Damien Demolder

(Tharg the Mighty)

05/01/2008 14:14

Photography Competitions - New Poll

As we launch the new monthly forum competition we want to know why you enter photography competitions in general. Are you desperate to win, or do you just enjoy taking part? Does the prize make a difference to whether you bother? Maybe you never enter competitions.

Let us know what you think, and register your opinion in our new poll on the home page. Go here to vote.

Thanks

damien

(BAD WOLF)

05/01/2008 14:18

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter for the fun and the challenge in taking part.

- Can I produce a photo that will fit the subject?
- Can I produce one that the judges will like?
- Can I remember to post it in time? !!!

Of course, it'd be nice to win or be in the "didn't they do well" category

(...or maybe Eight)

05/01/2008 16:01

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

The only competitions I have seriously entered are my club comps because

A. it makes me print
B. makes me more critical and selective
C. I like to hear the judges comments, way to improve
D. it's exciting
Over this past season I have become more competitive, I guess because of the success I have had I want to stay 'up there'!

(newbie)

05/01/2008 16:12

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I haven't entered the AP one yet as I've only just joined the forum, but for others I enjoy the challenge of having something different to do every month. I like competitions that are rated/marked as it's interesting and useful to read feedback on your work from other people.

(veteran)

05/01/2008 17:34

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I've only entered the forum competition and that has always been just for fun!

There are prizes this year though

so that makes it a bit more serious but that won't stop me from submitting entries again this year (will I cope with the pressure!!!

)

(Carpal \'Tunnel)

05/01/2008 17:37

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I've only entered the forum competition and that has always been just for fun!

Same here, but I'm seriously considering joining the local camera club so who knows for the future.

(Dead Horse Flogger)

05/01/2008 17:44

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I suppose I do enter to win. What's the point of entering a competition otherwise? There is also the element of taking part and showing others in the club, or here on the forum, my work which is enjoyable.

Certainly the prize for the Landscape Photographer of the Year Competition encouraged me to enter it. Seeing as I take lots of landscapes I thought I would give it a go. That's the only major competition I have entered so far but I am now considering others for the new year.

(I aint got nuffin)

05/01/2008 17:54

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter because
1.. It gives you some indication of your standards against others (according to the particular judge(s))
2.. Gives you an incentive to improve in all areas, including PS and printing
3.. Its pretty exciting to enter (even more so to win or be placed)
4.. It makes you a fabulously wealthy, talented, well loved pillar of society..

well..... at least three of the above

(Kein Titel)

05/01/2008 18:35

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter to win. Heck, yes, of course.

()

05/01/2008 19:17

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

If the prize is something I want, it's definitely an incentive to enter. Sometimes I will enter regardless of the prize. After all, I can always flog it off it I don't want it!

It's a thrill to get a photo in print, regardless of the prize. (I have to admit to more success at getting into print than at winning prizes, so entering competitions is not the only way to achieve that thrill.

)

(Bulls Hitter)

05/01/2008 20:07

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

My NY resolution to enter comps is driven out of a desire to win more stuff of course, but also because I want to be challenged, to take photos I wouldn't ordinarily take. Take Macro/close up photography for example, it's an area whihc doesn't grab me at all, and yet I think I've a very strong idea for any potential comps based on this theme this year. In the past, I haven't entered because invariably I haven't had a shot in my stock of sufficient quality to fit the bill rather than going out with the purpose of shooting to fit the brief.

(Little Buttercup)

05/01/2008 21:39

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter the comps for fun on an occasional basis (knowing that I don't think I have a cat-in-hell's chance of winning). However it would be good to see my name in print, and as for a prize, well .......... let's just say that I am still in awe at having received a personal e-mail from Matt Monro's daughter about 8 months ago thanking me for a comment I posted on a forum

(veteran)

05/01/2008 22:22

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I don't like them.

I've entered the forum ones a few times but they are only for fun and everybody seems to treat them that way.

It was the predominance of competitions, and the fact that they seemed to matter so much to some members, that put me off camera clubs completely.

(Sasquatch)

05/01/2008 22:56

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Ordinarily I hate competitions, but I've decided to have a bash at the forum ones for a laugh. I suppose it'll make me think about my photography more.

(Two Grand Man)

05/01/2008 23:33

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I will only enter off my own bat if I know that I'm going to get feedback on my entry from someone who understands what they are looking at. As I've said many times before almost 100% of my stuff is natural history and so I'm looking for comments from that perspective.

I'll never forget the judge who described an emerging dragonfly as an "insect with prey". That tends to make it hard to respect further comments.

.

MickLL

(Grand Pumpkin)

05/01/2008 23:39

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

although I've probably seen a couple pics worse than mine I admire those phtographers who submit theirs. I'm just too embarrassed and no way do I have the confidence to submit anything for a proper competition. Enjoy looking at others though and have my favourites in competitions.

(old hand)

06/01/2008 00:13

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I've only ever entered our work competition with no luck whatsoever, not even a highly commended. But it hasn't deterred me. I'll enter again this year. (Hmm. Wonder if work will do a seperate puffin section, as a puffin has been in the winning pictures for a couple of years now.)
Might post my pictures for submission on the appraisal forum to see what you lot think.

Done&rundleCams

(Senior Member)

06/01/2008 02:04

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter for the pure, albeit very rare, joy of winning

Jack

(Marvin)

06/01/2008 09:15

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I'll never forget the judge who described an emerging dragonfly as an "insect with prey". That tends to make it hard to respect further comments..

I know what you're getting at but I don't expect the judge of a photographic competition to have much more than a very basic understanding of natural history. It helps if they understand the difficulties of getting the shot but quite honestly it makes no difference at all if they misinterpret the biology of the subject - it's the pictorial quality that counts.

OTOH if they don't know, they should ask or refrain from making a definitive statement about the subject which has no bearing on the competition.

If the competition was for photography of insects in the wild i.e. approached from the natural history point of view rather than the photographic, things would be different.

(Two Grand Man)

06/01/2008 09:53

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I know what you're getting at but I don't expect the judge of a photographic competition to have much more than a very basic understanding of natural history. It helps if they understand the difficulties of getting the shot but quite honestly it makes no difference at all if they misinterpret the biology of the subject - it's the pictorial quality that counts.

I beg to differ about your second statement. I agree with the first part and it's why I don't enter general competition. I restrict my entries to those competitions where I know that the judge will be knowledgeable about Natural History.

I wish that I could remember where to find the quote that I remember from the RPS distinctions advice in NH photography. It goes something like "showing the essential features and/or biology of the subject preferably with an overlay of pictorialism" (the italics are mine).

In other parts of the advice it makes the assumption that, in general, the subjects are "wild and free".

The essence of good NH photography, at least in the circles that I know, is to show something that truly represents the subject and if possible shows something of the biology or habits of that subject. Therefore one needs a judge that knows something about the subject - not just about exposure and composition. In my dragonfly example one would have hoped that the judge would recognise that the photographer had chosen a viewpoint and depth of field and exposure that showed, for example, the tracheal tubes or the wing buds or any ID features or habititat or the fastening of the larval case to its support.

No judge could be supremely competent in all aspects of NH and, as you say, a general judge would most likely flounder. However those of us doing NH would prefer a judge that understands what it is that we are trying to do - and making a pretty picture is not the top priority.

As I've mentioned above it's not, absolutely not, just about producing pretty pictures. Having said that if you can achieve my quasi-scientific aim and at the same time make it pictorially great then you have done something very special indeed.

MickLL

(Dead Horse Flogger)

06/01/2008 10:14

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I'll never forget the judge who described an emerging dragonfly as an "insect with prey". That tends to make it hard to respect further comments.

I know what you are getting at Mick. I have a picture of a Razorbill coming in to land on a rock. It's a sequence of four blended to show the action of it's wings in flight. The judge described it as 'four penguins (?????)coming in to land at the same time'.

I thought everybody knew that penguins can't fly and surely most people have watched one or two wildlife programmes in their lifetime. I'm sure I'd recognise an emerging dragonfly if I saw one.

CircleOfConfusion

(addict)

06/01/2008 10:25

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I enter for the fun of taking part, having joined my local club last year competitions are on a regular basis and I enjoy trying to get my photos to a reasonably presentable level. It only took me a couple of weeks to realise I shouldn't entertain any idea of actually winning a competition, but it is very nice to get good feed back and possibly even a highly commended on some occasions.

The quality of the judges can be a bit hit or miss (more my personal opinion than anything else!) but there is also a lot you can learn from their ramblings (the Lounge Lizard was very good last week

). I also often go to competition nights without entering just because its nice to see others work.

as for bigger nationwide comps, I only really enter if I already have a photo that fits the bill. I suppose I find feedback more useful than winning prizes (not that it wouldn't be nice to win for once!)

(old hand)

06/01/2008 13:41

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Of course the thought of winning is uppermost, what's the point of entering any competition if you don't want to excel? The AP competition, however is a great environment to try to win - it's good natured with generally positive and helpful comments. The standard is great too, which makes it interesting.

I have to say that I think I prefer the more comprehensive briefs for this year. This is the first time that I've actually gone and posed a shot specifically for the competition, and I think that is good.

I suspect for most of us the kudos of peer approval is the best bit of winning or being mentioned, but the thought of a prize just adds to the potential enjoyment

(Avocadopearaphobe)

06/01/2008 22:05

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

As we launch the new monthly forum competition we want to know why you enter photography competitions in general. Are you desperate to win, or do you just enjoy taking part? Does the prize make a difference to whether you bother? Maybe you never enter competitions.

Let us know what you think, and register your opinion in our new poll on the home page. Go here to vote.

Thanks

damien

Up until 12 years ago I used to enter camera club competitions at club and regional level, and also BPE Exhibitions. I used the competitions as an incentive to take photographs. Prizes - if any - weren't a driver for entering.

A little over a year ago I started entering the on-line competition here, and the results were encouraging, so I continued. Now there are prizes up for grabs, I expect the competition to get tougher. However, Tharg says he likes ducks on walls, and the ducks at the bottom of my garden have proved to be remarkably easy to train!

(Prolific Pam)

06/01/2008 23:50

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I want to win!!!!

But seriously, I like being able to look at my work alongside my peers, and I find it gives me a focus (excuse the pun) when my inspiration is lacking.

(Gorgeous oversensitive Nikon-loving cream puff)

07/01/2008 10:18

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Like my old mate Slimey (BrianT) I loathe competition in any shape or form and if it weren't for the fact that the AP competition is strictly "fun based" I wouldn't even enter that one!

BigWill

(Bulls Hitter)

07/01/2008 14:05

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

Like my old mate Slimey (BrianT) I loathe competition in any shape or form and if it weren't for the fact that the AP competition is strictly "fun based" I wouldn't even enter that one!

Would you change your attitude if it were a competition to spend an evening with Jeri?

(Gorgeous oversensitive Nikon-loving cream puff)

07/01/2008 14:55

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

Quote:

Like my old mate Slimey (BrianT) I loathe competition in any shape or form and if it weren't for the fact that the AP competition is strictly "fun based" I wouldn't even enter that one!

Would you change your attitude if it were a competition to spend an evening with Jeri?

Oh yeah!

BigWill

('Phantom' of the forum!)

07/01/2008 15:41

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I only started entering competitions at my club when I first joined a year ago, so I am relatively new to the process. I find it helpful to have themes in mind when I am out and about with a camera.

So far, I am doing OK at the club within my class (intermediate) where the judges are a bit more forgiving. If I move up a notch to 'expert' (Hmm) then the competition will be very tough as we have some very competent members in that group.

Some judges do annoy me sometimes, when they miss the point of my title perhaps, or complain about something in the frame, that just could not be avoided at any cost. But we all suffer from this from time to time, so it has to be 'taken on the chin, with a grin'

It is nice to win, get a top mark, or collect a pot at the end of the year, so I will keep trying.

(I aint got nuffin)

07/01/2008 21:07

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Like my old mate Slimey (BrianT) I loathe competition in any shape or form and if it weren't for the fact that the AP competition is strictly "fun based" I wouldn't even enter that one!

Would you change your attitude if it were a competition to spend an evening with Jeri?

Oh yeah!

BigWill

Gerry hopes you will stay as you are

(History)

08/01/2008 20:01

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Having waded into an Irish lough to photograph Croach Patrick mountain, with rippling water and boulders in the foreground, against a setting summer sun, I executed a very fine photograph ...

When a complete 'rissole' of a club judge announced that the rocks were in the "wrong place", and that the photo had clearly been made at midday but had been underexposed to look like a sunset, and that there must have been better viewpoints I knew that (after some 30 years) I no longer needed to enter competitions - I don't miss them either: for me they are a complete waste of time and effort.

.T.

(Sasquatch)

08/01/2008 22:19

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

Having waded into an Irish lough to photograph Croach Patrick mountain, with rippling water and boulders in the foreground, against a setting summer sun, I executed a very fine photograph ...

When a complete 'rissole' of a club judge announced that the rocks were in the "wrong place", and that the photo had clearly been made at midday but had been underexposed to look like a sunset, and that there must have been better viewpoints I knew that (after some 30 years) I no longer needed to enter competitions - I don't miss them either: for me they are a complete waste of time and effort.

.T.

I think I'd have given the judge a piece of my mind - told him exactly where he can stuff his opinions (with expletives)

S'why I've never joined a club and don't have any inclination to in the future. This forum does me fine enough (and an excellent forum it is)

()

11/01/2008 22:22

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I don't care what other people think of my pictures, and I think competitions only encourage conformity. Picture taken with a view to winning a competition seem to be produced to appeal to judges and I will be blowed if I am going to do that!

(Rain Kat)

12/01/2008 00:16

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I only really enter the monthly competition here. I like the way it was just for fun, I never entered to win, just to see people's interpretation of the theme. Now though with the prizes I can't help wondering if it's lost some of that joviality, in particular I remember an entry of a shot of Immodium for the movement theme, can't see there being many of them this year. Or maybe I'm wrong, there's just no pleasing some people is there

(Marvin)

12/01/2008 08:07

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I never entered to win, just to see people's interpretation of the theme. Now though with the prizes I can't help wondering if it's lost some of that joviality, in particular I remember an entry of a shot of Immodium for the movement theme, can't see there being many of them this year. Or maybe I'm wrong, there's just no pleasing some people is there

I'm completely in tune with your sentiments, there's no way I'd enter a "serious" competition, and I'm not bothered about the prizes (unless we could get someone to sponsor a wooden spoon!)

As for the entrants' joviality (or otherwise), surely that's a function of the people that bother to enter i.e. it's in our own hands. I'm still trying to think of an appropriate way to do this month's topic, I do have an idea but might have a better one, and the month's not half over yet!

('Phantom' of the forum!)

12/01/2008 18:01

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Regarding the question of the quality of club judges, it is up to the club to decide if a particular judge is worth inviting back. Most clubs will have a few judges on their list whom they know to be 'in tune' with the competition. Fortunately, the judges we have are, for the most part, on the ball and rarely misunderstand the concept being put forward by the photographer.

Sometimes there can be a problem when a known judge is replaced at short notice because of incapacity. The stand in may not be 'in tune' and some funny results can ensue, but for the most part it is part of the fun of it. Taking competitions too seriously at club level is foolhardy.

I enjoy seeing our members, and members of other clubs photographs. I think the serious stuff really begins at SPA (Surrey Photographic Association) or PAGB (Photographic Association of Great britain) competition level.

(addict)

12/01/2008 19:11

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I've only ever entered website friendly competitions for a bit of fun, never really had the courage to try anything serious.

When I see the winning pictures for some competitions I know I could never compete on even vaguely equal terms, even though they're meant for 'amateurs', because the winners all seem to have seriously specialist equipment and are able to travel around the world to take their pictures.

('Phantom' of the forum!)

13/01/2008 13:04

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

The travel aspect of members shots is a bit of a problem, I agree. A photo of a Kent fox, no matter how good, is not as impressive as a pair of African Lions or tigers.

Hopefully, the judges are looking beyond that though for a wow factor, regardless of the content's location.

My criteria are:
1. Is it within the context of the competition.
2. Is it well framed (composed).
3. Is it well exposed without blown highlights or blocked out shadows.
4. Is it well printed (correct level of sharpness etc.).
6. Finally, does it have the wow factor. If not, then start again.

Not many get past 6. in my portfolio, but I am still trying. If I get to 5. I will be happy to enter it.

(Pooh-bah Hoo-ha)

13/01/2008 13:35

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I haven't, so far, entered any 'real' competitions. I prefer my excuse of laziness to the true reason - I don't think my photographs are good enough compared to some of the wonderful images I see.

On the other hand, I do enjoy entering club competitions. If I didn't, I'd be the only person to ever see my pictures and I do enjoy hearing what others think of them and seeing how they compare to other entries. So I guess my reason for entering competitions is to give me a reason for taking pictures and then to improve as a result of the feedback I get. And, of course, it feels great if somebody likes one of my photos.

I know what Ellie means about photographers who have all the gear and the world at their fingertips but, whilst great pictures can come from this, I often think the imagination and skill shown in these pictures is less than many of those taken closer to home. Take Zou's photograph of a cucumber, to me that is far more interesting than yet another shot of a lion in Africa.

(History)

13/01/2008 16:21

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

Regarding the question of the quality of club judges, it is up to the club to decide if a particular judge is worth inviting back. Most clubs will have a few judges on their list whom they know to be 'in tune' with the competition. Fortunately, the judges we have are, for the most part, on the ball and rarely misunderstand the concept being put forward by the photographer.

In principle this is right and I'm glad that things generally work well. However, in several clubs here in the Midlands many judges are invited only on the recommendations of the ruling cliques in the clubs. That, of course, potentially brings into the debate the issues of how some clubs are run by a 'pro-this' or 'anti-that' hegemony.

At the very worst I have witnessed one 'circuit judge', acting up to an adoring audience declaring things like: "Boring. No action, no blood, no bodies. I can't give it more than 10" or very similar. This is a travesty, but lesser 'indiscretions' do occur regularly.

Over very many years, I have experienced rather too many instances where there is a mis-match between the apparent credentials and the credibility of club judges: lots of qualifications and letters don't necessrily make for a good judge. While the situation has significantly improved over the past decade, some poor judges do remain: few of these appear to be told - on the night or afterwards - that they are, or were, out of line, irrelevant or unfair. It seems to be unacceptable to offend a judge, even if the majority of club members have been dissatisfied with the judging. The classic defence is always "Well, it's just one person's view": if that's the case most club members views would probably be just as valid - but such 'democracy' isn't common. The question of whether folk shoot images to satisfy judges' prejudices, or even select exhibition (etc) images based on a judge's comments, clearly becomes quite an important one if the judging is known to be idiosyncratic ... but it still happens.

To be fair, most club judges do a very good job; they are objective and even-handed and do explain their judgements. It is therefore such a shame that there remains a group - small or large - of prejudiced, myopic and inarticulate individuals who give the rest a bad name and, yes, who are not openly challenged. I don't expect club judges to be infallible, but in many cases I would rather trust the judgement of a couple of club members.

A. Tacitus E.PIAF

(* = Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien)

(addict)

13/01/2008 21:50

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I haven't, so far, entered any 'real' competitions. I prefer my excuse of laziness to the true reason - I don't think my photographs are good enough compared to some of the wonderful images I see.

Well, there's that too. Not saying that your pictures don't stand scrutiny, but I think mine will stay at the 'fun' level.

Quote:

I know what Ellie means about photographers who have all the gear and the world at their fingertips but, whilst great pictures can come from this, I often think the imagination and skill shown in these pictures is less than many of those taken closer to home. Take Zou's photograph of a cucumber, to me that is far more interesting than yet another shot of a lion in Africa.

I like that picture too, even though I didn't leave a comment, in the right competition I can't see why it shouldn't stand a chance of good result.

It isn't just wildlife photography competitions. I've seen landscape winners that show the northern lights. Without them in the sky the pictures would still be lovely, but obviously wouldn't have that magical quality. Seriously though, how many people ever get to see such an amazing natural phenomenon?

Quote:

On the other hand, I do enjoy entering club competitions.

I'd thought about joining a club, friends have too, but lots of the pictures on the various local-ish websites (winners and personal portfolios) have been taken in far-flung, exotic locations. It's a bit offputting for somebody who stays close to home, goes on ordinary family holidays, and has fairly basic kit.

(Pooh-bah Hoo-ha)

13/01/2008 22:03

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I'd thought about joining a club, friends have too, but lots of the pictures on the various local-ish websites (winners and personal portfolios) have been taken in far-flung, exotic locations. It's a bit offputting for somebody who stays close to home, goes on ordinary family holidays, and has fairly basic kit.

I'm surprised that you feel like this. I've looked at your photographs and know your work would do well at my club - and I only joined it because I liked the people and admired their photography. I've always assumed you did more with your pictures than you are saying you do. Maybe it's less to do with the pictures and more to do with the heavenly twins - confidence coupled with not giving a toss!

(Marvin)

13/01/2008 23:38

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I've seen landscape winners that show the northern lights. Without them in the sky the pictures would still be lovely, but obviously wouldn't have that magical quality. Seriously though, how many people ever get to see such an amazing natural phenomenon?

A few good displays per year from the United Kingdom - chances increase the further North and West you are. You do need to be in an area well away from street lights and other sources of light pollution to stand much of a chance of seeing the aurora properly, though. BTW photos are usually much more impressive than the direct sight, the colours do not show well to the eye because of the very faint nature of the light.

(Manyana)

14/01/2008 00:05

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Ellie - you are doing some excellent work, well able to hold it's own in competitions, although I can't speak for the camera club ones as I have no experience of that particular form of masochism.

I think the only thing missing is a slight lack of confidence in yourself - I know exactly how you feel too

You go for it!

(addict)

15/01/2008 00:33

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Err, thanks, and sorry, I didn't mean to make it look as if I was hoping for sympathy

It's how a lot of people feel though, when they see winning shots that are way out of reach.

I mean what's the point of entering a wildlife competition when the previous winners were things like an elephant under water? The picture was astonishing, but desperately unachievable for the majority of people, it makes some competitions elitist.

It would be good if there were more that "ordinary" people could enter, even though it would probably be a nightmare to judge because there would be too many entrants.

(Going potty)

16/01/2008 09:11

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

Quote:

I'd thought about joining a club, friends have too, but lots of the pictures on the various local-ish websites (winners and personal portfolios) have been taken in far-flung, exotic locations. It's a bit offputting for somebody who stays close to home, goes on ordinary family holidays, and has fairly basic kit.

I know exactly what you mean............ on the other hand I don't let that stop me either. I've managed to achieve a growing collection of Merits with my modest input of local stuff and holiday shots... and all without a pro lens or camera. Indeed quite a lot of my successful slides are taken with mechanical cameras over 25 years old using lenses of similar antiquity and my first Merit for a digital pic was awarded to a picture taken with my ageing 3.2Mp D30...

One thing I will say about joining a club is find one that organises outings, in or out of season, and go on them - it's the best way to become an integral member of the club rather than someone who just turns up on club nights...

(A whiff of silicon...)

20/04/2008 15:37

Re: Photography Competitions - New Poll

I have never had the slightest interest in photographic competitions ... club web or otherwise.

Criticism is useful, at college our weeks work was criticised by the whole department every Friday afternoon. You soon learned to raise your standards and answer for your work... to the extent you soon became your own harshest critic.

Competitions don't work like that, nor do judges whose comments one the night are often fascicle and less than useful.

What competitions do do is mould peoples ideas and styles to conform.

don't conform
Don't win.

This is probably the Probably the major problem with club and their competitions generally.

The only time I entered a prize completion was many years ago (1970 something) I won top spot in an open Christmas comp. ... it was judged by a secret membership vote....

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