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Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member 		 

International Library Of Photography


 
 
I submitted a Photo a few days ago to the ILP. I was sent an email a long time ago about a contest so I finally decided what the heck. For about 2 days when I entered my name it would say that my photo was not yet web ready and to check back. Now when I enter my name it comes up that my name cannot be found. Any of you know what is going on here, did this happen to any of you who have entered their contest? I am a person who has always loved taking pictures, in fact I just drive my family CRAZY, but I do feel that some are pretty good and unique. Are there any other places to enter Photography contests that you all might suggest. And for those of you who are more seasoned photographers any suggestions on getting started and working toward making it a career. Thank you all for your time and information.


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November 24, 2002

 

John A. Lind 		  Stacie,
The subject of the ILP, what it is and what it does comes up here periodically. See a recent thread on this from a number of months ago:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=2198

The contest is conducted to collect photographs and the photographer's contact information. They periodically publish a book with the acceptable ones in it. While the photographs that are published in it are decent ones, they're not exclusively World Class. They're not that selective; anything that's not outright horrible, repulsive, highly offensive or obscene makes it into the book.

Who buys the book? They market it heavily to those who have their photographs in it. It's often called "vanity press" because nearly all copies are sold principally to those who have photographs in it. The scheme is essentially the same as the "Who's Who" books for high school and college graduates, and for a number of professions. In other words, the book is not bought to use as a reference of truly outstanding photographers. Ask your local library if they have a copy in their reference section. I'd bet dollars to donuts they don't (unless the librarian has a photograph in it).

Regarding a career, what type of photography do you want to do? What type to you like doing, or think you might like doing?

Photography as a "profession" spans a wide range of work from wedding and portraiture, to editorial and photojournalism, to glamour/advertising, to commercial/industrial, to scientific, to fine art. A few more major fields are likely missing from this list too. How one gets started can vary widely depending on the specific field.

-- John


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November 25, 2002

 

Lori Irvin 		  I just read recently that this company is a scam and to stay far far away from them and their business practices. You can also get more info on fotosurf.com under "forum". Good Luck!


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January 08, 2003

 
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