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Although it could never be considered freelancing in the traditional sense, there is potentially much to gain from entering photographic competitions. Hundreds are held each year, with prizes as lucrative as cars, foreign holidays and hard cash. Someone has to win them, and there is no reason why it should not be. Some photographers make a significant amount each year to entering into any photo contest come across.

Once you start looking you'll see a picture taking competition everywhere you go. They are a staple of photographic journals, often done on a monthly basis, usually with a chance to win top-of-the-range camera or lens. Other magazines, and experts and the general interest, the host of the photo contest, sometimes as a one-off, and sometimes on a regular, annual basis. Many different organizations are also stage photo competition with a view to obtaining publicity. This includes travel companies, products and producers, picture libraries and charities. To set the path to success, here is a list of ten 'rules' of winning photography contests.

Ten Rules for winning the contest

Rule 1: to be constantly on the lookout for competition. You never know when you might turn up. You'll see them advertised in the shopping malls, which are mentioned in magazines, on product packaging promoted and publicized on television and radio. You might also be more proactive in finding them through search engines. Type in 'photo natječaj'ili "photo contest" and you'll be presented with links to hundreds of different places. With the advanced search option and limit your search to web pages updated in the last three months, and you're more likely to find competition that are still running.

Rule 2: Read the rules carefully. Then read them again, just to make absolutely sure that you are clear about every aspect. Then they follow the script. You can not afford to have their photos rejected because it does not meet the criteria specified. If you are asking for print, such as maximum and minimum size? If you have digital files that are required, the size and resolution? Did you need to send the reference prints? What is the theme of the competition? Must have picture taken in any particular place or at any particular time period?

Rule 3: Whenever it is possible to shoot specifically for the competition. Just use the existing material, if it is absolutely fit brief. Do not send in something that is 'almost' what they're looking for. And even if you have an image that seems to be appropriate, it is still worth taking the time and trouble to come up with something better. So the competition seriously. Treat it as if it were paid a commission from the client. Give yourself a creative task, and set yourself a date for delivery of pictures in front when you need to post them. This may seem a strange way of working, but actually creates winners.

Rule 4: Make sure your entry has no technical defects. To be worth filing, images must be properly exposed and focused correctly. If the quality is not up to the mark they will go straight to the discard pile.

Rule 5: To get on the winners rostrum need to come up with something special. So avoid the boring and mundane, this is where most of the entries fall: 80 percent of applicants are technically OK, but a huge proportion of that 8O per cent are bored, bored, bored. Why bother to take pictures in the first place, let alone stand a chance of winning. Therefore, to interpret the competition theme in an original way, if you want to impress the judges. We produce some really creative ideas that fit the brief - but forget the ones that come to mind first

Anyone would have thought of them. Be creative and push back the boundaries, if you want to get noticed.

Rule 6: actually submit your work. This May sound obvious, but many photographers never get round to. Or they can leave it at the last minute and then sent to a second-rate pictures. Make sure you know when the closing date and send your pictures in good time.

Rule 7: Presentation of stuff - so make your entry as attractive as possible. If you're entering the print, make it bright and clean, not tatty and dog-ears. Send prints to the maximum size allowed. Enprints at 15 x 10 cm (6 x 4in), do not show the image quality or appeal the case. A4 (210 x 297mm/WA 111/2in x) or 25 x 20 cm (10 x 8in) entries are usually allowed - sometimes higher - so his image blown up in those sizes. If you work on your own inkjet printing, worry that the high quality, no "banding" or color cast, and they have a full range of tones, without the burnt highlights and blocked shadows,

Rule 8: Put your contact information - name, address, telephone number, e-mail address on everything you send: application, graphics, CD, DVD , the index sheet, cover letter and digital images. During the process of evaluating things are sometimes separated.

Rule 9: Beware of contests that require you to sign away your copyright - check the rules carefully if they say that the copyright in all photos entered is assigned trčanjenatjecanja companies do not enter. This is the unscrupulous way of getting lots of pictures for next to nothing, however, you should expect a clause saying that the winning entries can be used for advertising and PR purposes without payment - it is standard practice perfectly acceptable

Rule 10: Keep a diary competition. Some events come round at the same time every year, so you can record with them in mind whenever you take pictures, instead of waiting until they are announced.