the professional world.

One of the best ways to generate publicity for yourself and your work is to enter as many photography student competitions as you can. The ones we particularly recommend are as follows:

AOP Student Awards

The Association Of Photographers Student Awards were established in 1981, to recognise and highlight emerging photographic talent which existed in further education institutions. They are regarded as one of the premiere photographic competitions for students around the UK attracting over 2,000 entries every year.

You can submit entries in four categories: Lifestyle and Portraiture, Fashion and Beauty, Landscape, Interiors and Exteriors, and Still Life

The winner of the AOP Student Photographer of the Year award for 2010 will receive: A double page spread in the AOP Photographers Awards book, a full day's work experience with a high-profile AOP member, plus extensive press coverage and AOP may use the winning images to promote the AOP Student Awards.

AOP also runs competitions for professional photographers and photographic assistants. In addition, their AOP Open Awards is a photographic competition open to everyone. From professional photographers to occasional snappers, this is the competition where everyone competes on a level playing field.

For more details, please see AOP Website

Fujifilm Student Awards

This year Fujifilm Student Awards  are celebrating their 25th anniversary. The closing date for 2010 competition is 28th February 2010. All images must be taken on Fujifilm Professional film and no digital images are allowed, entry is free of charge and submissions are unlimited.

The overall winner of the 2010 Fujifilm Student Awards will have their photograph printed on the front cover of the next edition of Flann O'Brien's 'At Swim-Two-Birds' book, published by Penguin. They will also receive a library of 25 Penguin Classics titles, £250 worth of Fujifilm Professional film, and a fantastic printing prize package courtesy of their exhibition sponsors, Genesis Imaging.

Genesis Imaging will print a portfolio for the overall winner of the Fujifilm Student Awards 2010. Note that they are also giving 25% discount on all their services to all students entering the Fujifilm Student Awards 2010 competition. Full details on services are available from: www.genesis-digital.net

For more information on the Fujifilm Student Awards visit http://www.fujifilmstudentawards.co.uk/index.php

Royal Photographic Society Awards (RPS)

The RPS awards  are offered annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. The Society has adopted a wide definition of photography which refers to the art and science of the recording of light or other radiation on any medium on which an image is produced or from which any image may by any means be produced.

There are a wide variety of awards so please see the RPS' website for more details - http://www.rps.org/annual-awards/home

Photo District News

Photo District News  has variety of contests as well as one specifically dedicated to Students - PDNedu Student Photo Contest 2010 with deadline 9th December 2009.

There are several categories you can submit entries for:
Fashion / Portraiture
Documentary / Photojournalism
Still Life
Travel / Landscape
Fine Art / Personal Work
Pre College - Open Category

Remember that these awards are annual events and you can enter on an ongoing basis. In this respect, if this years competitions are completed, put your efforts into submitting strong entries for the next year. There are many other awards/competitions out there so always be on the look out for outlets for getting recognition for your photographic work.

Having success in photographic awards gives you on one hand the confidence to approach photographers as they might have seen your work in the press as well as helps you to add some quality work to your photographic book.

Making your way in the field of professional photography is not just about having great images on your web gallery, but it is about getting recognition for your photographic work, how to deal with clients and art buyers, and how to prepare and present estimates.

Keep checking for updates on the Digital Photography Articles  section for latest additions and developments in these areas.

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