Photography Contests – Tips and Tricks To Winning and What The Judges Look For

Many photographers enter wildlife photo contests hoping to see their work recognized—only to be left wondering why their images didn’t make the cut. What separates a good photo from a winning one? In this exclusive training, Andy Parkinson—National Geographic photographer, Nikon Europe Ambassador, and multi-award-winning wildlife photographer—pulled back the curtain on how top competitions are judged and what it takes to consistently stand out.

As one of this year’s judges for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards, Andy reviewed over 60,000 entries. During this session, he shared the mindset, techniques, and creative discipline that have earned him more than 130 international awards—and helped countless photographers elevate their contest submissions from ordinary to unforgettable.

What You’ll Learn in the Training

This training dives deep into the art and strategy of competition photography—how to create images that connect emotionally, demonstrate technical mastery, and tell a compelling story.

The Power of Impact and Emotion

• Why first impressions matter—judges often decide within seconds.
• How to build emotional connection through light, moment, and composition.
• Why simplicity and clarity often win over complexity and clutter.

Seeing Differently: The Beauty of the Abstract

• Look beyond the obvious. Isolating textures, colors, and shapes can produce surprising results.
• Focus on mood and pattern—details that make your image uniquely yours.
• Experiment with angles and reflections to reveal unseen perspectives.

Immersion and Authentic Storytelling

• Spend time with your subjects—intimacy comes from understanding behavior.
• Be patient enough to wait for the decisive moment rather than chase it.
• Let the story guide your composition. A strong narrative can lift an image above technically perfect ones.

Mastering Light, Composition, and Refinement

• Light isn’t just illumination—it’s the emotion of the scene. Study how it shapes mood and form.
• Constantly ask yourself, “How can I improve this?” Small refinements separate finalists from winners.
• Check every corner of your frame for distractions. Eliminate flaws that draw attention away from your subject.

The Ethics and Mindset of a Champion Photographer

• Respect wildlife. Let the animal dictate the distance, not your ambition.
• Shoot for yourself, not the judges. Authenticity resonates more than imitation.
• Find beauty in the overlooked—common subjects photographed with care can be just as powerful as rare species.

Who This Training Is For

This session is ideal for photographers who want to refine their creative voice and compete with confidence in top-tier contests.

• Wildlife photographers entering contests such as JOWP or WPY
• Intermediate and advanced photographers seeking honest insight from a judge’s perspective
• Photographers who want to strengthen storytelling and emotional depth in their work
• Anyone looking to move beyond technical perfection toward meaningful visual impact

Real Feedback From Attendees

“Thank you! It was wonderful!” – Tina McManus

“Excellent presentation, Andy. You enunciated many excellent points. Well done.” – Grevesz

“Wonderful presentation, Andy, and thanks JOWP gang for a fantastic learning event!” – Cat Antoniuk

“Very informative. I learned so much!” – Beverley Sinclair

“Awesome presentation – very helpful. Thank you for sharing your valuable time.” – Raymond

About the Presenter

Andy Parkinson is a National Geographic photographer, Nikon Europe Ambassador, and Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers. Based in the United Kingdom, Andy is celebrated for his powerful storytelling and commitment to photographing wildlife with honesty and respect. His work has been recognized over 130 times in leading competitions including Wildlife Photographer of the Year and European Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Andy’s images reveal deep immersion in his subjects—capturing the raw beauty, vulnerability, and individuality of the natural world. His portfolio can be viewed at andrewparkinson.com.