One of the greatest pleasures I have had in my photographic experience has been participating in photographic assignments and contests. The groups that I have participated in, thus far, are literally open anyone who can take a picture. They provide a contest platform for any and all no matter their skill level, ability, or equipment.
The point of these assignments and contests by and large, at least in those that do not charge you an entry fee, is to encourage photographers to challenge themselves to think about the challenge that has been presented and then “get out and shoot”. Typically in these challenges a theme is picked by a previous winner or by someone who administers the contest. Photographers who participate are given the details regarding the theme. A set period of time to locate images of interest related to the theme, photograph them, and post them is conveyed as well.
It never ceases to amaze me how creative people can be when challenged to find something, photograph it, and then edit it for presentation. Some of the most interest and/or beautiful images I have ever seen have come out of photography assignments and contests. Some of the most humorous as well when the theme has allowed.
There is always a challenge to the individual who participates in assignment and contest groups. I believe it is something that is built in and designed by solid photo group administrators. The challenge lays in pushing the participant to be a better photographer encouraging them to look for something that they may have never seen before. It can be about using a photographic technique that they want you experiment with and possibly one never used by you. It can also be about them saying, “Look”, and having you see something familiar that you never thought had photographic potential. Ultimately the goal is to help you as a photographer improve your skills and abilities.
These are some of the reasons why you should be involved with photography assignments and contests. There are many more. Most of the “more” revolves around social interaction and the inevitable, “How did you do that?” Whether you be the one asking that question or the one asked that question, these moments present themselves as periods of teaching and learning that benefits everyone involved.
There is also that feeling when you have finally won one too. Let us not discount the fact that sometimes your hard work as a photographer is recognized and admired by others. In the realm of photographic assignments and contests you “win” when this occurs. You were challenged, rose to the occasion by putting your very best effort behind the picture that you made, and the resulting “win” is recognition for that.
Allow me to recommend just a couple of groups that I have participated with and encourage you to participate too. I will also have a recommendation about being involved with photography clubs as well. (There is a larger listing of Flickr Groups located in the Links section of the Main Menu.)
First, I recommend the following Flickr Group for your involvement. It is called the Weekend Assignment and Contest Group. They have a weekly weekend assignment and contest open to members of the Group. All skill levels are welcome. The theme for the weekend is picked by the winner from the weekend before and photographs are voted on by the members of the group at large. This group is specific to Flickr members, so you will have to join Flickr to participate as it is a Flickr Group.
Second, I recommend PhotographyBB’s bi-weekly photography assignments. PhotographyBB is open to everyone and again for all skill levels. This site does require that you sign-up for their Forums in order to participate. However, in signing up for their Forums there is a benefit. The Forums are full of teaching and learning opportunities related photography techniques, skills, and software. The photographs that are selected by the assignment administrators as the best for the assignment appear in PhotographyBB’s monthly e-magazine.
Finally, a word about photography assignments and contests as they relate to photo clubs. There are many local, national, and international photography clubs that host weekly, monthly, and/or yearly contests. Some of these clubs charge a membership fee and some do not.
I have only visited a few photo club websites that do not have some sort of photography competition. The advantage in participating with photo clubs is that on top of assignments and contests they typically have face to face social opportunities and learning activities. For a comprehensive list of photography related websites including photo clubs that may be in your area, please visit PhotoLinks. (A recommendation for a local club in Salt Lake City, Utah is Photowalking Utah.)
Whether you participate with a photography assignment and/or contest group online or one face to face the point is to get involved. You will experience an increase in skill and ability if you do. You will meet new people who, with you, have a common interest and desire in producing better photographic images. And, I can guarantee this… You will have a lot of fun along the way too.
