Along with our yearly Convention we always have a print competition. There are many awards given out and a lot of great competition. So, start going through all of your work and getting the best of the best ready to show the rest of us. We want to see it! Here are some tips to help you enhance your competition prints.
Hints to Enhance Your Competition Prints
1. Subject impact is probably the most important of all factors when considering a competition entry.
1. The old adage “KISS” (Keep it simple, stupid) is generally true. Props should be included ONLY if they add to the overall effect.
1. Overly posed, trite, or confusing images score dramatically lower.
1. One MAIN center of interest is usually the best for competition. View the print upside down. Your eye will tell you where the interest is.
1. When possible, try to keep your subjects limbs parallel to the film plane to avoid a foreshortening effect of those limbs.
1. Use the “Rule of Thirds” in composition. Keep the center of interest form being static.
1. “Leading Lines” – strong lines of interest that lead viewers’ eyes into your image – will improve impact. Avoid strong lines that lead the eye out of the story.
1. Props and clothing, when kept “in-key” with the story will enhance it greatly.
1. Use vignetting, burning in, and dodging very subtly. Less is definitely better. The “port-hole” effect will undermine any chance of a decent score.
1. Keep print enhancement to a minimum. Judges can spot excessive artwork and will down score accordingly.
1. The image should be printed “down”, i.e. deep and rich, to compensate for the washed-out effect of competition lights.
1. Detail should be seen in highlights as well as shadow.
1. Color, creative mounting or matting can be very advantageous to a prints overall impact. Too much can overpower the prints appeal.
1. Balance the print with space around the images to avoid a crowded look.
1. Use gloss or clear spray. Final spray should be even and smooth.
1. Always finish all print edges by coloring them with a felt pen that matches the key of the print.
1. Titles on prints are important. They help the judges to understand the story you’re attempting to tell. Be creative, not redundant. Using the word “Untitled” is unacceptable, as well as being a creative cop-out.
1. Make sure your print is fingerprint, dust and scratch free when submitted. Pride in presentation is important. Show it.
Download the official print competition rules for 2009 here: Download 2009 Print Rules
