Guest Blog - Why Photo Competitions are Good for Wildlife by Conrad Dickinson
Those of you that have signed up for our mailing list or have studied the website regularly will have seen that the concept behind WildArt is community-based and we would like you to be involved beyond simply entering the competition. This includes inviting guest blog posts from our audience on items that you think maybe of interest to the community. The first of these guest posts was received from Conrad Dickinson who discusses the benefits of entering competitions in terms of the development of his own photographic skills and for positive benefits for conservation.
Rob Read.
Why Photo Competitions are Good for Wildlife by Conrad Dickinson
Above: Conrad’s winning image - the prize money was donated to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust. ©Conrad Dickinson.
It only dawned on me last month how good photo competitions are for Nature Conservation and Wildlife. Many millions of people around the world have heard of the iconic Wildlife Photographer of the Year photographic competition that has now being running for decades. The ever-increasing quality of the stunning photographs backed up by conservation messages clearly have a positive impact on Nature Conservation. Other quality annual nature photography competitions have evolved that also help further the cause of positive conservation.
WildArt Photographer of the Year has gone a step further. With a proven pedigree of setting up and running a successful annual bird photography competition, Rob Read has developed an interesting twist with the WildArt competition, which in my opinion works. Let me tell you why.
Having pursued photography at a very mediocre level, whilst working as an International Polar Guide over the last ten years, I gradually ramped up my efforts towards taking nature photography more seriously in recent years. Competitions definitely helped in creating a focus for upping my game. I had to master the concept of submitting photos and then see the stunning results of better photographers that made me want to improve.
The emergence of the WildArt POTY competition added a new twist; 10 different concepts over 10 months. Wet, Space, Eyes, Light; Motion etc. etc. It suddenly dawned on me I had huge gaps in my portfolio that I needed to fill if I wanted to enter…This is pushing my skill set in viewing nature photography in a different way. And it is every month so it keeps up the momentum of trying to improve, rather than just being a one off annual deadline that you can often miss.
By having different, professional photographers judging and setting a theme every month, again it adds to pushing your skills and adding a wider perspective. Obviously I’d heard of Andy Rouse and studied his Red 5 concept to death, but suddenly he was talking about “Space” on the Facebook link. Another photographic twist to master!
Most importantly a percentage of proceeds goes towards a range of Wildlife conservation charities and for me that is what it is all about. It is a positive upwards spiral. Photographers take better and more stimulating photographs; pictures get promoted via social media, books and magazines; funds go to conservation charities, the public become more engaged in Nature; Wildlife/conservation holidays prosper; more people become employed in conservation; Professionals who run photographic tours/workshops will encourage their clients to enter competitions and so it all helps conservation.
Only last month I was lucky enough to win a category prize in an American competition and was able to pass on my prize money to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust that is very close to my heart. It has always been my objective to use my photography to promote wildlife conservation. So WildArt POTY definitely gets 10 out of 10 for raising the bar with the monthly competitions. I really hope as many people as possible jump on this band wagon to both push their own skills and do their bit for nature.
Conrad Dickinson. March 2021.