Find Out What Makes a Winning Photo

Smithsonian Spotlight: Picture Perfect (23:06)

“Watch the full episode to go behind the scenes, and into the minds of the judges, at the Smithsonian magazine photo contest. See what it takes to win a photo contest, from the lens of the photographers to the scrutinizing eyes of the judges.”

“What are the hallmarks of a winning image in Smithsonian magazine’s photo contest? Technical quality, clarity and composition, but also a flair for the unexpected and the ability to capture a picture-perfect moment.”

This is by far one of the best photography related videos I’ve seen lately.  Not only do you get a glimpse of some outstanding photos, but you get to listen in on how judges arrive at their decisions.  Find out what qualities all good photographs must share to be even considered for selection.

Listen to judges discuss the process by which they select their favorites.

Here are just a few quotes from this Smithsonian Spotlight episode:

• “Technology today makes it easy to take good photographs, but not any easier to take a really great one.  One with an image that draws us in, tells a story, or captures a moment.”
• “Lighting is probably the most important technical consideration.”
• “I think that there’s a certain amount of being in the right place at the right time, but you’ve got to be in the right place at the right time knowing what you’re doing also.”
• “While it takes passion, patience, skill, and sometimes a little luck to artfully freeze a moment in time, the results can be timeless.”

If you think you have a winning photo, there’s still time to enter the contest.  Photos must be uploaded by 2:00 PM EST, Monday, December 1, 2011, and the contest is open to those living outside the United States too.  Photos taken before January 1, 2009 are not eligible.  Click either the link or photo below to read more.

Smithsonian magazine 9th Annual Photo Contest