 Christine Kozak/Wilterdink |
Congrats finalists and Question How long did it take for a photo of yours to make finalist? i am curious, do we have to take classes here in order to be considered? also, if any of you have advice on my pics, what can be improved? i love this site and the talent here is incredible! people can learn just by looking each month at the entries that come in!
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karenemichaels.com - Karen E. Michaels Contact Karen E. Michaels Karen E. Michaels's Gallery |
Christine, You need not take classes in order to become a finalist. Classes are designed to make the most of your photographic eye. You are correct in understanding that we can learn from looking at other's photographs each day. I wish you continued enjoyment of your artistic endeavors. Peace, karen
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery  |
Hi, I got lucky the first 2 months I started entering the contest, ..1 finalist each month...thot, wow, this is a snap....went dry for a year.....recently I've had a couple more...either got lucky or learned something during the dry year....I prefer to think I learned....:-) No, no classes required !! As far as your gallery, it's awfully hard to improve on adorable...:-) Bob
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Elizabeth Coachman |
I have been on BP for about 4 months, and have entered numerous photos in numerous competitions, and just got my first finalist. I am thrilled, but I never expected that picture to be considered as a finalist. However, a friend on this site told me I should try to enter it in the monthly theme for last month... and it got a finalist. I love your gallery - those dogs are the CUTEST in the world! What breed are they? And this is an amazing website - everyone is very helpful, encouraging and supportive. There are some absolutely amazing photographer on ere - I am astonished just to look at the previous winners. They have so much talent. Keep on keeping on! By His Grace and For His Glory, Elizabeth C.
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Barbara Helgason |
You definitely do not have to take a course to win, I haven't and I've got finalists!!! Keep trying, when you get one you'll feel like you won the lottery. Continue to learn and really study all the finalists and winners, I learn so much from analyzing each photo and I enjoy it tremendously!
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Bob Cammarata |
Christine, Any photo can be a finalist or a winner in any category if it fits the criteria of the judging process. Read and re-read the Contest Guidelines. There, you will find detailed information which can be extremely helpful. I can tell you from past experience that you don't have to have a Deluxe Web Site or take classes to be considered, and that those judges...(you gotta love 'em), DO look at each entry. I've been posting here for around two years and think BP is the best.
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Brian Lobdell |
Hi Christine, I've only been a member since June, and was fortunate enough to garner a 2nd place winner my first month. ...and its a good example that anyone can get a winner, as it was taken with my first digital camera, a Mavica - only 2.5 megapixels. Here's some food for thought... the contest gets approximately 800+ entries a day. About 32-35 a day (average for month) will make finalist, and only 3 to 4 per day (average) will be winners. But I find that the best part of BP are the many wonderful members who share and comment without regard to beginner - amature - or pro standing. So hang in there, good luck, and welcome to BP.
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- Sherry Stricklin Boles Contact Sherry Stricklin Boles Sherry Stricklin Boles's Gallery |
Hi Christine, I've been here since late Feb. and received my only finalist in June. I haven't taken any classes and am really a photo competition beginner (my digital camera was only purchased in March). I do try to study the finalists and winners. Although, I have to admit that I'm not too crazy about "copying" others or following the obvious patterns of the contest. [However, the month of my finalist, a ladybug, there were lots of ladybug shots chosen! =) ] Check out the guidelines and recent threads in the Q&A forum. Study the winners/finalists. I have also started becoming increasingly picky about my own shots this month. I used to enter a photo per day. Now I don't because I don't find that many "contest worthy" in my opinion. (The danger of this is that many people say that the pic they've had chosen isn't one that they would choose.) This site is filled with pros, semipros and serious hobbiests all over the world, so try not to knock yourself too much (easier said than done, I know). Try to think positive and notice the little steps. Look and see how your photo skills improve each month and celebrate that! Hopefully, that will help you keep your perspective and not be too disappointed if your photos are not chosen... Every little improvement could be seen as a step toward those finalist/winner categories! Good luck and remember not every photo is a BP winner but if it makes you happy then it's a definate winner!!
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Christine Kozak/Wilterdink |
Everyone, thanx for the encouraging kind words, and thanx for sharing your first winner! it is exciting I am sure ;) it is cool to hear how you each felt and what pic got your first winner, and how quickly some go their first, and than the dry spells LOL thanx much, I looked at all your albums and I must say, they are incredible. keep up the good work, I really admire the shots here! thanx to for the tips some gave. I appreciate it ;)
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Kelly Plitt |
I joined BP in February, and my very first entry got the grand prize! (Admittedly, I entered what I thought to be the best of my archive of photos.) I've had several finalists, but nothing close to the adrenaline rush I had that first month! It's funny to me that some of my entries that weren't my favorites made finalists over those which I thought were shoe-ins. You just never know - this is such a subjective thing.
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Kerby Pfrangle |
Christine The first month I was on Better Photo I got a second place with an image called WINDY. The the next three months I got a finalist each month. I have not taken any classes. You do not need to take a class to get a finalist award or a winner. Kerby
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Nicole Kessel |
Hi Christine, It took me over a year to place as finalist! A very impatient year! :) But, I wasn't posting every one of those months either. Now that I'm on here more often and posting more (about 10 per month usually) I won 2nd place last month and just this month two of my photos made finals. It's all very exciting! I never signed up for any classes and I have a "premiere" gallery only because I won 2nd place. Which I love having. It just looks so much nicer then the free galleries. It is true what Kelly was saying about the judges never picking the ones you think they will. None of my favorites in my gallery have even placed as finalists and the ones I thought were OK made it. So it is very subjective. I can see you love your dogs! They are wonderful subjects! Keep shooting and practicing and you'll get there!
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