Preface
My recent return to the world of photo contests came about as a professional as well as an ethical question which was;
Based on having been awarded a prize in the 1970’s for an image submitted to an obscure literary arts publication could I with good conscience currently refer to myself as an “award winning photographer”?
It has been more than 20 years since I entered a photography contest. Back before the turn of the century in the 70s, 80s and 90s I entered many contests with varying results. I stopped around the year 2000 when most popular photography contests became a royalty free grab that greatly benefited the hosting organization. News media and other publications touted big prizes and promises of publication to entice photographers to enter. Hidden in the fine print was wording that in essence gave the organizations freedom to use all photographs submitted for any future purposes for eternity. As a result, these entities were able to amass huge quantities of royalty free stock images.
To answer my question and put the dilemma to rest I decided to enter some contests last year. I researched current contests and their submission guidelines before choosing to enter two contests that met the criteria below.
- A reasonable and non-exclusive license to use images rather than a blanket relinquishment of ownership, copyright, and moral rights.
- Specify how images will be used (e.g. promotional and/or commercial), in what mediums (e.g. print, internet, social media, etc.), and for how long.
- Provide the submitting photographers with any tangible benefit, including at least a promise of a proper photo credit for any usage.
While researching these contests and examining the galleries from past competitions, I came upon images from photographers whom I admire. Seeing that photographers I respected had entered solidified my choices.
Based on my investigation, both the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and the International Color Awards, in addition to meeting the rights and usage requirements, provided a platform I felt could showcase my current work.
Before moving on to the announcement, I would offer these words of advice and encouragement if you are considering entering a photography contest. Do not be discouraged if your photographs are not winners. Results in photo contests are subject to the whims of the judges and ever shifting winds of current vogue.
Back when I was a long distance runner I ran hundreds of races. I was not an elite athlete, I loved to run. I ran simply for the pure joy of running.
Go ahead, enter a photo contest if it intrigues you. Be sure to read the fine print. Just remember to always find joy simply in being creative.
Now for the Announcement
Wow, I just found out recently that one of my photographs was awarded 3rd Place in the Professional Abstract Category in the International Color Awards, an international juried photography competition. I submitted 6 images total. All were selected as “Nominees” and made it to the final round of judging. In addition to the 3rd Place winner, one other image received an Honorable Mention.
“It is an incredible achievement to be selected as the best from the 6,573 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Paul Dileanis’s “Impressions in Old Paint,” an exceptional image entered in the Professional Abstract category, represents contemporary color photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present him with the title of 3rd place -Honor of Distinction.”
“Impressions” 3rd Place, Honor of Distinction – Professional Abstract Category
Abstract detail of old paint and rust on an old Dodge Power Wagon in the semi ghost town of Ballarat located in the Death Valley NP. What caught my eye in this image was the star burst patterns and color palette that reminded me of flowers in a Van Gogh painting.
This truck has an interesting back story. Legend has it that this is one of two Dodge Power Wagons driven by the Manson Family on nearby Barker Ranch. As the story goes, when the ranch was raided by the FBI, Tex Watson, a member of the Manson Family tried to make his escape in this truck. The truck broke down in Ballarat and Tex had to hitchhike home.
“Decomposition” Honorable Mention – Professional Still Life
An old violin abandoned in the Ghost Town of Bodie slowly decomposing over time. This photograph was taken during a 2022 Photography Workshop I was leading.
The following four images all made it to the final judging;
“Colors of Time” Nominee Professional Abstract Category
“Abandoned Truck and Milky Way” Nominee – Professional Americana Category
The Milky Way Arches over an abandoned Ford truck in Bodie State Historic Park.
“Blue Room” Nominee – Professional Still Life Category
Old furniture appears to float in the intense Cobalt paint covering the walls and floor of this abandoned room in Bodie State Historic Park.