Reading is Fundamental

...Specially when it comes to contests.

How many aspiring photographers are out there? The digital camera makes it very easy for us to compose our shot, take it, then critique it immediately. If the shot doesn't fit the bill, take it again. Poor Billy will be a little tired after 10 canon balls that you forced him to jump because you continued to crop his head out of the picture.

Now, you've got this great photo and your friends convince you that you should enter it in a photo contest. Several local papers later, you find a contest worthy of your submission. Now, here is where the fine print means a great deal -the usage terms of exclusive rights.

A few months ago, I read in Carolina Woman that they're holding a photo contest. Wait! Can you hear the squealing tires coming to a dead-stop? Within the rules it reads:

Use: All photographs become the property of Carolina Woman Inc. Carolina Woman will retain the irrevocable and unrestricted right and permission to use and publish the photographs in whole or in part in any medium without restriction as to changes or alterations.

What does this mean to you? Frankly, you no longer own that photo. You can't submit to another contest or make personal stationery of it. If this photo is that good, Carolina Woman can put it into a calendar or turn it into a clever bag and profit from those sales -with your photo! You've basically signed away any rights you have to these photos as your own.

Before you fill out that application and enclose a sticky, fingerprint free possession, read the terms. You owe it to yourself.