The first time I entered a photography competition was on Facebook 6 or 7 years ago. The hosts encouraged people to upload travel photos and the competition was by popular vote. The one with the most likes wins. I entered this picture from the Guelaguetza Festival in Mexico:
Before there was even a chance for people to like it the hosts commented “nice photo. It’s a pity you can’t see her face”. You idiots. It wasn’t a photo of her face; it was a photo of her gorgeous hair ornament and the richly embroidered back of her outfit. But it was too late. They had trashed it in the eyes of anyone who might be inclined to vote for me. The hosts had trashed it! I was so pissed off I sent a message lambasting them and never went back.
Then several years ago I made a brief foray into ViewBug: “Join a global network
of creators and share your photos”. There are many competitions on ViewBug. So many I was overwhelmed. I lacked confidence, and felt my photos would be lost amongst the thousands of entries. Also they relentlessly sent an avalanche of emails advertising things happening on their site. Eventually I got so fed up I deleted my account.
A couple of years later I entered some competitions at LensCulture, “a photography network and online magazine about contemporary photography”. It’s a significant professional upgrade from ViewBug, and highly regarded in the industry. I entered five competitions during 2018 and 2019 and received some encouraging feedback. But in the end I also left LensCulture in disgust, mainly because of the review of this photo from the Pushkar Camel Fair in India:
This is my description of the photo:
He was walking along a busy pedestrian street in Pushkar, India, during the annual livestock festival. In one hand he rang a small bell, in the other he carried a begging bowl. Nothing could disturb him.
I didn’t think I actually had to point out that he had a spike through his tongue!
Anyway this is the review I got. To this day it makes me want to tear my hair out at such stupidity and ignorance:
The man in the background is pretty distracting.
(I actually think the man in the background is part of the story because of the way he’s looking at the sadhu, but it gets much worse than this difference of opinion.)
A more powerful portrait could have been made by interacting with the subject and asking for him to pose in front of a clearer background. The “sadhu” you find on busy streets are likely more performative than spiritual, so chances are he would gladly pose in exchange for some rupees.
I was to walk up to a man in a trance with a spike through his tongue and talk to him? And ask him to pose? Seriously? The lack of sensitivity is breath-taking.
So I moved on from LensCulture, and any other photography competitions. I still lacked confidence.
So it’s now 2020 and several months ago I had a conversation with Don about photography competitions. I admitted to myself and to Don something I’d not really faced before. I wanted to win. That was it. If I couldn’t win what was the point of entering? And since I lacked confidence I was unlikely to win so I just couldn’t be bothered. Also I’ve seen the results of competitions over the years and have often been completely bewildered by the judges’ choices. They frequently made no sense to me given the other entries they had to choose from; it all felt like a bit of a crapshoot so why bother.
Then three things happened. I received an email from Black Press Media about their annual west coast photography competition for Amateur Photographer of the Year; at almost the same time I received an email from Greenpeace about their photography competition for their 2021 calendar; soon after the lovely Lisa from One Ocean at a Time encouraged me to enter the annual TAPSA competition. TAPSA stands for Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship Award. I’d never heard of it.
Coincidentally at around the same time I went through a major internal shift, resulting in me saying YES; yes to life in a bigger way than I’d done before. These competitions had all just landed in my lap, they were all free to enter, so I said yes, WTF, I’ll enter them all!
Greenpeace was first and I was successful. Their 2021 calendar has the theme of wildlife mothers and babies, and this photo of orangutangs in Malaysia was chosen for their calendar:
Whoooohooo! Success! (Though in all honesty looking at the quality of most entrants I knew I had little competition).
The Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship Award is: offered to a total of 5 photographers. At TAPSA, we aim to highlight the work of lesser known photographers or those who we feel deserve a larger platform for their work. Entries will be judged solely by myself. I will be looking for those photographers showing the most ingenuity and originality as well as photographic excellence in both image making and story telling. Each image should be recognisable as travel or documentary photography.
The five winners will receive a ten day travel package to Sharjah, UAE including a five day location Workshop lead by myself (Dates will be finalised later in the year due to COVID-19). Winners will also receive entry to Xposure International Photography Festival and all auditorium and seminar sessions during the festival days. Winners will also join me for all private functions and events during the festival, present their work live on stage in Xposure’s main auditorium and have their work included in the TAPSA Exhibition at Xposure. Winners will also receive a private portfolio review with one of the world’s leading photography experts. Accommodation will be provided at a luxury hotel in Sharjah including all meals during your stay.
I knew I was aiming way above my pay grade, but said yes! It was there on my plate to do so I entered anyway.
I have two sisters who have both been professional photographers. I cannot overstate how much they helped me – from choosing the right photos, to detailed editing, framing, choosing black and white or colour, and more. I learned so much. I think of these almost as Suzanne’s and Julie’s photos because of the way they took my raw images and showed me how to make the most of them, but when I said as much Julie said: well you took them!
For the first time I started to feel confident about my photography, and I feel I have reached a new level with it. I also loved the process. We three sisters had screen sharing sessions showing our latest photography projects via Zoom and it was so much fun.
I was not selected. Those selected are all highly accomplished professional photojournalists, and when I look at their work my entry feels naively innocent. But I’m enormously proud of what I achieved, and share with you now the portfolio of photos I entered into the 2020 Timothy Allen Photography Scholarship Awards.
Sacred Prayer
Emei Shan in China is regarded as sacred to the large Buddhist population. Before the final flight of stairs up to the golden Buddha at the top there is a spacious landing stage. Here are candle racks and sand beds where devotees can make their prayers with incense and red candles. As with all religions it’s serious and sacred. Requests are made. Thanks are given. Some are blessed. Some are desperate. Who knows what each of them is going through. Something compels them to make the pilgrimage to Emei Mountain and to light incense and candles and to pray. It is a solemn moment.
Sparring Partners
This stopped me in my tracks. Of all the great variety of activities that take place on Vancouver’s summer beaches I’d not seen this before: two young women boxing. I was drawn to their focus and commitment along with their dancing movement.
Last Rites – Rishikesh, India
The belief in the cycle of birth and death is a strong part of the Hindu religion, as is the belief that offering your cremated ashes to the Ganges will release you from that cycle. Here on the rocky banks of the river, in an age-old sacred ritual, a man watches as a loved one burns.
First Snow – Montreal, Canada
The city was slowly being blanketed by snow. This kind of snowfall, with big soft flakes floating down, is magical even in an urban setting. The snow softens and transforms everything, but for the people who live here it’s just another winter day. I watch as they carry on with their lives as usual.
Two Old Dudes in a Café
My husband and I arrived early and chose the best seats for people watching. He first caught our attention with his irritated body language as he flung chairs out of his way: we were sitting in his seat! But then I realized that this was an example of Paris chic at its finest in a typical Paris café: the coat, the hat, the scarf, the sunglasses, the cigarette! Urban wildlife in its natural habitat.
Sadhu Reading – Rishikesh, India
There is a practice in India of retired men with a good pension renouncing a worldly life and following a path of spiritual discipline. They commonly migrate to India’s holy towns, especially those along the Ganges River. Seated on the ghats by the Ganga in silent solitude despite the busyness of the city all around him, this yogi quietly contemplates sacred scriptures in his quest to achieve liberation.
Primary Colours – Vancouver, Canada
In almost all parts of this city smoking is banned, so smokers must find a place away from the crowds. But for me this photo has nothing to do with the fact that she’s smoking, and little to do with the woman herself except for the colour of her dress and shoes. It was the colours that caught my eye; the three primary colours highlighted against the neutral grey background forming a minimalist, contemporary design.
Past and Present
On a pedestrian street in a Beijing hutong I saw her walk out to the street from the antique store with her walker. She immediately sat down on it in front of the poster evoking the Golden Era of Hollywood. She was not aware of her position in relation to the poster, but it was the striking juxtaposition of past and present, young and old, east and west, that led me to take the photo.
Geishas Dancing – Kyoto, Japan
At a small annual ceremony the geishas move with such deep grace that I am beguiled by their gravitas, and the devotion and reverence they have for their art. I am captivated by the elegant exquisite beauty of their outfits, and by their poise and presence. No matter what is happening around them, they are there, fully involved in each moment, presenting a rare stylised beauty.
Yeh Hai India Darling! – Rishikesh, India
Indian people have an entirely different idea about personal space than westerners. A very full load in one of these tuk tuks is ten people. There are at least 13 crammed into this one. A couple of people are looking a bit stressed but they travel like this anyway. That’s India Darling!
In case you’re interested here’s a link to the 2020 TAPSA winners.
Before entering I searched and searched without success to find the portfolios of previous winners to get a better idea of what was wanted. Looking at the photos of this year’s winners I do not feel that I’m so far behind them, but what they all have in common that I didn’t have, is a unified theme. They each told a story with multiple photos rather submitting a collection of individual photos. Next year I’ll know better!
I’ve not entered the Black Press Media competition yet. Entries close November 30 and I’m well under way with preparing the photos I want to submit. I need one last conference call with my sisters! I feel confident about this competition though not in the same way that I was with the Greenpeace one. In both cases I could see other entries and know that my photos are significantly better, however Greenpeace was selecting 12 photos from among hundreds. Black Press Media will be selecting 2 from among thousands. It will be what it will be. These days I’m so enjoying the process that it doesn’t matter what the outcome is. Here are a few of the photos I plan to submit:
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2020.
Congratulations Alison! Your photos are magnificent and you deserve to win every contest you enter.
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Thank you so much Cindy. Every competition eh? Okay I’ll go with that!
Alison xo
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Fabulous photos, you’re definitely a winner xx I looked at the first photo and before reading further said ‘I Like it’ – the comments from those early entries were ridiculous!
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Thanks so much Annie. Even all these years later (that first photo was taken in 2013!) I still like it. I could see exactly what I wanted to photograph and got it. I agree! Those comments were ridiculous. But I feel much more confident now, and I think that will make a difference.
Alison xo
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Excellent photos and your series of images in past posts tell some wonderful stories. I gave up entering competitions years ago, although I did come ‘runner up’ in the B & W section of 2016 Australian Amateur competition.
When I looked back online to see my entry, couldn’t find it anywhere, so maybe they sent ALL amateur entries a ‘runners up’ certificate LOL Just repeating my own story as an example.
I love the B & W image above in particular, although I would have liked to see a tiny bit more of the vehicle on the L & R sides. That’s just my thought.
I really think you should enter more competitions as your travel photos are great storytellers of the countries you visit.
We all have different taste when it comes to winning images. Your first image is brilliant and tells the story immediately in my view. Obviously, the judges missed the whole point you were conveying.
It’s like paintings and all creative pursuits – it’s all in the eyes of the viewer/judge and everyone’s taste is different.
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Thank you so much Vicki. I appreciate your feedback, especially the storytelling aspect of photos on regular posts. It’s what I strive for.
That’s so interesting about the runner-up certificate lol, tho I’d assume you were the only one who got it. Lots gets lost online. Most of the links to the 2019 TAPSA winners’ portfolios are broken even tho the winners are still up on the Xposure website.
My sisters and I looked at more room on each side of the crowded tuk tuk. I had no more room on the front, but enough on the back to see the end of the vehicle. Anyway we decided as we did. Julie said that at camera club the most frequent discussions are around framing. Several of these pics were reframed at my sisters’ suggestions and look much better because of it, but I understand how subjective it can be.
I will enter more competitions now. I’m feeling much more confident, and have discovered the joy of the process.
Re the first image – the only judges were to be the followers of the FB page. That the hosts commented at all on my photo, let alone negatively, was so unethical.
And yes, your last sentence pretty much sums things up – in any judged event there will be bound to be differences of opinion.
Alison
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Above your pay grade, LOL!
You know I’m such a fan of your photos and think of you every time I see another photo contest, no matter what it’s about. I want you to win them all!
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Thank you so much Kate. Your comment makes me smile. I will enter more, and if any come your way send them on. I know you’ve always been a fan, and I will own that I have a pretty good eye for it, but in so many ways my photography has improved enormously, so that I also begin to become a fan of it. Now that I know more I’m a bit appalled by some of the very early photos on the blog and want to redo them, but there are only so many hours in the day so there they stand as a testament to how far I’ve come.
Alison xo
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Alison your photographs are wonderful whether you win competitions or not. The likelihood of success, as you are well aware, of course stacks the odds very much against you or any other entrant. Tough when one has high expectations!
Great that the competitions gave you and your sisters an activity to focus around and to share a common interest.
I think the commentary on your Sadhu photo is pretty ridiculous. Paying someone to pose, is so different and inferior in my humble opinion, to catching a spontaneous moment, as you were able to do. Once you make a payment and there is a financial transaction, the moment, the spontaneity is gone. Wow, surprising feedback.
Good luck for your next entry and statistically you probably would need to enter at least twenty five competitions to hopefully get noticed or gain success. Time consuming task.
Peta
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Thank you so much Peta. Re your first sentence – I’m beginning to get it lol. And my expectations have settled so that I now focus on the joy of the process rather than attachment to outcome.
I totally agree re posed photos. I hate them. I think what makes good people photography sing is precisely in catching a spontaneous moment. Julie is incredibly good at engaging with people and then having them relax with her so that she gets spontaneous pictures. I too was surprised, and appalled, by the feedback.
I’m not thinking about statistics. I’m focused more on an intuitive approach now. I send my photos out into the universe and it will be what it will be.
Alison
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Alison, these are each amazing, and I love the stories to go with them. I’m sorry for the frustrations you’ve gone through in this process, but your new level of confidence and approach is clearly a positive force. congrats on your recognition at last and to more in the future –
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Thank you so much Beth. The frustrations are just life, and me growing up lol. I’m so much more confident now – about pretty much everything – so life feels pretty good, and I begin to believe in my talent and skill as a photographer while knowing I still have much to learn. Quite excited to get my entries in for the next one!
Alison
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So many wonderful photos. Past and Present speaks to me, as does the crowded Tuk Tuk. For beauty in nature….the last photo is exquisite. Sparring Partners is one of a kind. Last Rites is heart breaking.
I have always loved your travel photos and wished you would do coffee table books we could buy.
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Thank you so much Eileen. I love Past and Present. I’m still amazed that I got that shot. And the tuk tuk was right there as I walked out of my hotel one morning. Too good to be true! Sparring Partners was so unexpected, but unlike the other shots mentioned I had time – I watched them for quite a few minutes and got many shots. Also the same with Last Rites. We walked past the burning ghat twice a day for a month in Rishikesh so I got lots of shots. It was always heartbreaking to see the bodies being carried down to the water.
I appreciate your support. Maybe a book one day, but they are so expensive to produce these days.
Alison
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I love that you said YES to these competitions! The more people get to see how you look at the world the better we all are ❤
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Oh Anyes, thank you! I keep going through changes. The learning and growing doesn’t stop – thank god. I feel better about myself than I ever have. A lucky life I think. I hope you’re well. It’s lovely to see you blogging again.
Alison xo
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Congratulations 🍾🎈🎊🎉 I love all your photos. ❤️
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Thank you so much Paulette. How very lovely to hear from you! I hope you and Terry and all your furry friends are well. I just saw your post about the new addition to your family. He looks very happy!
Alison xo
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You are one talented photographer, Alison. And I am inspired by your tenacity to achieve your goal of putting yourself out there in competitions. Your images convey a sense of connectedness to your surroundings and to the people you meet in your travels. Loved going through this post.
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Thank you so much Jane. That you see a sense of connectedness with my surroundings and the people I meet pleases me no end. I’m so darn curious and captivated by it all. I hope that shows.
I feel more confident now, so will definitely keep entering comps. I now understand the joy of the process regardless of the outcome.
Alison
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OK, Alison: I’ve followed your blog several months and I have spent many an emotional moment thinking about your writing; which I find challenging, profound, and full of life lessons. Your photography most of the time makes me feel like I’m there with you, in the moment in whatever country you are. Or it evokes me in strong feelings, emotions, or questions. Sometimes it shakes me up, but it never leaves me indifferent.
Sincerely,
Charlie J.
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Thank you so much Charlie. I am so heartened, and moved by your words. That I’m having such an impact is hugely rewarding (and motivating) for me. Thank you for following, and for commenting. Much appreciated!
Alison
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Congratulations, Alison! Not only for winning the place in the calendar but for reaching beyond yourself and trying. Woo hoo for you!
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Thanks so much Kay. There’s definitely been an inner shift leaving me more confident and free. I talked about it in last Thursday’s zoom meeting. Too bad you couldn’t join us 😦 We missed you.
Alison xo
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Congratulations Alison.. Perseverance triumps…love the photos especially of the swinging mother and child ..Orangutans
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Thank you so much. I do persevere – with the blog, with photography, with inner healing. Deeply committed to all three. Ah, it’s the journey isn’t it? Hope you are staying well in these challenging times.
Alison
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We are keeping well. Thanks Indra
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Wow, congratulations on having a pic in the calendar. The TAPSA entries are great too, but I see what you mean about having a theme. Good luck. Keep going.
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Thanks so much Peggy. It was interesting that TAPSA asked for travel and/or documentary photos. Not anywhere did they say photo journalism, which is what all the winners presented. Anyway I already have an idea for next year that I think will work well so I’ll try again. Yes, I’ll definitely keep going.
Alison
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Wow, phew…and Congratulations!!! Always loved your photographs and write ups as well, they are so genuine, like actually talking. And I like how you’ve titled it, above the pay grade 🙂…
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Thanks so much Shalini. I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog. I do love to share all the stories and photos of our travels. And there always seems to be more.
Thank you for reading!
Alison
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I think the person who wrote that feedback for your photo from the Pushkar Camel Fair has the same preference with some famous photographers. The problem is, there have been a lot of articles about the not-so-glossy background stories of some of the world’s most iconic people shots: exploitation, intrusion into people’s private lives, and the list goes on and on. In the end, photography (as is the case with other forms of art) is an intrinsically personal experience. We need to find what kind of style of photography that suits us the best. Good luck for the Black Press Media competition!
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I am aware of some of those photographers that favour posed shots. I’ve recently seen some perfectly curated shots of Masai tribesmen that were beautifully lit, and very accomplished technically, but that made me cringe they were so artificial. I actually left a comment on the photographer’s insta asking if he have any shots of the men just being people. He has not replied.
I have no trouble knowing what style suits me best and it’s about spontaneity, capturing the genuine moment. I can’t bear posed.
Thanks Bama re Black Press. Fingers crossed.
(I wonder how often I’ll have to change Mama back to Bama before my computer gets it lol)
Alison
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Lol. At least now I know if you accidentally type Mama, that means your computer is doing its thing again.
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Congratulations on two things: your selection for the Greenpeace calendar and your brave new attitude toward putting your work out there. It’s very humbling to take your personal work, shine it up for public consumption, and then be rejected in any way, let alone with some of those inane comments. Over the years, I have found many of your photos to be intensely moving, and I’m sure that others feel the same way. Eventually, you will learn the “tricks” of submission also, which probably are just as important as the raw material itself, and then these people and organizations who get to judge will see the beauty and value of your work, too. I am learning that about other creative fields, where the packaging sometimes takes priority over the substance, sadly.
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Thanks so much Lexie. I do feel much braver about it all now. Well more confident that I belong I suppose. I so appreciate that you’ve found some of my work moving. I do try to capture what’s real. As for the tricks of submission, I feel as if I’ve already learned a lot, so onward and upward. Good luck with your creative endeavours!
Alison
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Congratulations on being selected for the Greenpeace calendar! My dad entered a photo in a calendar competition years ago and won; it was an exciting moment.
Even more delightful, though, is that you’ve discovered space in your life for a new kind of contest. I can see why you were disgusted with the previous attempts; why put yourself through that?
It seems to me like those were beginning contests that did not stretch you or offer opportunities to grow, and what you are enjoying most about this round of submissions is learning more about how to do what you already do so well – tell stories of people and places through your pictures.
As for the last set, the last picture of the bird is my 2nd favorite, right behind the lake with the logs. (I’m a sucker for stunning landscapes).
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Thanks so much Felicity. I’m pretty chuffed about it.
I think what’s most exciting for me is that I now feel confident enough to believe that my work belongs, that I’m no longer an imposter, and it feels great!
The lake with the logs is absolutely one of my faves too! I’m really proud of that one (BTW the lake is actually the Fraser River).
Alison
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Well done. I have always been impressed with your photography. Like everything, practice makes perfect or close to perfect! I love that orangutan picture, perfect for a calendar. The racoons are amazing as well. Good luck and keep entering.
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Thanks so much Darlene. I do think I’m getting better at it, and I’m starting to feel I belong as a valid entrant in these competitions, not just an imposter, so we’ll see what this change of attitude brings. If nothing else I’m enjoying the process so much. For that alone it’s worth it.
Don and I and a friend were walking around Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park. I’d told the friend that we could see Racoons there because I’d seen one Racoon there once about 5 years earlier lol. Anyway suddenly there they were – 4 coming from one direction along the water’s edge, and 4 from the other direction. We watched them for about 20 minutes! and even witnessed a tribal war. It was amazing. This shot is definitely the best one I got.
Alison
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Racoons are definitely citizens of Stanley Park and I’ve often seen them there. A year ago on Granville Island, as my friend and I were walking to the bus stop late in the evening, a racoon waddled along in front of us without a care in the world. Once in Tsawwassen, a racoon actually came into our bedroom when we had the French doors open on a warm summer evening. I had to ask him to leave! I find them almost human.
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We say it all the time- it’s about loving what you do. But as you freely admit Alison, you’re competitive and want to be a winner. I know you’re a winner in the eyes of most people who read your blog. In your submissions the meerkats jumps out at me, and I like the reflected bird too. So much depends on what you are comfortable photographing. I looked at the 2020 winners and know that I would never have put myself in a position to take any of those shots. Of your earlier shots the boxing girls is a standout for me and the Geishas are lovely. But it’s all subjective, isn’t it? We like what we like. Do what you love 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo. You’re right, we like what we like, and it’s so subjective. I actually feel less competitive now that I’ve admitted to it, and also now that I have more confidence in my work than previously.
Of the 2020 winners I’d certainly do something like the Faces of Faith submission and also think she is no better a photographer than I am. That’s encouraging and I’ll enter next year for sure. He asked for travel and/or documentary photography but nowhere did he mention photojournalism, or that preference would be given to that. So forewarned is forearmed. I already have an idea of what I could do for next year. I also would not put myself in the position of the other photographers.
I love the photo of the meerkats, which are actually racoons 🙂 Read my reply to Darlene above for the story about that shot. It was magic!
I shall continue to do what I love!
Alison
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I wasn’t sure about the ‘meerkats’, but I love them anyway. 🙂 🙂 Good for you, Alison. Life’s too short not to.
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Dear Alison, I enjoy both your stories and your photography so so much! They always leave me with something to think about. So, regardless of all the contests, maybe you could pull up your very own calendar. 😉 Fingers crossed for all your future projects! 🙂
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Thank you so much Ana. I’m glad you’re enjoying my stories and photographs. A calendar is a good idea! I’ll look into it.
Thanks for fingers crossed!
Alison
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Thank you for this window into your photography life – helps me understand you better. I just take photos to capture the beauty around me, to share, to revisit and enjoy experiences, and the idea of competing does not appeal to me at all. Good for you to follow where it’s taking you! And to share about it. Photos can tell stories and only the story teller knows all the nuances (like your story about the embroidery shows so well). Enjoy the journey and all the beautiful scenes along the way, no matter what anyone else says xox
Surati
Btw, every time I click on the “like” star for your blogs nothing happens. Do you receive my likes?
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Thanks Surati. I think I got the whole competition thing from my sisters. They both entered competitions for years. Julie still does at her local camera club. For them it’s as much for the joy of the project, probably even more so, than any idea of winning.
I don’t really think about story telling when I’m out photographing, but for sure I want to capture the reality of life wherever I am as best I can – so that it becomes the story.
I’m enjoying the journey more than ever these days. You know how things can change internally when you finally get to see and admit where you’re holding on to stuff. There’s been a big shift and I finally feel like I belong, and this spills over to photography, and also not caring what others think. It’s quite refreshing. And it feels so good to heed the message about competitions – they landed on my plate and I said yes.
Re the like button. I’m having the same problem, for days now, though obviously not everyone is. It’s WordPress. It could sort itself out in a few days or a few weeks. If you want to like posts go to WordPress.com/read. Here you will find a list of the latest posts from all the blogs you follow. You can like posts from there. You can also read and comment on posts there.
Ali xox
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Oops, looks like I missed this comment. Yeah, this belonging thing is a tricky one sometimes… glad to hear life is shifting you into refreshedness 🙂
I think the like button thing requires me to sign in again even though I’m already signed into my page. Oh well. And thanks for the WordPress.com/read tip. I’ll check it out. Big hug xo Surati
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First, congratulations Alison on the Greenpeace win. That mom & tot photo is one of my faves from your Borneo series. I love that it’s in a calendar where people will see it daily, for a whole month…very cool…gives me a good idea for Christmas presents. Second, the feedback you got about your Mexican lady and the Pushkar sadhu photos is beyond ridiculous. Clearly these folks are not qualified to judge photo contests. Third, those photos (and stories) you submitted to TAPSA are spectacular and you should be so proud of them. Other entrants might have had a unifying theme, but each and every one of your photos just pops and evokes so much emotion and curiosity (the boxing girls my personal fave). Finally, keep doing what you’re doing. You are such a gifted photographer and storyteller. Good luck with the Black Press Media comp…stunning beautiful B.C. selection!
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Thanks so much Caroline. I’m still waiting on my 3 copies of the calendar. Should come any day now I think.
I agree re the feedback. The judge from LensCulture was, as you say, beyond ridiculous. What made me so annoyed with the other one was the people who criticized the Mexican lady were not even judges. There were hosting what amounted to a popularity contest so should have remained neutral.
Thank you re my TAPSA photos. I so appreciate your words. This collection gives me confidence that I can make good photos, so I feel less like an imposter. I too love the boxing girls. Never seen that before on Van’s beaches!
And yes, I will keep doing what I’m doing. I’m having to much fun to stop!
Alison
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Amazing a d fantastic photos Alison.
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Thank you so much Chris.
Alison
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Thank you for sharing this story Alison. The main point I got out of it is that you didn’t give up. You pursued your passion, no matter what anyone else said (or even if they pissed you off). Good for you and that is an inspiration! Love your photography and this blog.
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Thank you so much Karen. I’m glad you enjoying the blog! I think sometimes life sends us not only opportunities but also the passion to pursue them. I’ve said no too many times in the past. Now it feels good to say yes to whatever lands on my plate. If you’d asked me a year ago if I’d ever enter a photography competition again I’d probably have said no, but here I am with a whole new attitude, and confidence.
Alison
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I’ve also been perplexed by some contest winners compared to the choices. Congratulations on the well-deserved win and best of luck on future entries! The important thing is that you are putting yourself out there.
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Thanks so much Julie. I think for the first time, with photography specifically, I’m really enjoying putting myself out there. And I certainly plan to continue.
Alison
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I found the LensCulture feedback that you received regarding the Sadhu to be horrifying. I am so glad that you are back in the game and entered the TAPSA and Greenpeace competitions and soon submit to Black Press Media. Your selections are captivating and gave me such pleasure at a time when I’ve replaced my global wanderings with a 24×7 desk job. Your “Yeh Hai India Darling” was such perfection that I am encouraged to start walking the streets again with a camera (although the scenes from an Arizona suburb will certainly not compare). I am glad you gained wisdom from the TAPSA entry and will give it a go next year with a unified theme. Your images are competitive, and with your storytelling capabilities, I think you’ll nail it. I am delighted to have been among the voices encouraging you, and thank you for repaying me with creative inspiration (not to mention the shout out to the blog :-).
Sorry to be an absentee in the blogosphere as of late. I hope to return for some fun when business slows down around the holidays.
Hugs.
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Oh Lisa I’m so happy to hear from you! I admit I’ve been thinking about you and been a bit worried. I know you wanted to get back to the US when Covid settled down a bit, which of course never happened. My best case scenario was that you are both well and that you have work again because I remembered you wanted that also. So it sounds as if things are good even if it does involve working 24/7. Still, it fills the coffers.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Entering the TAPSA competition was such an enjoyable learning curve, and I feel so much more confident about it now.
Yeh Hai India Darling was one of those serendipitous moments where I stepped out of my hotel and there it was in front of me. Sooooo Indian!
Do get out with your camera. I bet even in the burbs of Arizona you’ll find interesting things to capture.
Thank you for encouraging me!
Hope you are both well, and surviving life back on land.
Hugs back
Alison
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Congratulations – and don’t worry about negative comments. I wonder sometimes how “judges” get to judge when they can’t see the most obvious or look in a creative way. What appeals to one person may not to another but that doesn’t mean the image is unworthy. Re the Coffee Table Book – why not make one on Blurb and put it out there in their bookshop so anyone can buy if they want. Check out the website and go to Sell and Self Publish. I will be first to order !! A bientot 😉
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Thanks so much Alison. I too wonder sometimes how judges get to be judges.
I will definitely check out Blurb! Thanks for the info.
Alison
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It IS frustrating that the hosts in that first competition said something so ignorant, and that no one called them out on it. I don’t know anything about Viewbug, but your experience didn’t surprise me. Then the criticism of the Pushkar Fair photo – unbelievable, and from a respected organization, too. Black Press Media isn’t familiar but Greenpeace certainly is – it’s really wonderful that your photo will be in the Greenpeace calendar! That’s something to be proud of, even if the other entrants didn’t seem that good. It sounds like working with your sisters, getting their input, and sharing your process with them, and vice versa was the most valuable part of this whole experience. Not that it wouldn’t be nice to have your work selected for another publication or competition. I do think that finding a unifying theme among a group of images you submit will help. Aiming high is good, congrats and good luck with Black Press!
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Thanks so much Lynn. Yes, the feedback from both the little Facebook comp and then from LensCulture really put me off, but more than than it was my lack of confidence. I’m finally starting to feel I belong in this world of photography competitions, and at the same time know I still have much to learn.
You’re right that working with my sisters was the most valuable part of the experience, the 3 of us having time together, and learning so much from them.
It’s clear from the portfolios of the 5 selected for TAPSA that the focus is on photojournalism much more than travel photography even though what they ask for is travel or documentary photographs. Anyway, I know better now and will try again next year.
Black Press own several small western Canada local papers (I think – something like that).
Alison
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I looked at the TAPSA site and yes, strictly photojournalism, which is its own world. That reminds me – a great read is Lynsey Addario’s “It’s What I Do.” Check it out, I think you might enjoy it. And yes, confidence. something we are not taught to embody as women!
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This is such an interesting post. I guess things happen when we’re ready for them. Now you’re getting so much out of it – being chosen is such a minor part really. I love that you’re enjoying it so much, and are open to learning and improving. And for what it’s worth, in MHO you have some stunning shots here.
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Thanks so much Tracey. I am really enjoying it, and yes being chosen is now a minor part of it. You’re right – things happen when we’re ready for them. I feel as if I’m finally ready. Thanks for your kind words.
Alison
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Wow! What a journey through the hopes and disappointments of photo competitions! Thankyou for sharing your wonderful photos and commentary.
I’ve entered only a few contests in my long life and was very lucky age 20 to win a trip to Mexico via cruise ship (took my Mom with me) for a photo of a mushroom taken with my Praktica camera. You are so right about trying to understand what judges are thinking – after seeing various” winners” printed up in photo magazines, I would never bother to enter their contests – and the published “winning” images are the size of postage stamps. However, last year a friend alerted me to the Black Press photo contest in which I actually won the category of “Love where you Live” with a shot taken on my cell phone in Fort Langley entitled “Bridge and Boats” (such a creative caption! haha. So I won a $500 London Drugs gift card which was very nice. I posted the photo here … https://michaelhoffmannphotography.com/2019/05/17/bridge-boats/
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Thanks so much Michael. My pleasure! Wow, winning a trip to Mexico when only 20! That’s impressive. And congratulations on your Black Press win! Also impressive. And much deserved – it’s a beautiful photograph. I can see why they chose it. This time the judges got it right. Are you entering this year? Good luck if you are! I have several to enter in Wildlife and Nature, Love Where You Live, and Scenic Canada.
Alison
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Thankyou Alison! I didn’t even realize there was a contest this year (b/c of Covid ) until I read your post! Lol! However, when I checked out this years prizes – looks like only one Grand Prize, one People’s award, and then 2 awards picked from the top 100 entries. So no prizes for best in a category. Last year London Drugs provided gift cards for each category. So chances are extremely slim. But good luck to you!
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Thank you! Fingers crossed. Either way I’ve so enjoyed putting a collection of photos together to enter.
A.
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That’s main thing – to enjoy discovering, capturing and creating beautiful, amazing, memorable and interesting photos to share.
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Such an interesting topic! Alison, your photos are spectacular, regardless of who or what organization formally recognizes your talent. But I do relate to your desire to win! Congratulations on the success you’ve had so far! What I find so conflicting about photo contests (and other creative contests) is that companies often use the content that entrants provide as their own. It’s a way for companies to share content that primarily benefits them, when they often won’t pay a staff or freelancers to create the content they need. I ran into this with a very well known travel guidebook company. I applied to and was accepted into their travel blogging program. One of my posts was featured on their website. It was a great feeling at first but I soon realized there were MANY other bloggers in the program — most of whom were not very good or experienced writers and they hadn’t even traveled very much. The program was merely a way for the company to look like they were experts about every part of the world, even if it was through low quality, poorly written stories. I was so disappointed! But ultimately feel good now about choosing not to participate any further in the charade, and to remain in control of what I write and use it for my own purposes. In any case, good luck with your future entries! You have so many shots to choose from! And I love the tuk tuk photo. What a beautifully captured moment. Very hard to do with five people!
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Thanks so much Kelly. I do think I’ve really improved over the years, and certainly know a whole bunch more technically than I did when I started out. As for winning, it would be nice of course, but owning up to it took the steam out of it quite a bit, so now I get to enjoy the process more.
Very interesting story about the travel guidebook company! I’ve never pitched anyone, not even Intrepid Travel who I write for (well did before the pandemic), and probably never will. Especially with this new info. I did once find a bunch of my blog posts used without permission, and without acknowledgement or a link, on a “news” website once – sent them a scathing letter to take them down.
The tuk tuk pic was pure serendipity, but then I find a lot of photography is like that.
Alison
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Alison as I have said many times Nat Geo will be knocking at your door one day. Huge congratulations on the Greenpeace selection. I was delighted to see that when you posted it on social media.
As to competitions with likes as the gauge, well that is really just for the host to get lots of traffic as all those entered encourage others to visit. By the comment on your photo it is clear that their knowledge of photography was minimal.
Good luck with the upcoming entries. I won’t pretend to know which might be the best. All winners in my eyes,
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Thanks so much Sue. NatGeo! That would be amazing. One day maybe, though I do find myself wanting to laugh about such an absurd notion. Seems I need to believe in myself more!
I have no idea what FB page it was now, but I was certainly pretty naive about it – of course they just wanted likes and followers!
I’m quite excited about the Black Press competition. And after that may look for more to enter.
Alison
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Congratulations to this – and all the future successes to come – because with your talent and compassionate camera eye, they certainly will. Savor this, Alison! You have earned it!
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Thanks so much Jadi. I’m going to keep going that’s for sure. And hopefully there will be more successes in the future. Either way I’ll enjoy the journey – and much more than I would have in the past now that I’m less attached to winning.
Alison
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Such great pictures!! All the best with your entries!!!
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Thank you so much.
Alison
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Congratulations Alison! I have always been your #1 FAN of your photography. Like you, it is elegant, honest, and downright stunning. I would be hard pressed to select a favorite, but I was particularly taken by “Sacred Prayer.” I love the juxtaposition of frenetic energy and steadfast calm. As far as I’m concerned, it should have won. 🙂 But I love that you’re collaborating with and learning from your sisters. That must make the whole process even more special. Best of luck on your next entry. ~Terri
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Thanks so much Terri. I really appreciate your support, and your kind words. It was so much fun working with my sisters, and for sure we’ll do it again in the future. I definitely will enter TAPSA next year and even already have a theme selected.
As far as I’m concerned I should have won too! That would have been amazing, but still, this feels like learning curve, and I learned a lot! Thanks for your encouragement.
Alison
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This was my first time really sitting down to enjoy your photos. They are incredible, Alison.
In my fiction world, book award competitions are popular and they can also be just as exhausting and annoying as some of the photography competitions you mentioned. I tried a couple only to realize they existed to make money off of writers, which is ironic since most of us don’t make much from our work.
I’m glad you found a way to still pursue this goal and to start making positive strides. Proud to know you!
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Thank you so much Britt. Most photography competitions charge, and for sure part of my willingness to enter the three that I’ve mentioned here is because they were all free to enter.
I will definitely continue, especially those that fall in my lap as these three did, and I already have plans for TAPSA next year.
I am proud to know you also!
Alison
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Congrats on the Greenpeace photo!!! Your wildlife photography is wonderful, I’m not surprised you won! I feel the same about contests though. I consistently used to enter the World Nomads writing scholarship but felt like it was such a crapshoot, since there are thousands of submissions and the work of the shortlisted writers felt very uneven.
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Thanks so much Mo. I know exactly what you mean about these kinds of contests – about them being a crapshoot, and the standard of those chosen being uneven, at times puzzlingly random. Still at this point I’m still planning on entering TAPSA next year now that I have a better idea of what they’re wanting. I had a closer look at the winners and really don’t think I’m so far off the mark.
Alison
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