Save time and disappointment in photo competitions - 3 tips

On the back of my recent moderate success in the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2023, I did a lot of reflection and want to share with you 3 things which, had I known a few years ago, would have saved me a lot of time and disappointment.
These tips are not limited to this the UKLPOTY comp, the principles transcend genre and award.
Thanks to Mik Dogherty for permission to use his stunning WINNING SHOT.
Closing footage is of the awards ceremony and was provided by Ben Harvey Photography (thanks Ben).
Bravo to Jamie Fielding whose face lights up the screen at the end... 'two baby!'
Music from Epidemic Sound
Ben's suit is probably very expensive - he's the smartest at the ceremony!
My grin... money can't buy it.

[@amaimani]

Congrats Louise for getting commended from 1000s of submitted photos.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment. 👍

[@davidgambin2551]

Just found your channel, wise words 🙌

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you David. Welcome 🙏

[@rayjermyn4541]

Thanks Louise, but I have to wonder "why" there is such a need for the raw, the jpeg and exif with changes. The end result is what people are looking at - and whether the image appeals or does not appeal. How you got there is part of your process, not the process of the observer. I no longer include my images in competitions, the process can be political and rather destroying to creative purpose.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

I understand that. The raw can, I guess, rule out people submitting images that aren’t theirs and with AI and all the debate around that I guess there is a bigger story in the future. I don’t mind the raws being asked for as it can be a check that someone hasn’t just applied someone else’s presets and had their own vision for the shot. I do understand the political aspect though… the double blind judging was reassuring but how far do fads count? Ahhh each to their own. 😊

[@cristibaluta]

I think there was a competition this year where AI won, would you be happy for the AI to take your place?

[@perryjude1230]

Sounds like absolutely no fun what so ever.😟

[@louisewelcomephotography]

I can see how that would be so... and honestly there was a part of me that internally went, he's right! 🙂 But I'm still stuck on the validation wheel at the moment... I'll get over it eventually and part of me also enjoyed the process of reflecting on the shots I've taken. Meanwhile, hi and thanks for checking in.

[@jackboyd147]

i have only entered 1 comp online as i have a pro group in my club and my photos would never get anywhere

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Fair enough Jack. I didn’t bother for a few years because I thought I would never stand a chance… but eventually I took the plunge. I thought I’d entered 12 shots the year before but it turns out I couldn’t even get that right and I didn’t upload them properly and only entered 1 with no information accompanying it 🙈. Do you have a chance to do anything where you get guidance in response? A way of someone offering a few tips. I often think that would be really supportive and move my (and others) on well. 👍

[@composedlight6850]

Why do people enter these money making competitions - why do you want beet other people, is it a case winning makes you better than others lol

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Each to their own 😊

[@tracylee.g.]

Whoop another lady IR photographer. Not sure why I've not come across you before. Difference is I'm a False colour, Kolari Chrome and black & white kinda girl. My portraits however only work in black & white 720nm plus. Dont have Nik Silver & have a different way of editing but with similar results. Its good to be different. Just received back 2nd converted full spectrum camera (traded in previous) as i love this style of photography. Congratulations & thank you for the info. Club Master Photographer of the year i received 3 10/10 for the IR print images but only a 8.5 for the 'normal' print. Thankfully had a judge who realised one was IR but had no idea about the b&w or false colour one but enjoed the image so marked on that. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Ohhh Tracy, I grinned when you said that. Thank you. I did a full day in London shooting IR architecture and I am blown away by how well it does. Going to do a vid on it as I learned so much for my landscape stuff by stepping away. Do you have instagram, I’d love to see your work… and congratulations right back atcha! 👍

[@tracylee.g.]

I've followed on insta. I'm not as active as I should be & left some 'beginners' stuff on. Going to have a scroll through your amazing photography.

[@benharveyphotography]

Congratulations again Highly Commended Louise! These were really helpful tips Louise, especially the organisation of raw files etc. Whenever I want to find the raw files I actually save the photos off my website and the exif data helps me find the originals in my Lightroom catalogue- but essentially I am just looking for date of capture. Interesting to hear the number and variety of the judges for the competition. You can choose the images I enter again next year, I am going to enter 20 wildcards! Haha

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Nooooo, you choose. I said which type of yours I loved and they were more than 5 years old. Your architecture is sublime! Also, you are the most organised person I know. I am far more chaotic in my approach. The judges were interesting… I’ll lend you the book so you can have a nose… 😊. Thanks Ben .

[@DanaPushie]

This is the first of your videos that I have seen and I must say I really enjoyed your approach/delivery/style of sharing your knowledge and experience. And, congratulations on your commendations. I've taken a few moments to supscribe and go back to your first videos which I'll continue to go through. Thanks for sharing. Kindest regards.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Dana thank you. Oh heck don’t judge me from my first couple of vids 😂😂. It got better! I hope you enjoy the odd one 👍

[@DanaPushie]

LOL Beware of those who speak ill of others Louise.🤪

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@DanaPushie lol, wise advice.

[@sheejeebabar5970]

Well definable .

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you 🙏

[@gc2161]

great infomation; blimey some of these photos 5:29 are just stunning

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Crikey, they really are. Such talented folk out there 👍

[@gc2161]

@@louisewelcomephotography sorry, yours are good too🙂

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@gc2161 that made me laugh enormously, you don’t need to say that 😉. The video was focused on making things better for others and, I agree, looking at their work made me really think differently… it’s so creative. Really exciting.

[@bonwana2275]

Congratulations from Down Under!!

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Ahhhh thank you from a very windy and rainy south coast of England. 👍

[@bonwana2275]

@@louisewelcomephotography I have just rekindled my love of photography and have just spent t a small fortune on gear and I will be entering competitions to test out my skills. I think your advice is very sound. 😊 I loved your two successful images. Well done

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@bonwana2275 nice. But I want you to know that the winner overall had been entering UKLPOTY for 10 years before the big win. The images chosen are so subjective. Enjoy every minute 😊

[@paulatterby7507]

Scottish landscape photographer of the year not allowing ND grads? What about people photographing with colour reversal film with 4 or 5 stops exposure range? Deliberate attempt to favour digital?

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Good point well made! I mention that example as it happened a couple of years ago. I think the LPOTY welcomes non digital but can’t speak for others.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Congratulations! Beautiful image, well deserved recognition. Get 'em next time.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Lol, thanks Brian. Will try my best! 😊

[@saivishnu1285]

For beginner landscape photographers need these kind of information ❤

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thanks. Any other things I need to. Do, please let me know 😉🙏

[@Derek-n2d]

Well done Louse. They're great photos. I got one of my infrared landscapes in 'Amateur Photographer' a couple of weeks ago, albeit a very small reproduction accompanying a letter enquiring whether the magazine intended running any articles on infrared photography in the future.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Ohhhh nice work. Seeing your own work out there is a bit unnerving at first isn’t it? IR is popping up in comps and articles. I’ll keep my eye out to see if your letter worked 👍

[@billkossmann9246]

Congratulations on your commendations, Louise!

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Cheers Bill, I learned a lot and I’m not sure I’ll do comps again but it was interesting. Have a good lead up to Christmas sir. 😊

[@alisonfairley5861]

Huge congratulations again Louise! Two superb images. Thank you so much for these tips - very valid and worthwhile

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you Ali. Your image a couple of years ago will remain with me for a long time. I just hadn’t seen anything like is. I still love it 😍

[@ceebeeproducer]

Great video Louise - and congratulations on your successes! Loving your presenting style!

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you Chris. Appreciated hugely.

[@AndyHPhotography]

Thanks for the tips and well done with the images Louise 😊 I’ve just discovered it channel and love it. I’m just working my way through your videos. I’m going to use your tips initially for my local photo society and then who knows. (Also love your chilled style 0n camera so I may get a few tips for my channel too 😊)

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thanks Andy. Glad you said hello too. Don’t judge me on a couple of my earlier videos 😂🙈. And good luck. I’ll keep an eye out for you.

[@AndyHPhotography]

@@louisewelcomephotography no judgement here I promise (I still find video making tricky as I want to focus on the photographs ). If you’re ever in north wales again and want to make a joint video let me know. (I’m in Shropshire so it’s really close for me). I still can’t believe I’ve only just found your channel 🤷‍♂️

[@larsmichael7162]

IMO, having to submit the RAW images helps keep things real. although I would probably fail the test since I often remove distracting elements (trash, branches / vegetation invading from the edges, etc.), plus I found myself adding background to go from 2x3 to a square, in order to have more freedom for a 4x5 crop.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Fair play Lars, I don’t mind submitting. In. Way I want to know that the choices are made by the photographer and not a plug in. I’m also surprised how different my edits are depending on my mood!

[@scotty4418]

Just found your channel through Ben, congratulations on your recognitions this year Louise and sound advice. In terms of your first tip, I take a similar approach in that I normally sit down at the end of the year and decide what competitions I will enter and mark these up on a spreadsheet and make a note of the keys aspects of the rules such as the timescale the image must have been taken in and whether it is admissible if entered elsewhere. You are also bang on about social media popularity doesn't necessarily translate into success in competitions. I had an image that went viral on Instagram and entered it into a competition 2 years ago and never even got short listed. My key influences for entering an image now are based on originality, visual impact and emotional connection. Look forward to following your channel and seeing more of your work

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Scotty thank you. It’s a bit of a mission isn’t it? But it does actually allow me a time to go back and reflect when I have had distance from taking a shot. Sometimes I’m really excited about one that two months later is a meh one. And it’s trying to look objectively at something without the drama and emotion of the capture clouding your view. As for social media, my most successful have flopped in competitions. I think I need to do a vid on being objective… I shall dedicate it to you as my inspiration 😊👍

[@sotonrob]

great one louise after your video tips i might try my luck 👍

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Dooooooo iiiit! 👍😁 although start your prep now 😂

[@pwood5733]

I agree it is if the final printed image appeals. The viewer in the gallery could not care less of what format or equipment or settings the image was created by

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Yeah. There are a couple in the book I’d love on my wall… and they aren’t mine 🙈😂😂 although the seascape is on my wall and I’m quite pleased.

[@davidstulc]

OH! You were in Bovec, my home town! 😅

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Loooove that place. Have had the privilege to visit 6 times over 10 years. 😍. My next video, out in a couple of weeks is at Sveti Tomaz. And I got a few shots I am sooo pleased with. The one after has the Mangart Pass in. I utterly love Slovenia 🇸🇮

[@scrptwic]

Good for you Louise and great advise on photo contests

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you. I keep looking at all the images in the book… I have so much to learn from them. So many things to try in order to get better 👍

[@richardtierney7724]

Excellent.. well done Louise :-)

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thanks Richard. One really was a ‘really?’ moment 😁

[@cristibaluta]

I save time, i never send photos to competitions

[@louisewelcomephotography]

That is the ultimate top tip. 👍😂

[@jonathancleall8595]

Congratulations on your wins

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you kindly Jonathan… they were small scale but I do appreciate that 👍

[@cgriggsiv]

And congratulations

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you kindly 😊

[@thomastuorto9929]

Nice. I liked your wildcard photo better from your 2023 entry. I imagine the judges look at some (quite a few actually) of the photos on multiple days before making the decisions. But that is just a guess on my part. I would be happy to be able to come across scenes like these to photograph even without the intent of entering a contest. As I paused the vid to read some of your photo notes, couldn't help thinking, something like this would help one when making a video or writing an article about the shoot also. Thank you for the vid & congrats on your commended mentions.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thomas that is really interesting, thank you. I think I feel less confident on that shot. I almost feel like I need to start a conversation with ‘I’m sorry…’ I’m going to really think when I feel that way about a shot and work out why. Thank you for making me think. Appreciated 👍

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@louisewelcomephotography I imagine there is some personal taste that draws one to a particular photo over another. As much as I like the rocks & moving water, I'm drawn to the dried cracked & what appears to me as a dried-up riverbed leading the way to the tree. Nice work.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@thomastuorto9929 thank you.

[@getnyrb]

Great tips. How much detail do you put into the What editing was carried out ?

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Feel free to stop the video over the word document as they are on there but generally things like.: basic camera raw edits, conversion to b and w in Silver Efex, dust foot removal and selective dodging and burning. Looking at the book this is pretty standard 😊

[@getnyrb]

Thanks. I always find that a pointless exercise when submitting images. Fair enough if they get selected.@@louisewelcomephotography

[@getnyrb]

stopped it at 5:03...yes, that's about as much editing detail as I put in :-)

[@martinhommel9967]

Well done

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you Martin.

[@AlexanderSwyerPhotography]

Great reel and tips, well done on your entries.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

Thank you Alex. I appreciate you commenting 👍😊

[@AlexanderSwyerPhotography]

@@louisewelcomephotography thanks for pointing out my image in your video.

[@louisewelcomephotography]

@@AlexanderSwyerPhotography ah ha… it is you. I didn’t want to jump in… loved it. Really evocative and a blooming well deserved win 👍. Thanks for saying hello.