John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

A local businessman is considering sponsoring a photo competition and has asked for my input.
Very early stages as yet, but has anyone any ideas I should consider.

I may well come back later when I have more information, but I'm in a dreary U.K. at the moment - whilst he is enjoying some of the best L.A. has to offer!

Brokenland

The fact that this businessman has asked for your opinion and or your approval in creating and hosting a competitions is good news for you. Wish that I could be so lucky, but I may get my change later this year.

Break a Leg

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

There seems to be lots of photo competitions around. Check out their terms and conditions. What is the business man wanting to get out of the competition, subject matter etc, basic publicity for his philanthropy, or advertising material? Look at ownership issues regarding submitted images and how others word their T&C's(US and UK). Check where the comp would be placed in the public domain - specialised trade mags or 'general press. Costs etc. Will he be supplying the prizes or looking for prize sponsorship?
By looking at what competition's are 'out there' you should get enough initial ideas to draw up a few rough idea spec's to float past him. I don't think a 'one fit for all' exists as 'competition' is used in many many ways.

PS make sure to deliver your findings in person....when the weather 'over there' is pleasant.
have fun

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

You will need to think through how the photos will be submitted, chosen, and then hung for viewing. Who will do all these things? Judging is always an issue with any competition and having qualified judges is your best bet, "qualified" having many explanations of course. How much will it cost to enter? Is it refundable? What are the rules for entering? What kind of images and what is the photographer allowed to do to them (there is always confusion with processing issues). That's just a few of the things I can think about right now. I've been involved in competitions and also entered many of them. It's generally fraught with hazard of some kind!

Photocraig

1) Raining i LA, so dreary vs dreary--temperature differs from UK, I suppose.
2) Photo Contests can be a, as we say in the USA, a can of worms. I think that if you put yourself in the mindset of the Entrant/Contestant, with your own work open for judging, and your "rights" at stake, you can serve your friend well. I hope a good contest results, and some deserving photographers get the recognition and inspiration they deserve. I think your best initial contribution could help determine the following:

a, WHY--what is the purpose of the contest? Business, Community Service, Collection of images to display/publish, or recognition of the Photo Community. Multiples are OK.
b, WHAT happens to the images?
c, What happens to the RIGHTS to the images?
d, WHO will judge--and how are they qualified?
e, What is or are the presentation format, or formats? Prints, matted/framed? Digital at what resolution?ETC???? The more specific the better? Maybe not.
f, Categories: Amateur, Junior (Students), Professional?
g, Prizes? Cash/ Merchandise/ Travel??? 1st, 2nd. 3rd, Honorable mention.
h, Recognition: Publicity, publication of Image. Prominent display at a business? (ties into #1)
j, Categories of entries: Portraits, landscapes--local?, documentary, social comment, abstract? etc.....etc.!
k. A one time thing, or will the contest be periodic--like annual?

In the US, some contests have been blatant attempts to acquire images for commercial purposes at a low net cost. People have entered and forfeited rights to their photos, even without becoming prize winners. Not knowing UK law and customs, etc., I only advise that you get legal advise on these matters, including model and property releases depending on end uses. I think there are many stories where a Photo or Essay contest inspired a budding artist to enter and gained enough recognition to inspire further concentration on their work. That's the nobile side of it.

For the contest sponsor, the chance to get recognized for supporting the arts is positive. Display of entries could encourage foot traffic, and freshen up the appearance of the premises for a while. Properly promoted, it could be a good reputation enhancement for the sponsor.

Then there are ALL the other details to be worked out,
C

Herbie1924 Loc: Woodbury, MN

In addition to photocraig's comments - you can add dating: closing, judging & when awards/prizes given -
number of prints (size:8x10) per entrant & if color and/or mono. If product or service is local/area - stick to such coverage.

jwn Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA

most important thing in any competition is who is doing the judging. One of our local art association has a competition and every entry must be for sale. And if the entries have value who is responsible for loss/damage.