Mastering Photography Through Competitions

This year I decided that I would like to start competing in photography competitions.  I took my first photography class in 1997, so after 20 years, I have decided to really push myself to master my craft.  The competition world is a vital step to help you to learn, grow, and master your photographic skills.  The one that is most important to me is the IPC held by Professional Photographers of America.  Each year you can enter up to four images in their competition.  A score of 80+ earns merits towards a Masters of Photography Degree.  This year I plan to enter my first International Photographic Competition help by PPA, but in order to get my feet wet, I decided to enter The Portrait Masters Competition held by Sue Bryce Education.  I didn’t bring home the gold, but I did receive 3 bronze awards which was a great confidence booster for my first time entering.  Check out the images competed below.  This competition does not provide individual critiques, so it’s not the best tool for learning new skills, but it was still exciting to win a few awards.