The Western Fair is approaching for us photographers in London Ontario.  Many photographers and lovers of photography enter the yearly photo contest in hopes to win a small prize.  I can’t for the life of me remember what prizes are given out by the judges other than bragging rights.

As a photographer in London, I can say that the contest isn’t about the prize or being best in show.  While it would be great to win because it would bring exposure to your work, the feeling of seeing your work out in the public trumps a potential ribbon.

I would recommend print sizes of 12×18, 12×12, or 11×14

For years I would go to the fair and say that I would submit photographs the next year. Time would pass and I would forget about the contest until I started hearing advertisements for the fair. I am sure there are many people that experience this issue.  Hopefully not this year though.  By posting this here, I hope that there are some emerging London Ontario photographers that catch it and realize there is still time to submit.

I am not sure how many big wedding photographers or portrait photographers actually submit to the contest compared to amateur, but it doesn’t really matter.  There are categories for such photographers to possibly dominate, but many professional photographers may not have the time.   I feel as if I’ve for to submit and represent London! I remember looking at names on the name cards last year and never recognizing anyone.  I even started to Google photographer names once I got home and I still found nothing.  Perhaps that will change this year as many people are starting to get online in London.

Well, it should be another great contest here in London.  Ontario photographers are sorting out their best images to submit before the deadline of August 5th 2010.  The submission documents can be found on the Western Fair’s Website.  Again, the cost is $5 per category and you can submit up to 4 photographs per category.  If you’re going to submit in one category, you might as well submit 4 photographs!

Just a quick tip that I noticed from last years contest:

The Maximum size of board and image is 16×20.  If you print your image at 16×20, it could get damaged due to the way the pictures were put up the other year.  Larger photographs really did make a bigger impact, so I would recommend print sizes of 12×18, 12×12, or 11×14.   You’ll still have room left on the mat board and the image shouldn’t become damaged.

I hope that the London Ontario Photographers make an amazing showing this year and the quality is through the roof! I’m off to talk to Mpix and Blacks to see what the turn around time is for them to print some sexy images! Goodluck!!

Are you submitting?

**Deadline for Submission Form and Payment is August 5th before 5pm!