Curious about the photography contest categories at BetterPhoto.com? Wondering where your stunning photo fits best?
Each submission to the BetterPhoto contest is an opportunity to showcase your work within a specific category. Our contest is designed to be engaging, enjoyable, and competitive. Use the guidelines below to find the best fit for your photo.
Random categories evolve monthly, featuring both broad "umbrella" themes and more precise subjects. To stay current and choose wisely, visit the current monthly themes page for this month's specifics.
© Mike Hollman |
© Guy Biechele |
Our vast category spans landscapes, sunsets, urban and rural vistas, seascapes, and more, capturing the outdoor splendor of our world.
Preference is given to broad, sweeping views. More intimate nature scenes, such as close-ups of flora or fauna, may fit better elsewhere.
Explore breathtaking Nature and Landscape Photography.
© Donna Eaton |
© W.J. Shattil |
© Darwin Wiggett |
© Bob Jensen |
From pets to wildlife and everything in between, this category celebrates animals in all settings.
These photos can include pictures of pets - dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, birds, reptiles, amphibians - as well as photos of wildlife, zoo life, farm / domesticated animals, and even insects.
Discover inspiring Animal Photography.
© Donna Rae |
© Monika Sapek |
© Søren Skov |
© Colleen Walsh |
Our People category documents the human experience across all stages of life and activities.
These include pictures of people in all walks of life - parenting and family, children, cute baby pics, couples and relationships, models / fashion, people engaged in fun outdoor activities, etc.
This is all about decisive moments captured through the lens.
Explore the vibrant tapestry of human emotion and connection in our past contest winning people galleries. From the tender dynamics of family life, the innocence and joy of childhood, to the elegance of fashion, our collection celebrates the richness of people in every setting:
We invite you to share your own snapshots of life. However, please pay attention to the following important guideline:
Model Releases Required: For every recognizable person in your photographs, a signed model release is necessary to comply with our Contest Terms & Conditions. This ensures the privacy and rights of the individuals depicted are respected.
This category includes:
See stunning People Photography.
© Bob Garas |
© Heather McFarland |
© Robert Anderson |
© Anupam Pal |
© Peter Wilson |
© Leslie Jané |
Focusing on the fundamental elements like line, shape, and texture, this category is for photos that turn the ordinary into extraordinary through composition and perspective.
This category does not include: Digital illustrations or extreme digital modifications.
Graphic design illustrations made in a program like Adobe Illustrator and extreme digital creations do not belong in this category. Here we are looking for the elements of design - line, shape, pattern, etc.
Instead, think of that softly curving line leading to an interesting subject off in the distance.
Or a pattern of trees planted in a perfect line, leading out into a foggy distant background.
Or:
We are also looking for images that demonstrate cool photographic techniques, such as bokeh and motion blur.
View amazing Abstract Photos, Photography Techniques, and Pictures of Graphics Elements of Design.
© Daniel Biggs |
© Jessica Hughes |
© Adam Cowart |
© David Wilkinson |
© Patricia Marroquin |
This category can include landscapes, outdoor scenics, nature images, urban landscapes, seascapes, cityscapes, people, details... any subject you might encounter while traveling, as long as the photo expresses a sense of PLACE. If the photo could have been taken anywhere, it doesn't belong in this category.
© Heather McFarland |
© Monika Sapek |
© Piper Lehman |
© Cathy Gamlen |
© David Andrade |
In the end, a photo may fit into more than one category. For example, a landscape with strong lines leading up to a person, that you photographed in Tibet, might reasonably get categorized in Nature & Landscapes, People, Elements of Design, or the Travel & Place category.
But remember... you can only enter a particular photo into one category per month. You cannot enter a photo repeatedly in various categories. Carefully analyze your photo, compare to previous winners, and then choose the most fitting category.
These categories are intended to help you enjoy the photo contest. They are not written in stone and are considered suggestions more than rules. We reserve the right to determine when a photo fits or does not fit into a particular category.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and give it your best shot. When you are ready, enter today.
Or... read the Photo Contest Guidelines to learn more about how to win a photo contest.