Keeping Your Voice: Avoiding Being Drowned Out in Photography Competitions

Written by Lauren Cho

Hello, I'm Lauren, a current senior at Westridge School. My journey into art and photography began in 2020, amidst the isolation of covid, as a way to reconnect with the world. From photo walks in my neighborhood to creating art pieces about environmental issues and collaging life moments, photography became my window to the world.

My curiosity in creative exploration soon evolved into a keen interest in art and photography competitions. I plunged into every contest I could find, driven by an intense desire to win. This approach initially seemed successful, but soon, I found myself repeatedly facing defeat. I had the technical skill and a message in my photos, yet I couldn’t grasp what I was missing.

Joining Las Fotos Project in 2021 was one of the best things that happened to me. Though I was nervous about joining a community I was not a part of by school, residency, or traditional heritage, I quickly felt at home. Like a friendly amoeba, Las Fotos Project has a certain welcoming warmth that I loved being a part of.

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The students were so bright, yet always stayed positive and supportive of each other. I’ve met some of the most talented photographers I have ever seen, and I found myself a part of a community that was so endlessly exciting.

Through my teaching artists, mentors, and fellow classmates, I realized that the relentless pursuit of victory in competitions was overshadowing something crucial – my unique perspective. Just like college applications, these contests weren’t just about skill or aesthetics; they were about the photographer – about me, my life experiences, and the distinct lens through which I view the world.

I learned that my photographs and art pieces should reflect my personal narrative and creative opinion, not just cater to a specific judge or contest theme. The competitions weren’t just platforms to win; they were opportunities to showcase how I perceive the world through my camera. What made up my life, what was important to me, what I have experienced, was foremost and should always be more important than winning a gold medal.

I’ve learned to take a step back and reflect under each competition's prompt, considering my personal take on it. It’s been rewarding to draw inspiration from winner galleries and prompts, yet crucial to remember to stay true to my own voice.

In photography competitions, it's easy to get swept away by the current of competition, but it's vital to anchor yourself in your unique voice and vision. Your experiences, the people you’ve met, the places you’ve been – they shape your art in a way no one else’s can. So, enjoy the process, cherish your individuality, and let your photos speak your truth. That’s the real victory.

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