There is no single "formula" to winning photographic competitions, but there are a number of things that you can do to improve your photography in general, which will also improve the chances that other folks will like your work.
1) Interesting subject matter. More than anything else, if your capture does not evoke a feeling or tell a story, it's not likely to compel people to vote for the image.
2) In focus, and try to isolate or "showcase" the subject matter. Nothing kills a shot faster than being out-of-focus on the subject matter. Likewise, if the subject gets lost in visual clutter, the image loses impact. Watch the background and foreground to avoid images which conflict those elements with the subject(s).
3) Proper composition. Some compositional techniques work better than others to frame and direct the eye to your subject matter. Learn what works and what doesn't work for what you're shooting. Also learn when to deliberately ignore proper composition when it helps to promote the image.
4) Lighting. Proper and appropriate lighting often makes the difference between an image which looks mundane, and an image with real interest. Some of this can be accomplished in post-production, but much depends on the original exposure. Available light may not always be beneficial, so also know when and how to use off-camera electronic flash when necessary.
5) Proper exposure. Images which are underexposed often contain a lot of random sensor noise, which can partially obscure image detail. Images which are overexposed can lose detail in the highlights. Learn the techniques to provide proper exposure for best results. The above section on Lighting certainly impacts proper exposure.
6) Horizon and straightening vs tilting. Properly straightened images generally work better than tilted images, except when you "want" the viewer to have an unsettled feeling about the image.
7) Subject size in the image. Wide angle views often show relationships between multiple subjects, while close and intimate views generally give a better individual subject perspective.
8) Visual angular perspective. There are many times when standing doesn't get you the best view for a photograph. With children and animals it's often important to get down to their height. Likewise for other subject matter. Shooting from low can often simplify the background, but it can also complicate the foreground.
9) Compressed perspective and "forced" perspective. Compressed perspective allows you to compose subjects together which are actually farther apart than would seem. A long-telephoto length lens or lens setting allows you to compress this distance.
Forced perspective is similar in that the two subjects are farther apart than would seem, but you use a shorter focal length and very small aperture to make the subjects appear to be juxtaposed.
I am but a beginner but some people I see snap a pic and win competitions. Is there a checklist for what makes up a winning photo?
Yes, years and years of technical mastery of photo gear and editing, plus being at the right place at the right time thousands of times, plus understanding light, tonality, composition, and last but not least having artistic vision and imagination. Go through these 1 by 1 and you should be winning awards in no time.
I believe "right place, right time" is half the battle. Study hundreds of images. Learn to isolate a scene.
Most important, learn your equipment. Aperture, shutter, focus, exposure and composition. Get away from the "auto" mode. Take a walk on the wild side. Each day select a different subject, focus point, shutter speed or aperture.
Take one subject, use different ISO, exposure and lighting effects. With modern digital cameras, instant results increase the speed of learning.
When you look through the view finder or "live view" look for the "point of impact", the "aw" moment.
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2) In focus, and try to isolate or "showcase" the subject matter. Nothing kills a shot faster than being out-of-focus on the subject matter. Likewise, if the subject gets lost in visual clutter, the image loses impact. Watch the background and foreground to avoid images which conflict those elements with the subject(s).
3) Proper composition. Some compositional techniques work better than others to frame and direct the eye to your subject matter. Learn what works and what doesn't work for what you're shooting. Also learn when to deliberately ignore proper composition when it helps to promote the image.
4) Lighting. Proper and appropriate lighting often makes the difference between an image which looks mundane, and an image with real interest. Some of this can be accomplished in post-production, but much depends on the original exposure. Available light may not always be beneficial, so also know when and how to use off-camera electronic flash when necessary.
5) Proper exposure. Images which are underexposed often contain a lot of random sensor noise, which can partially obscure image detail. Images which are overexposed can lose detail in the highlights. Learn the techniques to provide proper exposure for best results. The above section on Lighting certainly impacts proper exposure.
6) Horizon and straightening vs tilting. Properly straightened images generally work better than tilted images, except when you "want" the viewer to have an unsettled feeling about the image.
7) Subject size in the image. Wide angle views often show relationships between multiple subjects, while close and intimate views generally give a better individual subject perspective.
8) Visual angular perspective. There are many times when standing doesn't get you the best view for a photograph. With children and animals it's often important to get down to their height. Likewise for other subject matter. Shooting from low can often simplify the background, but it can also complicate the foreground.
9) Compressed perspective and "forced" perspective. Compressed perspective allows you to compose subjects together which are actually farther apart than would seem. A long-telephoto length lens or lens setting allows you to compress this distance.
Forced perspective is similar in that the two subjects are farther apart than would seem, but you use a shorter focal length and very small aperture to make the subjects appear to be juxtaposed.
Lots more, but this should get you started.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Yes, years and years of technical mastery of photo gear and editing, plus being at the right place at the right time thousands of times, plus understanding light, tonality, composition, and last but not least having artistic vision and imagination. Go through these 1 by 1 and you should be winning awards in no time.
14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
85 and 50 1.4
45 PC and sb910 x2
http://www.danielkimphotography.com
Most important, learn your equipment. Aperture, shutter, focus, exposure and composition. Get away from the "auto" mode. Take a walk on the wild side. Each day select a different subject, focus point, shutter speed or aperture.
Take one subject, use different ISO, exposure and lighting effects. With modern digital cameras, instant results increase the speed of learning.
When you look through the view finder or "live view" look for the "point of impact", the "aw" moment.