Photo & Video Competition Tips for Australia
Photo and video competitions require more effort than simple entries - but that means fewer people enter and better odds of winning! Learn how to create entries that stand out.
Why Enter?
Better Odds
Equipment Needed
Just Your Phone
Key Skill
Creativity
Why Enter Photo & Video Competitions?
The secret advantage: Most people avoid photo and video competitions because they seem like too much effort. This means the competitions that require visual content often have much better odds than simple entry forms!
Fewer Entries
Most compers skip these - your odds improve significantly
Bigger Prizes
Brands invest more in creative competitions
More Fun
Express your creativity and enjoy the process
Getting Started: Platforms You Need
Many photo competitions require you to upload to a specific platform. Get set up on these before you find a competition - you don't want to miss a deadline because you're still figuring out how to create an account!
The most common platform for photo competitions
- Set profile to PUBLIC
- Use a real profile photo
- Complete your bio
Flickr
Used by some photography-focused competitions
- Free account available
- Can sign in via Yahoo
- Good for high-res photos
YouTube
For video competition entries
- Use Google account
- Set videos to "Unlisted" or "Public"
- Add required hashtags in description
TikTok
Growing platform for video challenges
- Quick video editing built-in
- Use trending sounds
- Include branded hashtags
Photo Competition Tips
Read the Brief Carefully
Every photo competition has specific requirements. Does it need to include a product? A location? A theme? Make sure your photo ticks ALL the boxes.
Common Mistake: Taking a beautiful photo that doesn't actually meet the entry criteria. Always re-read the requirements before submitting.
Think About Lighting
Natural light is your best friend. Take photos near windows or outdoors during "golden hour" (shortly after sunrise or before sunset). Avoid harsh midday sun or dark indoor lighting.
Do: Face your subject towards the light source
Don't: Use flash on food or product shots
Be Creative & Unique
Judges see hundreds of entries. What makes yours stand out? Think of an angle, setting, or concept that's different from what everyone else will submit.
Pro Tip: Before taking your photo, imagine what the "obvious" entry would look like - then do something different!
Take Multiple Shots
Professional photographers take hundreds of photos to get one great shot. Take your photo from different angles, distances, and lighting conditions - then pick the best.
Edit (But Don't Over-Edit)
Basic editing can enhance your photo: adjust brightness, contrast, and crop to improve composition. But don't go overboard with filters - judges often prefer natural-looking photos.
Free Editing Apps:
- Snapseed (mobile)
- VSCO (mobile)
- Canva (desktop/mobile)
Avoid:
- Heavy filters
- Obvious Photoshopping
- Excessive saturation
Video Competition Tips
Keep It Short & Engaging
Most video competitions have a time limit (often 30-60 seconds). Get to the point quickly and make the first few seconds count - that's when judges decide if they'll keep watching.
Audio Matters
Bad audio is harder to forgive than bad video. Film in a quiet location, speak clearly, and consider adding captions (many people watch without sound).
Landscape vs Portrait
Check where the video will be viewed. YouTube = landscape (horizontal). TikTok/Instagram Reels = portrait (vertical). Using the wrong orientation looks unprofessional.
Common Photo Competition Types
Product Photos
Show yourself using or enjoying a product.
Tip: Make the product the star, but add personality with your setting or pose.
Selfies
Fun, casual photos often with a theme or product.
Tip: Good lighting on your face makes all the difference.
Family/Group Photos
Capture moments with family, kids, or pets.
Tip: Candid shots often look more genuine than posed.
Food Photography
Recipe contests or product-related food shots.
Tip: Shoot from above or at 45 degrees. Use natural light.
Travel/Location Photos
Scenic shots or destination photography.
Tip: Include something unique to your location.
Creative/Artistic
Express yourself with artistic interpretation.
Tip: Be bold - these competitions reward originality.
Photo & Video Competition Checklist
Set up accounts (Instagram, Flickr, etc.)
Profile set to PUBLIC
Read entry requirements carefully
Take multiple shots to choose from
Use natural lighting
Include required hashtags
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Photo and video competitions scare most compers away. That's exactly why you should enter them!
Better odds + creative fun = more wins for you.