10 Mistakes Photographers Make When Entering Awards… and How to Avoid Them.
Entering photography awards can be both thrilling and terrifying. Mostly terrifying. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow as an artist; but it can also be a brutal reality check.
As a judge and award-winning pet photographer, I’ve seen the same mistakes trip up talented photographers year after year. I’ve also made almost all of them myself. That’s why I decided to write this blog post, to help you avoid the heartache, frustration, and missed opportunities that so many photographers experience when they first start entering competitions.
Because here’s the thing, award images aren’t just about technical skill. They’re about concept, story, and impact. They’re about making a judge feel something. And I learned that the hard way.
I completely flopped the first time I entered.
You see my work now and it recognised Internationally for being polished, story driven and has many international titles. This was not always the case. Back in 2017, I had just launched my pet photography business and decided to enter my very first awards: the Victorian Professional Photography Awards. I wasn’t new to the art world — I’d had early success with a landscape image back in 2012 that was selected as a finalist in the Josephine Ulrick & Win Shubert Photography Award — but this was my first time putting forward my new passion: pet photography.
I submitted what I thought were three absolute bangers:
Smooshie (my dog) mid shake
Indy the border collie catching a ball mid-air
Oscar the cavoodle doing what I can only describe as existing adorably
At the time, I was buzzing with pride. I’d only recently figured out how to freeze motion, and to me, these were technical triumphs. Surely they'd impress the judges.
They did not.
All three images scored in the high 70s — below award range. But the real sting came from a judge’s comment I’ll never forget:
“It’s just a picture of a cute puppy.”
Oof. That one cut deep. I was heartbroken. I remember sitting there, devastated, feeling like maybe I wasn’t cut out for this after all. But after about 24 hours of licking my wounds, something shifted. I realised that if I wanted to succeed, I had to learn the difference between a good image and an award-winning image.
That moment was a turning point for me — and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping other photographers avoid the same mistakes. It was one of those profound moments which made me sit up and listen. I realised that technical skill alone wouldn’t carry me through. I had to create images with intent, with narrative, with something to say. I thank that judge every day for that insight. If I had of dismissed the comment and moved on the way I was going thinking I knew better then I would never have reached the heights I have today.
Twelve months later, I entered the VPPY’s again and this time, my results were stronger. I received my first Silver Distinction for Bath time Blues and silver awards for the rest. Still not at the top, but the growth was obvious.
Rollo - ‘Bath Time Blues’
Later that year having qualified for the national awards with my results from the VPPY’s, I entered the Australian Professional Photography Awards with two new images and “Bath Time Blues’ with some minor changes based on the feedback at the VPPY’s.
Rollo - “Bath Time Blues”
That entry earned me my very first Gold award and the title of Australian Emerging Photographer of the Year.
It was a career-defining moment. My confidence soared, I made connections in the community and I received a lot of publicity for the win. All of this helped kick off my business and establish me as a leader in the pet photography niche. I am so grateful for that moment. For the win sure, but mostly because I was brave enough to fail first and smart enough to listen to those who know better.
So, it’s that time of year again where I’m completely immersed in awards season with judging, giving feedback, and watching hundreds of images come across my screen. Between the Australian Photographic Prize, the International Pet Photography Awards, and the Iris Awards, I’ve seen the full spectrum of entries from breathtaking, unforgettable work to images that quietly miss the mark.
And the truth is, the photographers behind those “almost there” images are often incredibly talented. They’ve just fallen into the same common traps I did when I first started entering awards. So, whether you’re polishing your first entry or chasing that next big accolade, here are the 10 mistakes I see photographers make again and again — and how you can avoid them.
1. Lack of Storytelling or Narrative
As discussed above, the best award images do more than look pretty, they speak. They evoke an emotion, spark curiosity, or invite the viewer into a moment that feels alive. As a judge, I can tell you that technically perfect images without heart or message often fade into the background. They’re like a beautiful postcard: nice to look at, but easy to forget.
A great storytelling image doesn’t always need a deep, symbolic message. It might make the viewer laugh, feel empathy, or simply wonder what happens next. It’s about creating a connection, a reason for someone to pause instead of scrolling past.
Tip for entrants: Before you submit, ask yourself:
Does this image make someone feel something?
Would it make a stranger stop and care, even if they don’t know the subject?
If a judge could only see it for 5 seconds, would it leave an impression?
2. Submitting Images from the Same Session or That Look Too Similar
I get it. When you’ve had a dream shoot, the sunject was a superstar, the light was perfect, and every frame feels like gold — it’s tempting to enter all of them. After all, if one is strong, surely three will triple your chances, right?
Unfortunately, it often does the opposite.
When judges see a string of near-identical images in the same category; same subject, same backdrop, same lighting style, they stop seeing individual photographs and start seeing a series of repetitions. Instead of each image standing tall, they begin to blur together. And even worse, small flaws become glaring when the images are viewed back-to-back. Maybe one has slightly awkward paw placement or a softer focus than the others and suddenly, your own entries are competing against each other.
I’ve seen it happen so many times as a judge. A photographer will have a stunning image that could have scored brilliantly on its own, but by entering two or three visually similar shots, they unintentionally dilute their impact. The judges often walk away with the impression that the photographer has “one good idea,” rather than a diverse portfolio of skill.
Tip for entrants:
Treat each entry as a soloist, not part of a choir.
Make sure every image brings something fresh to the judging table, whether it’s a new subject, concept, lighting style, or emotion.
If you must enter multiple images from the same session, choose ones that are dramatically different in composition, crop, or storytelling.
3. Entering the Wrong Category
Even the most breathtaking image can fall flat if it’s in the wrong category. Categories exist to create a level playing field, and entering in the wrong one can be the difference between a high-scoring image and one that gets overlooked.
I’ve seen this play out countless times as a judge. A beautiful, emotive portrait of a dog might land in the Creative category because the photographer assumed “creative” meant “artistic.” But if there’s no obvious composite or conceptual element, it’s competing against highly stylised, heavily constructed images — and it just doesn’t hold its own. On the flip side, a heavily edited composite accidentally placed in the Portrait category will be judged harshly for post-production that doesn’t fit the brief.
Judge’s Tip:
Always read the category descriptions and rules carefully — they can differ between competitions.
Study past winners in that category to understand what style, technique, and presentation tends to resonate.
When in doubt, ask for clarification. Most competitions would rather guide you than see a great image sink in the wrong place.
4. Not Starting Early Enough
One of the most common mistakes I see and one I’ve made myself is leaving your award entries until the last minute. It’s easy to underestimate how much time it takes to plan, shoot, retouch, print, and prepare award-ready images. Rushing often leads to missed opportunities, careless mistakes, or submitting images that are simply not your strongest work.
When I look back on my early award entries, some of my biggest regrets came from panic-submissions. I’ve got to admit, I still find myself thinking this way sometimes. I think, “This image is good enough, I’ll just enter it!” because I ran out of time to create something truly exceptional. The difference between a solid image and an award-winning image is often the hours of careful polishing, critique, and refinement that happen well before the deadline.
Starting early gives you the gift of breathing room:
Time to conceptualise and plan shoots with storytelling in mind
Time to experiment, fail, and try again without the pressure of a looming deadline
Time to seek feedback and make refinements before you submit
And most importantly, time to ensure your images are printed and presented flawlessly, if the competition requires it
I’ve watched incredible photographers sabotage themselves by leaving entries until the eleventh hour. I’ve also seen the opposite: the photographers who plan months ahead, create with purpose, and enter with confidence almost always deliver stronger work.
Judge’s Tip:
Mark competition dates in your calendar at the start of the year. Work backwards to set deadlines for concept development, shooting, editing, and printing. Treat it like a mini project because rushing is the fastest way to submit images that fall short of your true potential.
5. Thinking Everyday Client Work is Enough
One of the biggest mistakes I see is photographers entering the same images they deliver to clients and expecting award-winning results. While a beautiful client portrait can make your heart swell, award images often require something more.
Client work is usually about pleasing the owner. That might mean a clean portrait of their dog sitting proudly, or a sweet moment that captures their personality. But awards are judged very differently. Judges are looking for images that go beyond “pretty” or “technically correct.” They want to see intentional storytelling, creativity, and impact — something that feels crafted specifically to stand out in competition.
Award images often require:
A strong concept or a clear moment of storytelling
Attention to every detail, from light to background to post-production
Something unexpected that makes the viewer pause and feel
When I started creating images just for competition, rather than pulling from client galleries, my results transformed. These images didn’t replace my client work, they elevated it, because they pushed me to grow creatively.
Judge’s Tip:
Use awards as a reason to create personal work. If a client image happens to be strong enough, great, but don’t rely on your day-to-day sessions to carry you to the podium.
6. Not Being Courageous Enough
Playing it safe is one of the biggest reasons great photographers stay stuck in the “almost” category. I see it all the time: technically excellent images that tick every box… but don’t make me feel anything new. They’re safe. And safe rarely wins awards.
The images that rise to the top are the ones where the photographer has taken a risk. Maybe it’s a bold concept, an unusual angle, a dramatic use of light, or a composite idea that pushes creative boundaries. Sometimes those risks don’t pay off, but when they do, they leave a lasting impression.
I had to learn this lesson myself. Early on, I kept entering “pretty” portraits of dogs that I knew were solid, but they didn’t push the envelope. The first time I entered a truly creative concept — one that I worried might be “too out there” — I felt nervous submitting it. That image ended up earning a gold award and ultimately contributed to me winning Australian Emerging Photographer of the Year.
Being courageous doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being willing to:
Try something different instead of repeating what feels safe
Show your personality and creative voice, even if not everyone will love it
Accept the risk of failure in pursuit of something memorable
In judging rooms, the images that make people lean in and whisper “Wow, I haven’t seen that before” are often the ones that came from a place of courage.
Judge’s Tip:
Before entering, ask yourself, “Does this image take a risk, or am I just playing it safe?” The most rewarding award journeys are the ones where you dare to put your creative heart on the line.
7. Ignoring the Rules and Guidelines
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many photographers lose points or get disqualified because they didn’t follow the competition rules. Every year, I see fantastic images that are let down by something completely preventable, like the wrong file size, an incorrect border, or entering an image that doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements.
Award rules and guidelines exist for a reason. They ensure fairness and consistency for both entrants and judges. Submitting an image that doesn’t meet those standards is bound to get disqualified and waste your money.
Here are some common ways photographers trip up:
Submitting the wrong dimensions or resolution
Ignoring border or presentation requirements
Entering an image that’s too old for the eligibility period
Over-editing without disclosing a composite, which can get you marked down or disqualified
Forgetting to remove watermarks or identifying text on the image
Submitting AI images thinking we won’t know
I treat reading the rules like part of my creative process. Before I even start planning my entries, I carefully go through the category descriptions and technical guidelines. Sometimes I even highlight the key points or create a checklist, because missing something small can undo months of work.
Judge’s Tip:
Treat the rules as your first test. Following them doesn’t guarantee a win, but breaking them almost always guarantees disappointment.
8. Overediting or Distracting Post-Processing
Editing can make or break an award image. The right amount of post-production enhances your vision, draws the viewer’s eye to the subject, and creates polish. But push it too far, and the edit becomes the story and not necessarily in a good way.
Overediting is one of the most common pitfalls I see during judging. It can show up in many ways:
Over-sharpened fur that looks crunchy or unnatural
Halos around your subject from sloppy masking
Banding or texture issues in the background
Over-saturated or muddy colours that distract instead of enhance
Heavy-handed retouching that pulls the viewer out of the moment
When judges see an image with distracting post-processing, it immediately breaks the spell. Instead of being immersed in your storytelling, we’re thinking about Photoshop sliders and missed details.
Judge’s Tip:
Step away from your screen before submitting. Look at your image on multiple devices, zoom out, and even print it if possible. Small editing mistakes that are invisible on your laptop can scream on a judging screen. Subtlety and control often score higher than heavy-handed effects.
9. Relying Too Heavily on Feedback from Friends or Social Media
Social media is great for validation, but it can be misleading when it comes to awards. Just because an image gets hundreds of likes on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s competition-ready. Friends and followers are often reacting to the subject or the emotion behind the image, not the technical or storytelling elements that judges are looking for.
And let’s face it your Mum and friends want to support you but unless they are seasoned photographers they think an iPhone image is award worthy.
Competition judging is a different world. Judges are trained to notice composition flaws, distracting elements, technical issues, or a lack of narrative that casual viewers might overlook. While your audience may love that adorable head tilt or floppy ear, a judge might only see the blown highlights on the fur or the unbalanced crop.
If you want to grow as a competition photographer, seek feedback from:
Experienced peers who have a track record in awards
Mentors or educators who can give constructive, actionable advice
Judges (through official feedback sessions, if available)
Social media has its place, but when it comes to awards, the most helpful feedback often comes from people who know exactly what the judges are looking for.
Judge’s Tip:
If the majority of your feedback sounds like “So cute!” rather than “Consider moving your crop to balance the frame,” it’s time to seek a more critical eye.
10. Neglecting Presentation and Print Quality
Even the most beautifully captured and edited image can lose impact if the presentation is poor. In print-based competitions, judges are not only responding to the image itself, but also to how it feels as a finished artwork. A slightly soft print, a muddy colour profile, or a cheap looking finish can distract from the story you are trying to tell.
I have seen strong images lose crucial points because they were printed too dark, cropped awkwardly, or mounted in a way that felt rushed. When your image is surrounded by perfectly presented work, the difference is obvious.
Great presentation shows respect for your own work. It makes the judge pause and take the image seriously before even taking in the story. Small choices like choosing the right paper stock, ensuring sharpness and clarity, and having a clean finish can elevate your entry from good to unforgettable.
I learned early on that investing time and care into presentation was just as important as capturing and editing the image. These days, I always test print and review my work under different lighting before committing to a final entry.
Judge’s Tip:
Treat your image like a gallery piece. Make sure the print is sharp, the colours are accurate, and the mounting is clean. If you’re unsure, order a test print or consult with a professional printer.
Bonus Tip: Not Entering at All Because You Think You’re Not “Good Enough”
One of the most common mistakes I see isn’t about the images at all, it’s about mindset. So many photographers hold themselves back from entering awards because they think they’re not ready, not talented enough, or that they’ll never measure up.
I understand that fear. When I first entered awards, I was terrified of being judged and, honestly, of failing. And I did fail, spectacularly. My first year of competition was humbling and a little heartbreaking. But that experience became the biggest turning point in my photography career.
Awards aren’t just about trophies. They’re about growth. Entering pushes you to create intentionally, to refine your skills, and to see your work with fresh, critical eyes. Even if your images don’t score where you hoped, you gain something invaluable:
Clarity on what to improve next
Feedback from experts who see what casual viewers miss
The courage to create work that excites you, not just your clients
Some of the best photographers I know started their award journey with low scores and plenty of self-doubt. What set them apart wasn’t natural talent, it was the courage to keep entering, learning, and improving.
Judge’s Tip:
The perfect time to start entering awards doesn’t exist. Growth comes from participation, not waiting until you “feel ready.” Your first step into the arena is the most important one.
Entering photography awards can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to grow — both as an artist and a professional. Every entry, whether it wins or not, teaches you something about your craft, your storytelling, and your creative voice. By avoiding these common mistakes and approaching awards with curiosity and courage, you give yourself the best chance to not only score well, but to create images that truly move people. Remember, the journey is just as valuable as the result and your next entry might be the one that changes everything.
What are YOU waiting for?
