- Photography

How to Write Captivating Photo Descriptions for Contests

You already know that winning a photo contest depends on the quality, theme, creativity, and idea of the picture you click. But do you know that writing a captivating description multiplies those winning chances? If yes, you are on the right path, as when the power of words combines with captivating pictures, it opens a gateway to a realm of emotions and connection. Photo description should be such that it not only captivates the interest of viewers and judges but also tells them about the back story behind the photo. From instilling curiosity to evoking emotions, a description should be a perfect combination of intrigue and a visual narrative. In this blog, we will discuss the ways to write captivating photo descriptions for contests that increase winning chances.

Keep it Short and Crisp

Understand the theme and purpose of the contest and align your description with that. This helps you to write a description that matches the expectations of the judges and resonates with the viewers. Ensure that the description is short, crisp, concise but also appealing. Remember that your picture should speak 1000 words, not your description. You can simply participate in a free photo contest that allow you to showcase your unique photography skills and get a massive following.

Highlight Unique Aspects of your Photo

When the theme is same, its uniqueness that sets you apart. The photo and its description, both the things should be unique and distinctive. Highlight the unique perspective, creative and emotional element, composition, lighting, etc., to turn ordinary pictures into an extraordinary tale that connects with viewers. Highlighting unique aspects allows you to invite the judges to see the backstory of the photograph and explore the nuances that make your photo a creative piece of art.

Start with a Strong opening line

The opening line is the first impression, and a strong and captivating opening line grabs viewers’ attention and encourages them to read the whole description. Try vivid descriptions, captivating words, unique proverbs, powerful quotes, or an exciting question rather than a generic opening sentence like “This picture is about…”. This helps viewers to connect and relate easily with the photo and upvote you.

Tell a Story and Evoke Emotions

A genuine and appealing narrative around the photo is a great strategy to create an emotional impact on the reader’s mind and increase the votes for your photo. Describe vividly the situation before the shot, the reason for picking a certain scene, the moment captures, and the aftermath story. Tell the viewers how taking such a unique photo makes you feel successful and accomplished. This adds depth to your description and evokes emotions that have a long-lasting impact on the viewer’s mind.

Be specific and Professional

By specific, we mean that the description should have the techniques, angles, equipment, and strategies used to take the picture. Adding the name of the place, animals, flowers, things, and a small description of their uniqueness is enough to define the picture. Professionalism is crucial in any competition, and incorrect information, bribery, and personal appeals should all be strictly avoided as they could result in immediate disqualification.

Conclusion

Captivating photo descriptions cause a long-lasting impact and allow judges to connect with the photograph on the ground level. They can understand and feel the nuances of the photo, the idea and struggle behind capturing it, and the aftermath of it. A vivid description evokes emotions and instills curiosity about the photograph. By highlighting the unique aspects in a clear, specific, and creative way, you can breathe life into the pixels and allow the story to strike in the mind of viewers for a longer duration.

About Calvin K. Coburn

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