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

- Presenter: Andrew Parkinson
- Thursday, October 9, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
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.
How to Watch This Training:
This event is exclusive to members of the Journal of Wildlife Photography.
Not a member yet?
- Select a membership below and join today to unlock access to this event and so much more.
- After subscribing, the link to this event and all others will be available on your members dashboard.
We look forward to seeing you there and being a part of your wildlife photography journey.
LABOR DAY SALE! SAVE $100
LIFETIME
$397.00
Membership Details
- 10 free contest entries per month included for life.
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
- 10 free contest entries per month included for life.
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
LABOR DAY SALE! SAVE $50
ANNUAL PLUS+
Membership Details
- 5 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 5 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
MONTHLY
Cancel Anytime
Membership Details
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
Join Today and You’ll Also Receive These Bonuses!
BONUS #1:
Monthly Live Webinar Trainings
Learn from Award-Winning Photographers in our Live Monthly Trainings.

As a member, you’ll get free monthly 90-minute trainings by award-winning professional wildlife photographers like Simon d’Entremount, Isaac Grant, Greg Basco and many more who dive deep into both beginner and intermediate topics. Directly following the trainings, the speaker will open up the floor for 30-minutes of Q&A. You’ll get instant access to all new and past trainings with your membership.
(Value $197.00/month)
Today: Included FREE
BONUS #2:
Monthly Live Photo Contest Image Critiques
Learn how to improve your photo contest entries.

We’ll choose 4 to 5 non-winning photos and provide detailed insights on how they could be improved and possibly win next time. Directly following the critique, we will open up the floor for 15-minutes of Q&A. You’ll get instant access to all new and past critiques with your membership.
(Value $197.00/month)
Today: Included FREE
BONUS #3:
Digital Magazine
Workshop-Level Education in an Easy-to-Read Quarterly Publication.

In 2019, the Journal of Wildlife Photography was created to bring wildlife photographers workshop-level training into the pages of a digital publication. With columns on conservation, macro photography, bird photography, animal behavior and habitats, underwater photography, DSLR and Mirrorless Autofocus systems, light and composition, and so much more.
(Value $97.00/year)
Today: Included FREE
BONUS #4:
Social Community
Share Your Photos and Get “Real-Time” Feedback From Our Private Online Community.

Connect with other wildlife photographers, share your photos, and learn from award-winning professionals through live virtual workshops, training, and seminars. Receive personalized feedback from your peers and get valuable insights from image critiques by working professionals.
(Value $97.00/year)
Today: Included FREE
BONUS #5:
Article Library
In-depth Articles on Wildlife Ecology, Shooting Tips, Field Techniques, and More.

Explore topics such as animal behavior, habitat management, outdoor photography, and shooting skills, among others. Each article is carefully researched and written in an engaging style, making it easy to follow and understand. You’ll get instant access to all new and past articles with your membership.
(Value $97.00/year)
Today: Included FREE
BONUS #6:
Monthly Photo Contests
Every month, JOWP hosts themed photo contests with cash prizes of $500.

(Value $120.00/year)
Today: Included FREE
LABOR DAY SALE! SAVE $100
LIFETIME
$397.00
Membership Details
- 10 free contest entries per month included for life.
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
- 10 free contest entries per month included for life.
- Lifetime access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Lifetime access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Lifetime access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Lifetime access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 15% OFF all future full-price purchases
LABOR DAY SALE! SAVE $50
ANNUAL PLUS+
Membership Details
- 5 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 5 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
MONTHLY
Cancel Anytime
Membership Details
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.
- 1 free contest entries per month included for one year.
- Access to live monthly photo critiques of contest winners and runners-up.
- Instant access to ALL back issues of the Journal, video library, and in-depth articles.
- Access to live monthly trainings + all past trainings.
- Access to the "Facebook-like" social media community.