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Today PPA is wrapping up their webinar series on preparing for print competition, Print Competition 101 – Demystifying the Process. I didn’t sign up in time to attend the first three webinars live, but I was able to access them from the webinar archives. I’m looking forward to the final webinar this evening (April 1st, 2009) at 7pm EST.
So, why did I pay for a course about print competition, when I’ve already been entering? Well, first of all, I’m always learning something new. Did you know you can attend the SAME program around seven times and still learn something you didn’t know, or had forgotten? Our minds can only take in so much at one time. So repetition is good.
Here’s the real incentive for you to sign up for the webinar series: you can recoup some $$. Yup, that’s right. All four webinars will cost you $92, but your $92 webinar fee will be applied to this year’s print case entry fee. So… you could enter your case for free! Very cool. But wait, there’s more. With PPA’s new approval of merits for webinars, that means you’ll come away with another service merit. Hmm, four webinars at no additional expense, and a service merit? You don’t see a deal like that every day [Call PPA Headquarters at 800-786-6277 to register].
So, what did I learn from the Print Competition 101 webinar series so far? I enjoyed seeing some inspirational images as I work on preparing my print case for this year’s national competition. I was given some good ideas for promoting my studio (you’ll have to watch the webinar for those). Here’s a productivity suggestion I was reminded of during the webinar. Instead of waiting to make your competition print selections + edits the week before the deadline, why not work on them throughout the year? On your computer, create a folder for possible competition prints. Work on them as inspiration strikes… and by the time next year rolls around, you’ll be surprised at how relaxed and unstressed you are as you get ready for Nationals.
The Print Competition webinars discussed principles of composition, including static + dynamic balance, the rule of thirds, color balance + harmony, lighting, presentation, storytelling, technique, and more. If you’ve looked at the 12 Elements of a Merit Print — that list can be somewhat daunting. I definitely came away from the webinars with a better practical understanding of those lofty goals we try to achieve in print competition.
“Take a common object and photograph it in an uncommon way” – Gehard Bakker
I love this quote. It embodies our goal as artists and photographers. A picture is worth a thousand words — but exactly what words are yours saying? The storytelling and impact of a competition print can lead the judges to award a merit… or even a spot in the loan collection. What your clients love to buy isn’t necessarily a great competition print, and the reverse is true as well. But having a truly creative outlet — where you have a purpose and reason to design a creative work to fulfill your artistic vision — can make you more inspired and focused when you create your “everyday” client imagery.
If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend signing up for the PPA webinar series on print competition. Who knows, you might get some inspiration for this year’s print case. This year’s deadline for print competition is May 1st, 2009. Make sure to read the rules + information about the PPA Print Competition now so you can get ready… the deadline is exactly 30 days away!
