There’s never been a point in time when photography was as ubiquitous as it is right now. Seemingly everyone has a smartphone nearby at all times. We’re snapping photos of everything, at all hours, and posting it everywhere, immersing ourselves in a sea of imagery. So what makes a photograph stand out? What makes it art as opposed to being just another snap shot or forgotten Instagram post?
Of course there are technical features that indicate quality. Lighting, composition, and contrast are a few. There’s also mood and reaction to consider. What effect does it have on its viewer? Does it tell a story or pinpoint an iconic moment? Does it capture the public’s imagination in a way that makes it unique and unforgettable, or at least worthy of pausing to reflect on?
Although subjectively judged photo contests might not be flawless platforms for deciphering the merits of art, they generally offer reasonable sets of criteria for determining which images from within an ocean of visuals are good candidates for publication. They also present opportunities for amateur photographers to gain exposure. With professionally trained panelists and crowd source voting technology it is possible to filter through mountains of pictures to find some gems.
Currently two surf photo contests at opposite ends of the climate spectrum are accepting submissions. On the tropical side of things Zak Noyle, a Hawaiian photographer who’s made a name for himself in the field, is putting on a local competition “to find the next great local Hawai’i surf photographer.” Running through March 8, 2018 “Changing of the Tides” offers prizes to Hawaiian residents for photographs shot in the state of Hawaii within the following categories: Water Action, Land Action, Lifestyle, Portrait, Empty Wave, and New Creativity. To read the contest rules and enter photos for consideration click here.
At the other end of the temperature spectrum Clif Bar is sponsoring a cold water surf photo contest centered on the East Coast, aimed at focusing attention on its own unique surfing environment. As it it states on the NY SEA website, “When we think of East Coast surfing, we think of jetty to jetty waves, spitting sand barrels, and ice cream headaches from duck diving 8ft sets in 39 degree water temperature. The Clifbar Cold Shot Challenge brings together this core community in a celebration of photography, adventure, and dedication towards the winter surf culture on the East Coast.” With a deadline of March 31, 2018 they’re seeking entries from New England, the North East, and Mid Atlantic regions in the categories of Land, Sea, and Air. To view current entries, learn more about the contest, and submit photos go the this website.
If you’re into surf photography and live in these contrasting environments why wouldn’t you take a shot and submit your work? Grab a camera, put on your hooded 6 millimeter wetsuit or boardies, and see what happens. Every instant is different when you press the button. Water is unpredictable, magic sometimes. Who knows? You might even see your photo rise above, and make its way to the podium.
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featured photo by Jake S.