6 reasons why you must participate in photo competitions
Photo by Gunjan Karun
We love to look at photos submitted in competitions, we even share it in our emails with our friends and family but when it comes to participating in it, are not able to muster the confidence and time to do so 
It breaks my heart to see so few photographers, specially from India (and Indore) participating in competitions, despite the fact that it is free and usually, all you have to do is just shortlist a photo from your collection and upload it here…
Here are my SIX REASONS, WHY YOU MUST PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS.
1. You are forced to use your brain.
Usually competitions have a theme.
This forces your brain to break the routine chain of thought and think creatively.
This is a very healthy exercise for your brain and scientific studies have shown that these kinds of exercises keeps your brain (and you) healthy for a long time and prevent many brain related diseases in old age…
(Ok, I might have gone too far 
but you get the idea)
2. You learn.
You look at how other people interpreted the theme, you see the ratings, you read the feedback, and you learn.
Since this is a competition, you will not get pampering remarks.
The remarks will usually be critical and will be translated to a number (marks)
This makes it easy for you to find out your strengths and weaknesses.
You become a better photographer.
3. You become more assertive.
This is a very positive change in your behaviour.
You see, submitting a photo is a big challenge. You are putting your photo in front of hundreds of people who will judge your photo.
In effect, you are facing hundreds of people who are judging you and your skills.
It takes a lot of courage to do that.
Believe me, this simple exercise will make you a better, stronger and bolder person in real life too.
4. You meet people and develop a network
Whether you are into photography because of hobby or profession, you will always benefit from a network of people who like you and who can guide/help you.
A competition usually brings the best photographers together.
Imagine, how difficult it is to show your photos to the top photographers of this industry. You will have to stand for hours outside their office.
When you participate in a competition, these top photographers come to you!!!
They see your photo and give you remarks .
Where else do you get this opportunity
5. You earn the bragging rights
After some time, your photography will improve and you will start winning them.
The biggest reward will be the ego boost that you get from it.
You will feel that you are in a different league.
This sense of pride and self respect is worth all the efforts you put in participating in the competitions.
6. You can even earn money
And finally, when you become really good, you can participate in the competitions where they have cash prizes for rewards.
There are tens of such competition all around the world.
You can also get assignments etc from the people you meet at these competitions.
Once that starts to happen, you can quit your boring 9 to 5 jobs and become a professional photographer who travels to all the exotic locations, meets the most beautiful girls and earns a royalty income for lifetime…
Hmm… isn’t that worth participating in the competitions.
It just opens a whole new door to your life…
Think about it, and start by participating in the competitions at the following locations 
2. http://contests.fotki.com/
3. http://www.worth1000.com/cdir.asp?display=photography&filter=f.format_id=1
4. http://www.photocompetitions.com/
If you can suggest some more places, do leave it in the comments.
Wishing you best of luck for your success…
Gunjan
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