How to Enter + Hints & Tips

How to Enter

Step 1. Click the 'Enter Now' button.  This will take you to the entry portal.

Step 2.  If you have an account with Prizeart Software, log in.  If not, sign up for a free account.

Step 3.  Once signed in, you will get a message  "You have not purchased any entries yet.  Click the button below to begin".

Step 4.  Click the button to begin.

Step 5.  Select 'Police Legacy Competition'.

Step 6.  Select how many entries, tick the 'Terms and Conditions' box, then select ‘Create Entries’.

Step 7.  Select 'Add Entry'.

Step 8.  Upload image resized to 3000px on the longest size.

Step 9.  Select your  'Category', enter an image description (optional) and your employee number (if applicable) and 'Save' your submission. 

You have now entered the competition. Good luck!


Hints and Tips from Scott McNaughton

Former 'The Age' photographer and current serving member

www.scottmcnaughton.com

You don't need a fancy camera to take good photos; the best camera is the one you have with you!

As with all portraits, it's important to make your subject feel relaxed. If your subject feels awkward in front of your camera, that is going to come through in your image. Remember that a portrait is, in a way, a self-portrait because you are photographing someone's response to you. To relax them, give them direction about where to look and how to position themselves.

Make sure everything in your frame has a purpose for being there. Once you have framed your shot, try to keep the background behind your subjects clear. A tree or power-pole sticking out of someone's head can be very distracting. If it doesn't communicate, get rid of it.

With landscape photography, it's best to think about the frame in 3 parts; foreground, middle ground and background. You should be looking to lead your viewer from the front of the image, right through to the background. When you come across that stunning sunset, don't just frame the sun in the middle of the frame, find something to fill the foreground with to give your viewer something that leads them into the image. A rock, a branch, a coast line, anything that will create a leading line will do.

We tend to take images at eye level but using a low perspective is a great way to emphasise the foreground. Lastly, try and avoid having the horizon line in the middle of the frame. Use the rule of thirds to position the skyline in the top or bottom third of the frame.

Ditch the zoom lens and get up close. Where you are standing is where your viewer is going to be. Photojournalist and travel photographer like to place their viewers right in the action, so that's where they place themselves.

When you find an interesting location to shoot, wait for something to happen. An interesting character, interacting with an interesting location will always make an interesting image.

Lastly, relax and enjoy the process because photography is meant to be fun!