Guide to a Standout Photography Submission

So, you’ve found a photography call for entry that speaks to you. The theme is perfect, and you’re excited to submit your work. But with likely hundreds of other photographers vying for the same spot, how do you make sure your images don’t just get seen, but get remembered?

The jury is looking for looking for a photographs that demonstrates technical skill and artistic vision. Let’s break down the key elements that can make your submission standout.

1. Quality is Non-Negotiable

This is the most basic yet critical rule. A pixelated image could signal to the juror that you don’t have a better more high quality image in your possession.

Sharp Where it Counts: Your image should be crisp and clear. If you’re using blur, it must be intentional (see next point), not the result of a shaky camera or poor focus.

Submit Higher-Resolution Files: Always follow the submission guidelines for file size and format precisely. When in doubt, submit the highest quality JPG allowable. We look for quality, so that we can ensure a good quality print when hung up in the gallery.

2. Be Intentional with Your Blur

• Motion Blur: Use it to convey movement like a dancer twirling, or city traffic streaking by.
• Shallow Depth of Field: This is your best friend for making a subject pop. By using a wide aperture to blur the background (that beautiful bokeh!), you directly guide the viewer’s eye to your focal point, eliminating distractions and adding a professional polish.

3. Craft Well-Balanced Compositions

Before a judge even registers the subject, they feel the composition. A balanced frame is pleasing to the eye and feels complete.

• Use the Rule of Thirds: It’s a classic for a reason. Placing your subject off-center often creates a more dynamic and engaging image. BUT, of course use your creativity, no rule is 100%.
• Look for Leading Lines: Use natural or architectural lines to draw the viewer deeper into the scene.
• Check the Edges: Scan the borders of your frame. Are there any distracting elements, like a stray branch or a bright spot, pulling attention away? Crop them out.

4. Master Your Exposure

A well-exposed image shows that you have control over your craft.

• Clean Exposure: Aim for a photo where the details are clear in both the shadows and the highlights, unless you are breaking this rule with purpose.
• Intentional Over/Underexposure: Is a high-key, overexposed look essential for conveying a feeling of airiness or innocence? Is a dark, underexposed scene crucial for creating mystery or drama? If the answer is yes, then do it boldly. But it must serve the story you’re telling.

5. The Secret Weapon: Story and Emotion

Technical perfection is the baseline. What truly makes an image selected is its ability to make the jury feel something.

• Ask Yourself: What is the story behind this photo? Does it evoke a sense of joy, loneliness, wonder, or tension?
• Connect to the Theme: Does your image not just fit the theme, but interpret it in a unique and personal way? An image with a genuine emotional core will always be more memorable than a technically perfect but cold one.

Remember, your goal isn’t to submit a “perfect” submission, but to present work that speaks. A powerful image that connects emotionally will always outweigh a technically flawless one that feels sterile. The jury is looking for that spark, a story, a feeling, a moment of undeniable connection. So, review your work not with an eye for microscopic flaws, but for its heart. Submit the image that you feel truly embodies the theme and speaks with its own voice. It only takes one resonant piece to capture a juror’s attention. Good luck!