A Warning About Photo Contests #64

Photo Tips Podcast: A Warning About Photo Contests #64

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There's an allure to entering photo contests, it's kinda like playing the lottery. The chance of winning is a validation of your work, and it can be pretty enticing. But before you enter a bunch of photo contests, a word of warning. You’ll want to read the fine print. Yes, I said the fine print. Every photo contest has fine print. You have to consider that most contests are meant to be money making ventures. Many non profit organizations sponsor contests as a way to raise money for a cause or their organization. And then there are for profit organizations who are there just to make a buck. How is this done? This can be done through the entry fees which can be rather hefty. Now, I'm not objecting to this idea at all; I’m a capitalist and I'm all for anyone who can make money legally. The purpose of this podcast is simply to make sure that everyone is aware of this. And that brings me back to the fine print. When you read the fine print you’ll want to find the answers to the following questions: what am I giving up just by entering the contest? What if I win? In the least they'll want the right to use the image to announce the winner! Of course, that seems reasonable. But for how long? How long can they keep that image on their website or in their advertising? The other question is what else are they allowed to use it for? How much of the copyright are they claiming to your image? Or rather how much of the copyright are you agreeing to give them? I remember reading terms for one contest that claimed all rights to any image that was simply submitted! And at that point, I wondered if they were building a stock portfolio that they were planning on selling? This would mean that they would be able to profit from your images forever and furthermore be able to sue you if you used that image! And the best part is you paid them to give them that right. All for the chance of possibly winning as little as a title! That's pretty ballsy right? So before you rush off and enter some contests, make sure you read the fine print. I’m not saying that all contests are rigged this way but many are and you just need to be aware that you are entering into a contract. And if you find the terms agreeable? Then by all means enter away. In the next podcast I'll talk about how you can increase your chances of winning.