Advice from last year's Unsplash Awards finalists
From now until October 31st, submissions for the fourth edition of the Unsplash Awards are now officially open. Designed to recognize the community that’s pushed the open photography movement forward — we can’t wait to celebrate the very best of Unsplash with you this year.
And whether you’re new to Unsplash or a longtime contributor — we invite each and every one of you to submit your work to the Unsplash Awards. Because really, there’s no better time to give it a try! And who knows? Your photo might just get selected by this year’s panel of judges.
If you’re still feeling unsure, take it from last year’s finalists. We caught up with them recently to ask them about their top tips for submitting, and how it felt to be recognized last year.
Charles Etoroma
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
I was beyond honored and I had no idea I’d be selected. I found out about the contest about 48 hours before it closed so I scrambled to put something together. Was so fortunate and thankful to be selected.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
The most important thing is to nail down the categories that you feel like you have a strong point of view. It’s better to cast a more narrow net and share only the content that you are super proud of in the top categories.
Simone Hutsch
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
To be honest, I've never expected to become a finalist, there are so so many great people out there, but it's super exciting and I just feel really appreciated in what I do. I can only say big thanks again and that I look forward to seeing this year’s selections.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
Just do your thing, if you have fun creating these images, other people will see that. In terms of what to actually submit — Be hard on yourself. I know it’s hard because I personally love all of my work, but I only submit the ones where I really pushed myself.
Geran de Klerk
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
I’ve been an avid fan of Unsplash, both the platform and the team behind it, for the longest time. Being recognized by the best stock platform, with a large creative community, is probably the best thing that could happen for any hobbyist photographer like myself. Receiving positive messages from people across the world and seeing artists repurpose your work is all the motivation you need to keep creating.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
For me, it’s always been about quality over quantity. Submitting to Unsplash and the Unsplash Awards takes an entire review process of its own before the upload.
Is the focus point perfect? Does the colour grading compliment the photo and the Unsplash library? Make sure not to over-edit — rather focus on what story the image tells.
Combining a professionally shot image with a “moment” is what makes it powerful and it is what people are looking for.
Adrien Olichon
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
Every year I’m really excited about this event, it inspires me and it brings up the creativity of the community. So being a finalist last year was great! I was so proud that people enjoyed my pictures as much as I had fun working on it.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
Pick your favorite pictures, those where you know you did a good job. The ones you caught during a special moment, the ones you really remember.
Kelsey Curtis
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
I've received very few awards for my images in the past, so it was a great feeling to be recognized for a skill I've worked really hard for. This year, I might try submitting for a new category outside of my usual work — who knows! The sky’s the limit.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
You are your own worst critic. The image I submitted last year I honestly didn't think much of. It was from one of my first ever freelancing jobs. I pulled a backdrop I made out of my trunk for a client shoot and shot the image on the front porch of her house. I just couldn't really connect with work from my past anymore, but I submitted it anyways. What I'm getting at is, we are all self-critical of the work we produce, especially past work. Even if you don't think you'll win, you should try anyways - that's exactly how I won!
Yannes Kiefer
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
To be selected as the finalist in the People & Diversity Category with one of my all-time favorite photos was huge for me! I really felt honored and extremely proud. Ever since I started taking photos, one of my ultimate goals was (and still is) to capture honest moments with real people. So it feels great knowing that this photo stood out against so many incredible photos in this category and I think this recognition has pushed and challenged me to take even better photos since then and will continue do so in the future.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
Well, I think it is important to just put your work out there and see what happens, since there is absolutely is nothing to lose here. Don’t be shy, talk to other people (and photographers) about your work and do not worry about gear to much. I always thought I would need a camera with a full-frame sensor to take really great photos but it turns out it is indeed possible to take awesome pictures (and win) with a camera with a smaller sensor. For example, 98% of my photos are taken with an older Fujifilm camera and just one lens.
Aurélien BAUD
How did it feel to be selected as an Unsplash Awards finalist last year?
When I received the news that my submission had been selected it was a total surprise to me as I’d even forgotten that I’d submitted! But I was so happy to see my work and my picture style approved by the judges. And I'm excited to see what the other contributors will submit this year.
Do you have any top tips for contributors submitting to the Unsplash Awards for the first time?
So first for me, my big tip is to not take a picture just for the Unsplash Awards, but to first take it for yourself. For instance, the image I submitted last year was taken with a friend for fun during a walk in town and it was only 4 months later when the Unsplash Awards came around that I decided to post it and submit it. So you just need to submit the picture you like the most from the past year and go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose.
From October 1st to 31st, we are accepting submissions for the Unsplash Awards. Whether you're new to Unsplash or a long-time contributor, now's the time to start submitting. So go give it a shot – you've got nothing to lose.