There are three things a photographer needs: ideas, a way to express those ideas and some form of feedback or a mentor.

Better Photography magazine does the first two extremely well (so I'm told), but we're not really set up to provide feedback or mentorship. Then I had a thought: why not offer all subscribers a free entry (valued at $20) into the magazine's annual photography competition - because every entry receives a score and a comment from the judges. Perhaps this feedback could help?

Now, I realise this doesn't replace a proper mentor, but we do have three AIPP Grand Masters of Photography judging. And the judge comments link into the How To Win Photo Competitions series of articles run in Issues #96 to #100 (these are available online in the archive if you need to find them).

Of course, I'm hoping some subscribers will enter a few more paid entries, but there's no obligation. The offer of a free entry is genuine, no strings attached.

So, how do you enter?

Step 1: Visit the competition website: www.betterphotographyphotocomp.com.
Step 2: Login or create a new account (it's a different website to Better Photography or Better Photography Education, so you'll need a new login unless you also entered last year).
Step 3: Read the rules and upload an entry.
Step 4: When you check out, use the coupon code SUBSCRIBED2022 to get your free entry.

And if you enter a total of five photos, you'll end up with two free entries because every fifth entry is free (if entered prior to 8 July 2022)! The competition is now open and entries close on 15 July 2022.

Good luck!