Photo Contests

One of the best ways to get your work seen is by entering into photo contests. With all the artists (photo, illustration, design, etc) out there, it's hard to be familiar with everyone. The photo contest work is published in materials that I read and peruse through, therefore I see it and become familiar with it. Many other buyers do the same thing, we read photo annuals and other trade materials. When an artist's work gets published in a photo contest it's viewed by several buyers of imagery which in turn means more views to the artist's website and other materials (add in plug for marketing plan here).

PDN has put a list together for January deadline contests (think "best of 2008" opportunities) here.

While yes most of these photo awards and contests require an entry fee, if you don't try you can't succeed or achieve.