Photo contests are great for a number of reasons, but perhaps the coolest aspect is the fact that they get the shooter’s creative juices flowing. The act of merely pointing and clicking takes on some new meaning when done with a contest in mind, as additional thought is required if there’s something at stake.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA, ce.org) and Photojojo (photojojo.com) recently launched just such a photo contest in the hope of encouraging consumers to dial up their creative side as they lift camera to face. The grand prize winner will be announced January 13, 2012, at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The CEA and Photojojo Best Shots contest will be taking photo submissions until December 16, 2011. Entrants can submit one photo in each of four categories: people, places, pets and cell phone shots. A slate of expert judges will select the finalists, and winners will be determined by an online popular vote running from January 9 – 12, 2012. To enter, visit digitaltips.org/photocontest.
All photo entries will also be displayed on an LCD screen at the 2012 CES in the Las Vegas Convention Center. In addition to the grand prize winner—who will receive a DSLR kit that includes a Nikon D3100 14.2MP DSLR camera, a UV filter, 8GB memory card and an additional 55-200mm lens—semifinal winners in each category will win one of four compact point-and-shoot cameras (Canon PowerShot Elph 510 HS, Fujifilm FinePix Z900 EXR, Pentax Optio WG-1, Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX55), and five honorable mention winners will receive gifts from the Photojojo online store.
“With digital photography, there are many opportunities to go beyond uploading to a computer, including online sharing, printing, creating digital photo frames and producing fun photo projects,” said Colleen Lerro, communications specialist at CEA. “Through this contest, Photojojo and CEA are encouraging people to do more with their ‘best shots.’”
If you’re not familiar with Photojojo, the site specializes in photo tips and tricks, DIY photo projects and digital imaging product buying advice. They also publish a twice-weekly newsletter with photo tips, do-it-yourself projects and news on various new photography gear. It’s worth a look if you’re a consumer or a retailer.
CEA research shows more than eight in 10 U.S. households own digital cameras, and 61% of those who have used their cameras in the last year consider themselves active photographers.
If last year’s contest submissions are any indication of the skill level of those who enter the Best Shots contest, 2012 entrants better be on their game if they plan on making the cut.
The Best Shots photo contest judges will include Dave Johnson, PC World’s Digital Focus; Steve Tiffen, Tiffen Company; Amit Gupta, Photojojo; and yours truly of PIR fame.
To view the full rules of the contest and/or submit a picture, visit ceatechenthusiast.com/BestShots2011.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your digicams.
