Photo contests

Since you are all in the UK, I was wondering if you had ever heard of the photolaureates. I submitted a photo to them a few days ago. Today they said that I qualified as a finalist and they want to publish my photo. Is this a good thing or is it a joke? Please let me know as soon as possible. I have know idea what I have gotten myself into.

Thanks so much,

Erin

There are quite a few publishers of photos, poetry, short stories, etc., that are a form of "vanity publishing". They put your work in a book just to sell you a copy. I have no idea if your picture appears in just one copy (yours) or lots of copies, but I suspect the former.

Incidentally, the picture you sent me was much too big to send by e-mail. Images for e-mail should be resized to a small JPEG and I would suggest a modest file size of no more than 200K.

Photolaureates looks as though it might have been set up by that master photographer, Ken Rockwell.

I don't think an invitation from them is anything to get overly excited about.

And watch your wallet.

G

(@ George )

The only site and reference I could find was:
www.photolaureates.org - which is a Canadian based company. However, check this comment too:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-226810.html

Any more details?
Matt

On the contrary, Matt, this is a site run by real experts with real insights to impart.

For instance, their John Warton says:

"The subject should be the focus of the picture.”

“Try to always be ready."

"It is OK to make mistakes and learn."

“Lightning [sic] plays a key role in getting a quality shot."

"Be original." (Now that's original!)

Some of his points are so profound, they need careful thinking about:

"Remember that photographs are made to be made – not to be taken."

Gems, all of them.

G

ROFL

I'm learning all the time

Matt

They could do with a few spelling lessons too!