Reflections from a Newbie and How It’s Prepared Me To Up My Game during 2025
Where I used to live in Oxfordshire, many people had cameras and offered paid photoshoots. The availability of paid photoshoots was prolific as was the standard of the photography. There was something for every budget, with some photographers small amounts for a ‘shoot-and-burn’ session to the luxury in-person experience or a bespoke package. In 2024 & 2025, my overarching goal was to “play with the big boys and girls,” which in my world this meant I wanted to get better I wanted to improve my skills and specialise in the area of pet and equine photography. I also wanted to improve my skills, knowledge and therefore the overall quality images. I wanted my images to stand out from the crowd. I had to break my goals down and place myself in a position where I could achieve what I considered to be success.
Setting Goals and Overcoming Challenges
At the beginning of 2024, I set a goal to successfully enter competitions. I was aiming for Bronze standard in national monthly competitions and was seeking feedback to be able to improve. To achieve this, I worked on developing my composition in camera, the overall editing of images post-production and, entered competitions. By the summer, the quality of my images was not where I had hoped. After peaking in January 2024 with a highly commended from the Society of Photographers, my images were not reaching the competition bronze standard I strived for.
I quickly discovered it can be an emotional roller coaster so after a while, I approached the Guild of Photographers for additional feedback and had two mentoring sessions with a specialist photographer. I made further amendments to how I edited in photoshop and added images for peer feedback in That Tog Spot’s mentoring vault. I also revisited parts of the Outdoor Canine Portrait Course developed by Jessica McGovern that I had not completed.
During that time period, I achieved nine bronze awards with the Guild of Photographers; the International Pet Photography Awards awarded one silver, one bronze with distinction, and five bronze awards; and I achieved a highly commended with the National Photographic Society (NPS). One of my images was picked as Image of the Day with the Guild of Photographers. I smashed my goal in January 2024 and am ending the year more confident in my ability.
Stunning Tigger
What I Have Learned
I found it important to enter competitions where I could get feedback so I was clear on the areas I needed to improve. Mainly my feedback was related to the Originality became essential for standing out, helping me create my own style and build confidence in my work. Knowing my niche area and becoming known within it has been invaluable, as has working consistently to a higher standard than previously. I now think more carefully about composition in-camera, finesse in editing, and more effective use of Photoshop. Building opportunities for models has also been key; it has provided me with a fantastic bank of images and gained me valuable followers for my business. Additionally, having my own ‘in situ’ models (my five cats – four Birman and one rescue) has allowed me to create some incredible images of my pets.
Progression is key, and I’m now in full planning mode for 2025. I know it will be challenging, but I am determined to improve and move forward with confidence based on the lessons and achievements of 2024.
Top Tips for Entering a Photography Competition
- Originality: Look at past winners to get an idea of the standard your work will need to be. Don’t copy their ideas; originality is key to standing out.
- Incorporate feedback: If you want to improve, take on board any feedback you’ve received and ensure you apply what you learned.
- Read the rules: Know the submission size, editing allowances, and guidelines.
- Get permission from models: Whether it’s people, pets, or horses, ensure you have consent. Pet owners are often thrilled to see their animals in award-winning images.
- Be ethical: Ensure everything you submit is your work. Be critical of your images, check for errors or distractions, and refine your editing.
- Double-check rules: I once had an image disqualified because I hadn’t properly read the rules.
- Read and understand THE RULES: Yes, it’s worth repeating!
- Know your niche: Pet, equine, and family photography competitions often look for genuine emotion and connection in the images. Capture the unique personality of your subjects.
- Focus on eyes: The eyes are crucial in pet and equine photography. They draw viewers into the image and add emotional depth.
- Use natural light: Outdoor settings and natural light often enhance pet and family portraits, making them more visually appealing.
- Patience is key: Working with pets, children, or horses can be unpredictable. Take your time and wait for the perfect moment.
- Tell a story: Whether it’s a family portrait, a candid shot of a pet, or an equine image in motion, aim to tell a story through your photograph.
- Consistency matters: Build a consistent editing style and stick to it across your competition entries.
Final Thoughts
Learn from success, embrace feedback, and use every opportunity to grow. Here’s to the 2026 competition season—good luck, everyone!
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