How do you enter and win a free photo contest with cash prizes?

Do you know that 97% of ALL winning photographers use the same 7 tactics that cause them to win in photo contests?

And you might be surprised to learn that in many contests, photographers really aren't prepared as much as they think they are.

Each year more and more people enter photography contests. This is because of the popularity of digital cameras and because it’s much more affordable and accessible for pretty much any photo enthusiast to take great shots.

As a photographer who has entered (and sometimes won) national photo contests and who also judges them, there are some important tips I want to share with you that can help give you a winning edge in any contest.

So you might be thinking, what does it take to have a photo selected as the winner in a photo contest?

First of all art in general is subjective - not just in 2010 but always. So it can be difficult to know exactly what a judge will like or not like. With that being said, good composition is a key element of good photographs but honestly it is something that's hard to define.

For example, how can you arrange a scene's elements in your camera's viewfinder that will not only determine the intended outcome of your picture's design, but will also reinforce how well the message is portrayed? This is something to think about.

Creativity and originality in your photos is key. We really like to see your personality shine through in your shots. Well what is original?

It's a photo that causes the viewer to say "Wow I never thought it could be done like that" or "I never saw it that way. Very cool." For example, there are a lot baby shots out there. So if that's what you want to submit to a photo contest, how can you make your baby shot original and unlike the rest?

I often see photographs that have been over-enhanced with Photoshop. It is a pity to disqualify a GREAT photo because it looks fake. If you need to need to enhance your photos, use just the right amount that enhances and does not dominate.

Sometimes photographers choose very fancy and bright colored borders but this distracts the judges and makes them look away from the photo. If you really like how your photo looks with a border and do not want to remove it, I recommend that you try to use a small, thin and neutral colored one.

As you prepare your submission for our free photo contest and think about the pride, glory, prestige and bragging rights that will come with a winning shot, then I invite you to watch our Top Gun Photo Tips video.

In our free video you find out what the 7 winning tactics are. And you see EXACTLY how to put those tactics to work for yourself, so you can get a shot at winning cash and prizes or maybe even get your winning photo published!

So get ready to be our next winner in our free photo contest with cash prizes!