Put Yourself Out There

When it comes to prestige and esteem in the world of photography I’m pretty sure that National Geographic is on the top of that list. To have images featured in a publication like that would be such an honor, it’s almost unfathomable. When I read about The Ultimate Photo Contest that they are hosting, along with Energizer and saw what the Grand Prize was, I was weak in the knees. A trip to the Galapagos Islands (for 2) with a National Geographic guide while the winning photo is featured in the magazine. Swooning on both accounts.

We all know what can happen when we put ourselves out there by sharing our passion and taking a chance on winning the jackpot. If anyone knows that trying can actually result in winning, it’s all of us here.

We often add contest links in our side notes here at Shutter Sisters to inform you of the photo contests we catch wind of. Like the Photography Book Now or the Images of the Year competitions. Consider our listings as gentle nudges to put yourself and your work out there! Many of you have enlightened us in our Flickr Pool discussionas well about contests, etc. Thank you for that. If there is ever anything that’s happening in the photo community that you want to bring to our attention you can email us too. We’re all ears.

And since I’ve still got National Geographic stars in my eyes I am thrilled to tell you that in light of The Ultimate Photo Contest they are giving away an adorable and cool USB Port Photo Print Scanner a subscription to National Geographic magazine and some Energizer Lithium Batteries to one lucky reader!

And don’t miss what the judge of the contest Jim Richards has to share. He’s got tips on photography and is even answering questions from the community. Something tells me, he knows what he’s talking about!

Leave your comment here for a chance to win today's cool prize package (you have until midnight on Monday to do so) and if you want to share a contest or something else that’s going on, we’d love to hear about it!

Comments

[Lu]

This looks like a wonderful contest. I started entering a few years ago and you really do build a sense of community when you are in it with other people.

[toni]

It's one thing to be published on a nearly daily basis for work, or even contracted services, but when I entered the Cowboys & Indians annual photography contest this past December and then made it into the honorable mention category, wow! That's a feeling that is out of this world. Just seeing your image next to your name in a well respected publication is the best feeling. Thanks for letting us know about the contest. Off to check it out!

[Claudia@ DipityRoad]

heck!! I just barly found you wonderful talented people this week.... I feel so behind -- i will be spending hours just going through all your fantastic examples of brilliance.

Thanks for being here to start my inspirations.

TTFN~~Claudia

[Charisse]

I love National Geographic! My 8yr daughter and I really enjoy National Geographic Kids. I think they are 2 of the best magazines and they also display so much eye candy of different sites around the world that can be enjoyed from young to old!

[Toni | DailyVignette]

I've tried repeatedly to sign up for the Nat. Geo. photo contest and can't get past step 1. I fill out all my info and submit and then nothing happens. I've even tried the setting where I already have an account, but can't remember my password and they don't have any record of me. It has been very frustrating and yes I'm pouting. I'd love to win the giveaway here, though! My mouse needs new batteries right now. =)

[megan P]

gorgeous! love it :)

[MeganAnne]

I've been debating which pictures to submit to this contest for quite a bit now. Thanks for reminding me I better make a selection!

[Andromeda Jazmon]

I really appreciate all the inspiration I find here in every single post. I recently had three photos with haiku put up in a local art show. A scary but proud experience!

[Jamie-o-e-o]

Thank you for the info! Would it be great if a Shutter Sister won?!

http://camerashy.tinycorners.com/index.php?showimage=4

[kristin]

i have been tryig harder this year to put myslef out there. to accept when someone calls me a "photographer" it still seems so strange to me, i almost always look over my shoulder, like who me???? yes right me. thank you for the encouragement and the safe place to feel like i belong.

[le]

My goal was to learn-now it will be to do.

[renee @ FIMBY]

Haven't entered any contests..... yet.

[Stephanie]

I love Shutter Sisters and all the inspiration and information..THANKS SO MUCH!

[mandiegirl]

Thanks so much for the info! :)

[Lara]

National Geographic has been a constant in my life. It is more than just a compilation of beautiful and striking photos: it is a window to the world we often forget outside of our own. Whomever wins the trip is one lucky person.

[Meg]

I knew about this contest, but you guys helped light a fire under me to get me to submit to it. Yesterday I submitted two images *fingers crossed*.

It isn't much of a contest, but it is a giveaway. I am hosting a giveaway for a camera strap slip cover on my blog right now. Be sure to check it out. You've got to be in it to win it ladies!!!!

http://whimsy.typepad.com/teaandbrie/2009/05/end-of-may-lets-have-a-giveaway.html

xo
meg

[Amy]

Thanks for the push. I'll have to look into some contests this summer.

[GayleV]

Thanks for always sharing such great inspiration. I think we all need extra encouragement and inspiration to try something different once in a while. You are great!!

[Kelly D.]

Thanks for sharing, sisters! I look forward to visiting your site. Always an inspiration!

[MGF]

This is so cool. I grew reading this magazine. And now my dad reads this to my three boys. I love and hope this brings them fond memories.

[laurie]

Love this contest - going through way too many pictures to find a potential candidate now. :)

[nic]

I love this site, and this is a fantastic opportunity. I've just joined the flickr group too, looking forward to sharing and exploring even more photography :)

[R. Davis]

I have loved National Geographic since I was kid, when I was little I was totally mesmerized by the photos and now I enjoy the articles too! They had some fantastic free podcasts on iTunes a while back as well.

[Patricia Sampson]

Thank you so much for the continued inspiration and motivation to challenge myself. I find that I constantly compare my work to other photographers that I admire (which can be very depressing!) so I am going to attempt to stop doing that and just be the best photographer that I can be! We can be our own worse enemy and are all too often too hard on ourselves and our creative visions. I am going to start putting myself out there and start entering my images in contests! You will never know if you don't ever give it a try right?

[Teri]

My mom sent me a link to this contest a week ago and has asked me every day now, if I have entered my photo......that would be a no, not yet. Now reading this, I guess I should. Two nudges are just too much to ignore:)

[Phillipa]

I'm just finding your blog and loving everything I've read so far...looking foward to learning more about Shutter Sisters and it's community. National Geographic was probably one of the first magazines that made me appreciate photography, you gotta love it!

[louise]

thanks for letting us know - I'm on the hunt for an appropriate shot right now!!

[lifeineden]

My childhood dream was to work for Nat Geo in the Serengti. Sigh.

[leigh]

Thank you for always pushing me to do more. you are all amazing!

[spread your wings]

thank you for always being an inspiration - motivation to do better. great contest.

[Crystal]

I agree - National Geographic photos always inspire me!! That is a cool prize!

Thank you for creating this community for us - I love your advice, pep talks and the shares :))

[Karyn]

Thanks for the gentle nudge. that's just what i needed today.

[Melissa Allen]

My mind is racing for entering a picture, but how do I pick...thanks for all the info all the time!

[Amy]

the shutter sisters here oooh la laaaa I have to say how much this place inspired me and I'm so glad I found all of you!

[Shawna]

i'm trying to make my big dream happen by asking everyone i know to let me take their photos. waaay out of my comfort zone, but someone's bound to agree, right?

[Lori]

hmmm...I need to find a contest to win. Thanks for the inspiration.

[Leah G]

This is on my list of 101 things. So far, I haven't really taken out time to focus on this, just kind of an idea that stays in the back of my mind. Fortunately I have a little while to go before my 1001 day deadline. :-)

[Michelle]

Look at the sky.

[Stasi]

my dad had years of NGs on the shelf when we were growing up. I wish I still had them. They were donated years ago tot he local elementary school. Sadly they probably got all cut up for some kindergarten collage project.

[NikiG]

Thank you for the inspiration. I recently purchased my first DSLR and have been so thrilled to get back into photography again and find this blog - although it feels like I'm starting all over again since all my old tricks from film photography aren't serving me quite as well with a digital.

I went ahead and entered a photograph in the NG contest - taken with an old point and shoot two years ago on my trip to Peru. I can't believe I did it - but I think the entering matters more than winning. I'll be going to the GI this December on my own, so will be hopefully getting more great shots for next year's contest!

[Chocolate on my Cranium]

That would be a trip to experience! I've never been out of the USA. Thanks for letting us know. Now off to search through my archives and take new pictures.

[NEC]

Wow! I'm no where near this kind of quality - but a contest is a contest :o)

[lucy]

http://onmyway2work.blogspot.com
I love taking pictures, I just wish I knew how to better operate my camera!

[Erin]

What an amazing prize!!

[Kristin]

National Geographic is the ultimate honor! Thanks so much for the info....love your site lots :o)

[Nicole]

It's always tough putting your work out there - especially after you view the incredible amount of photography talent on the web alone. Thank you for creating an environment where it's safe to share the photos that we love - even if we question whether others will.

[Janice S.]

Since happening upon this website, I have learned so much. I'm still such a newbie to this fascinating world of photography, but I find your site helps to build my confidence. I have only entered one contest so far - did not win - but sites such as yours encourage me to continue to try. Thank you for being there.

[Nikki]

Thanks for mentioning the contest. I "put myself out there" and entered a photo too.

[alisa]

national geographic magazine is what made me want to learn photography. as a little girl i wanted to travel the globe and photograph unheard stories, releasing them to the world. what can i say, i still dream of that :)