Once you have found a contest, a few easy steps taken up front can substantially improve your chances of winning.

1.)    Read and follow the contest rules: Be sure that you read the contest rules very closely and that you understand the categories of work to be accepted.  Many entered photographs are eliminated before any judge sees them.  Why?  It is because the entries do not follow the contest rules (e.g. doesn't fit the categories, the wrong format or size, entry fee not paid, missed deadline, not captioned properly, missing technical information etc.).

2.)    Comply with the category: Contest rules exist for a reason.  They are strictly enforced.  A photo of a sunset, no matter how beautiful, will be eliminated if the category is wildlife.  Make sure that your photo fits the contest theme without any doubt.

3.)    Enter only technically excellent images: If your photos meet the contest requirements, pick only the very best images eliminating any that are not technically correct.  No over or under exposed photos, no out of focus shots, and no plants growing out of someone's head.

4.)    Stay in favor with the judges: Read again all of the information relating to the contest.  You have matched the theme and contest categories, now ask yourself about the sponsors.  Who are the judges?  What is their background?  Will the photos be published or exhibited?  If so where?  The more questions that you ask yourself and think about, the greater your chances will be.

5.)    Impact, Impact, and Impact: Be very critical of your remaining photos.  Most entries get no more than five seconds of the judges' time before the first cuts are made.  You must survive this first round.  To do this a photograph must command the judges' attention.  This could consist of extraordinary color, unusual composition, or a sensitive treatment of an ordinary subject.